daknetworks.com

I like to skip the story usually of how I go into the situation but on this occassion it's worth it since I can imagine this scenario happening for many.

I was repairing a client's computer since the hard drive died. I replaced the hard drive and needed to load the OS. The sticker on the computer box said WINDOWS HOME PREMIUM but the client didn't have the CD since the manufacturer doesn't include them anymore. I didn't have one either. I only had WINDOWS 7 PRO.

"What's the big deal," I thought. "I'm sure it's simple to change it afterwards." Well, it isn't.

I loaded the Windows 7 Professional but then it complained about not being activated and not being genuine.

Just like most other issues, there is so much mis-information on the internet, it's almost impossible to fix anything nowadays. But it is possible to fix.

So here's my notes:

1-regedit
-go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion
-edit EDITIONID:

Options are:
Ultimate
Professional
HomePremium
HomeBasic
Starter

-edit: PRODUCTNAME:

Options are:Windows 7 Professional
Windows 7 Ultimate
Windows 7 HOMEPREMIUM
Windows 7 Business
Windows 7 HOMEBASIC

2-download the freely available ISO of the WINDOWS version found here:

Windows 7 Home Premium 32Bit: http://msft.digitalrivercontent.net/win/X17-58996.iso
Windows 7 Home Premium 64Bit: http://msft.digitalrivercontent.net/win/X17-58997.iso

Windows 7 Professional 32Bit: http://msft.digitalrivercontent.net/win/X17-59183.iso
Windows 7 Professional 64Bit: http://msft.digitalrivercontent.net/win/X17-59186.iso

Windows 7 Ultimate 32Bit: http://msft.digitalrivercontent.net/win/X17-59463.iso
Windows 7 Ultimate 64Bit: http://msft.digitalrivercontent.net/win/X17-59465.iso

(NOTE: the product key number on the side of the computer box has to match the WINDOWS VERSION but it doesn't matter about the BIT VERSION. A Windows 7 Home Premium number will work with both the 32bit and the 64 bit)

3-download the eicfg_removal_utility.zip tool found here:
http://code.kliu.org/misc/winisoutils/

4-run the utility on the ISO to remove ei.cfg from the ISO.

5-download RUFUS found here:
http://rufus.akeo.ie/

6-run RUFUS and put the ISO on a USB.
(select all the defaults)

7-run SETUP.EXE on the USB.
(Do not boot from the USB).

8-click INSTALL NOW
(it's the only option it gives you).

9-click UPGRADE (it should allow you to go through the upgrade/downgrade process. It will keep all programs & files intact.)

10-type the product key on the side of the computer box.

Give it about an hour to complete this process.