clean windows 7 install (activation questions)

[skanky]

im waiting for my ssd to arrive at which point i'll install using a windows 7 retail cd image and install from a usb key (found instructions on how to do this and seems so far easy to do), as i much prefer clean installs rather than preload images as i know whats going on there.

am i right in thinking that on my x201s, i can get windows itself installed using the above media and then enter in my oem key (on the bottom of the laptop i presume, havent actually looked!) and it will install/activate correctly because these laptops will have SLIC embedded into the bios to make it work?

..im none too clear on how this works

[billp117]

It should install just fine.

[skanky]

ah brilliant, as long as I can mix up the retail cd and oem key then that's fine. will it actually need my oem key or will it use lenovo's slic key?

[billp117]

You could potentially use either as long as it is the same verson of Windows. You may be required to activate on-line or via the 800 number...worth the try. I am not sure about the process outside the USA.

[skanky]

You could potentially use either as long as it is the same verson of Windows. You may be required to activate on-line or via the 800 number...worth the try. I am not sure about the process outside the USA.

i thought windows 7 was all the same and it was the key that unlocked features? so the home and ultimate cd itself was the same, just the keys "unlock" different features?

[billp117]

Yes...and...no. If you buy a retail version of Windows 7 Home Professional in the USA it usually comes with 32 bit and 64 bit disks. Only a valid Windows 7 Home Professional key will validate that version. You can go online with Microsoft and find all the variants and exceptions. It is also country specific I believe.

[skanky]

i've come across this link and seems like it will do what i need: http://forum.notebookreview.com/windows ... efore.html with the backing up of the lenovo oem licence and restoring of it.

[pinkymadam]

i've come across this link and seems like it will do what i need: http://forum.notebookreview.com/windows ... efore.html with the backing up of the lenovo oem licence and restoring of it.

Thanks for the link. I have this problem, sort of.

[ParatoOptimal]

Does the X31 have the SLIC to install W7?
Thanks

[bill bolton]

Does the X31 have the SLIC to install W7?

No.

Cheers,

Bill B.