Need help installing Windows 7 OEM for System Builders

I believe it just means you have to use a specific disk (which you should have gotten) to get it going.

I'm guessing that it's necessary because there is no OS already on a new rig (IE: black HDD and all that), and I guess WIndows 7 needs a helping hand to get installed, unlike Vista and XP, etc.

So if you're putting it on a new HDD (or new computer without any OS on it already), you put this 'getting started with windows 7' (basically) disk in, let it load and install, and then follow the instructions, most likely it will have you put the main disk in next.

I'd suggest you wait for someone more experienced to respond, before continuing though.

Based on the answers so far I think I have not made myself clear I should have provided more information. I did not purchase a new computer I am building one. I did not receive a OPK disk with the software I have only read the outside of the package so far since I don't want to break the seal until I know I will be able to install the software successfully.

I purchases the OEM version of Windows 7 from NewEgg which is the "system builders" version for install to a new system. I am building my own computer, and it is a new install so I thought I meet the requirements. The Packaging for the OEM vesrion of Win 7 says I can not install the software unless I have to install the OPK to my machine first. It references http://www.microsoft.com/oem/sblicense/OPK this site has a download link to aquire the OPK but you must be a Microsoft Partner to do so.

What I want to know is do I really need the OPK or is that only if I was reselling the system which is what OEM system builder software is intended for.

The OPK allows the builder to install the OS, change the support contact info to their own information, and reseal the computer so it will present the windows welcome screen and build user id's on the first boot using the sysprep tool.

Has anyone used the OEM install successfully ? If not Win 7 perhaps Vista?

Hi

I just bought Windows Home Server in the OEM, System Builder format. It came with the OPK CD but I didn't use it and it installed fine. I've got the same Windows 7 coming from Newegg as you have now, I've had difficulties in the past installing an OEM version of XP Home on a build I did for my Dad. The CD didn't have the usual Setup.exe and it wasn't a bootable CD. I had to download a couple of DOS files first to make it load. Hopefully this time Windows 7 will install as smooth as Home Server did. My copy won't get here till Wednesday-Newegg Free Shipping is terribly slow!! Good luck and let me know how it goes.

Lou

Very nice . Glad it worked out for you and at least we have the information for any future request about OEM builds.

It's not a file that you open in Vista. it's a file that is burned onto a disc, then is booted up with that disk to intiate the Windows 7 build. This would mean that you will have to wipe your Vista OS. make sure you back up your data before you begin this process.

Nope, that didn't work...

I purchased the Win 7 Pro OEI version from Amazon. All you get is a disk and the serial, if you need something more, like MS Support then buy the full version for £60 more.
I had my doubts it would work as it was installed on a PC that had a OEM of Vista already on it. Did a complete clean install and formatted the partion it was being installed on. Took less than an hour to do and after booting it up for the first time I went straight to activation and it worked fine. Just thought I would share.

Oh and before some smart *** comments, I will be selling this to myself as soon as I have saved up enough cash