Windows vii End of Life

Windows vii reached End of Life in Jan 2020. Windows 7 will no longer receive any updates making it unsafe to use online, especially with services such as online banking. Where possible consider using an alternative, supported Operating Organization.

Ubuntu 22.04 LTS Free Upgrade

Ubuntu 22.04 LTS is an Open up Source Linux Distribution and has a modern Linux Kernel that supports most Dell hardware equipped with a Dell UEFI BIOS out of the box. Ubuntu 22.04 LTS is less resource intensive than Windows 10 and will likely perform amend than Windows 10 on many older Windows vii Devices. Ubuntu 22.04 LTS exhibits a modified GNOME3 Desktop that is very like shooting fish in a barrel to use and has equivalent applications for spider web browsing and office work. For more details run into my Ubuntu 22.04 LTS Installation Guide:

If the Storage Device is a Hard Drive and is like shooting fish in a barrel to access it should be swapped out to a Solid State Bulldoze for performance purposes before installing Ubuntu 22.04 LTS.

Windows 10 Free Upgrade

Windows ten is a Free Upgrade to Windows seven however Microsoft recommend only installing Windows 10 64 Bit on Devices with a fifth-9th Generation Intel processor (or AMD equivalent), equipped with a Fast Storage Device such equally a >250 GB Solid State Drive and equipped with 8 GB of DDR4 RAM or superior. Windows ten processor requirements are less restrictive than Windows 11 processor requirements however operation may exist limited if you lot install information technology on an older Device. For more details see my Windows 10 Guide:

Microsoft Windows 7 ISO

Microsoft has consequently removed all ISO images and updates for Windows 7 from their servers.

Dell Windows 7 ISO

Dell have not removed any downloads from their servers… but Windows seven should merely be used for legacy purposes and avoided when it comes to the likes of internet banking every bit it is insecure.

The Multi-Lingual Dell Windows vii Pro (Media Refresh Jan 2016) or "Skylake" ISO may be downloaded using the Dell OS Recovery Tool and a valid Dell Service Tag. This ISO contains the NVMe hotfixes, USB 3.ane drivers and storage controllers for up to 6th Generation Intel Hardware assuasive basic installation on all systems which supported Windows 7. It also applies Dell OEM SLP which results in automatic offline production activation.

The Dell Windows vii Professional Skylake ISO may besides be downloaded using the Windows ISO Download Tool. This may be modified for use with non-Dell computers.

The Windows ISO Download Tool lists each ISO by model then image…. Despite the layout in that location are no model specific customisations for each ISO. It would have been really nice for Dell to slipstream the driver pack for each model into the Professional index of the install.wim to make the ISO model specific. I will include instructions to practise this when creating a Bootable USB.

Table of contents

  1. Windows 7 End of Life
    1. Ubuntu 22.04 LTS Free Upgrade
      1. Windows 10 Free Upgrade
        1. Microsoft Windows 7 ISO
          1. Dell Windows 7 ISO
          2. Tutorial Video
            1. Dell OEM Simply
              1. Lenovo (and other OEMs eastward.g. HP)
              2. OEM Licensing
                1. UEFI BIOS Settings
                  1. Dell UEFI BIOS
                    1. Lenovo UEFI BIOS
                      1. HP UEFI BIOS
                      2. Downloading Installation Media
                        1. The Dell Windows 7 Multi-Lingual Reinstallation DVD
                          1. The Dell Windows 7 Pro Skylake Reinstallation Multi-Lingual ISO
                            1. The Dell OS Recovery Tool
                              1. Downloading and Installing the OS Recovery Tool
                                1. Saving the Installation ISO
                                2. The Windows ISO Download Tool
                                3. Creating January 2020 Media Refresh Installation Media using NTLite
                                  1. Preparing Folders
                                    1. Win7 Binder
                                      1. Boot Drivers Folder
                                        1. Updates Binder
                                          1. Windows 7 64 Bit Standalone Updates
                                            1. Windows seven 32 Chip Standalone Updates
                                              1. Dell, Lenovo or HP (Business Model) Driver Pack
                                              2. Converting a Dell Windows 7 Professional Reinstallation USB to another Edition
                                                1. Switching to another Dell OEM Edition
                                                  1. Switching to a Non-Dell OEM Edition or Retail Edition
                                                  2. Using NTLite
                                                    1. Update the Boot.wim
                                                      1. Updating the Install.wim
                                                        1. Creating the Media Refresh January 2020 ISO
                                                      2. Creating a Bootable USB using Rufus
                                                        1. A Clean Install of Windows 7
                                                          1. Booting from a Bootable USB
                                                            1. Early Installation
                                                              1. Loading SATA Drivers and Deleting Partitions
                                                                1. Loading SATA Drivers
                                                                2. Center of Installation
                                                                  1. The Product Primal
                                                                    1. Stop of Installation
                                                                      1. Microsoft Product Activation
                                                                        1. Install the Latest Security Updates
                                                                          1. System Drivers
                                                                            1. Security

                                                                            Tutorial Video

                                                                            Dell OEM But

                                                                            I demonstrate creating the January 2020 Media Refresh Installation media with full driver support and automatic OEM System Locked Preinstallation for an OptiPlex 7040 (6th Generation Intel Skylake Hardware). Note it is non possible to slipstream the standalone updates (unless you have already downloaded these) as Microsoft take removed them.

                                                                            Lenovo (and other OEMs e.g. HP)

                                                                            Although this guide is Dell based and utilises a Dell ISO we can brand a minor number of modifications to install Windows vii OEM and activate manually with OEM System Locked Preinstallation on other OEMs such as Lenovo and HP. I demonstrate on a Lenovo Workstation P320 Tiny (6th Generation Intel Skylake Hardware). Note it is not possible to slipstream the standalone updates (unless you have already downloaded these) as Microsoft have removed them.

                                                                            OEM Licensing

                                                                            This guide discusses both OEM and Retail product activation mechanisms however will focus primarily on activating Windows 7 the OEM way using a method called Original Equipment Manufacturer System Locked Preinstallation (OEM SLP). OEM SLP requires a System License Internal Code (SLIC) of version two.1 (version 2.0 is for Vista just and version ane.0 is for Windows XP just) embedded within the ACPI tables of the UEFI BIOS or Legacy BIOS. The presence for a SLIC can be checked with a utility called RW-Everything. Launch the portable utility and select Access → ACPI Tables then look for the SLIC tab (no SLIC tab ways your system motherboard is not eligible for OEM SLP).

                                                                            All OEM Systems that came with a Windows 7 OEM License had a Code of Authenticity (COA). Nonetheless the Production Primal on the COA was non used instead a generic OEM SLP cardinal was input from Dell Media and activated simply with a SLIC Version of two.one.

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                                                                            The CoA was often placed under the bombardment compartment of laptops or within the computer example of Desktops to prevent fading.

                                                                            Systems running up to 6th Generation Skylake hardware that came with a Windows eight.ane Pro License or Windows 10 Pro License were eligible for OEM downgrade rights. At that place was no Windows seven Pro OEM key and no COA but they possessed a SLIC of Version 2.1 mentioned above and activated using the OEM activation mechanism discussed higher up.

                                                                            • Windows 8.1 Home with Bing
                                                                              Windows viii.1 Home Single Language with Bing

                                                                              MSDM 25 Digit Product Key Compatible with Windows x Installation Media which will select Windows 10 Dwelling or Windows 10 Home Unmarried Language Respectively

                                                                            • Windows 8 Home
                                                                              Windows 8.1 Abode
                                                                              Windows 8 Abode Unmarried Language
                                                                              Windows 8.ane Home Single Language

                                                                              MSDM 25 Digit Product Key Compatible with Windows 10 Installation Media which will select Windows 10 Home or Windows 10 Home Single Language Respectively

                                                                            • Windows eight Pro
                                                                              Windows 8.1 Pro

                                                                              MSDM 25 Digit Product Primal Compatible with Windows 10 Installation Media which will select Windows 10 Pro

                                                                              SLIC ii.1 Uniform with Windows 7 Pro OEM Installation for Media Downgrade Rights

                                                                            • Windows x Dwelling

                                                                              MSDM 25 Digit Product KeyCompatible with Windows x Installation Media

                                                                            • Windows ten Pro

                                                                              MSDM 25 Digit Product Fundamental Uniform with Windows 10 Installation Media

                                                                              SLIC 2.ane Uniform with Windows vii Pro OEM Installation for Media Downgrade Rights
                                                                              Downgrade Rights only Supported on Hardware with a 6th Generation Intel Processor or Earlier as in that location is otherwise No Driver Support. The SLIC 2.1 can be passed through to a VMware Virtual Motorcar

                                                                            UEFI BIOS Settings

                                                                            You may or may not have these technologies depending on the age of your organisation.

                                                                            Dell UEFI BIOS

                                                                            For reference:

                                                                            • OptiPlex 390/790 – 2011 (2nd generation Sandy Span) UEFI BIOS – No Secure Boot, in that location is no choice for Legacy ROMs equally these are always Enabled
                                                                            • OptiPlex 3010/7010 – 2012 (third generation Ivy Bridge) UEFI BIOS with Secure Kick (only with the latest UEFI BIOS Update)
                                                                            • OptiPlex 7020 – 2014 (4th generation Intel Haswell) UEFI BIOS with Secure Kicking
                                                                            • OptiPlex 7040 – 2015 (6th generation Intel Skylake) UEFI BIOS with Secure Kick

                                                                            If you have an early UEFI system is recommended to update the UEFI BIOS before clean installing Windows 7. This can be washed using a FreeDOS Bootable USB.

                                                                            On a Dell system press [F12] when powering to enter the Kicking Carte du jour. Other OEMs may employ unlike commonly part central combinations and have slightly different BIOS General User Interfaces.

                                                                            Look for the term "Boot Way" or "UEFI".

                                                                            If these terms are non present on the Boot Card you take a Legacy only BIOS.

                                                                            Next look for the Secure Boot condition (a scattering of early on UEFI systems don't have Secure Kicking) such as the OptiPlex 790 boot carte below. These organisation volition utilise a UEFI Boot that always enables Legacy ROMs:

                                                                            In the UEFI Boot Card to a higher place some systems volition allow y'all to select Alter Boot Way Settings to UEFI without Secure Kicking or Legacy Directly:

                                                                            Windows seven does not support Secure Kick and it must be OFF in order to Boot to Windows 7 installation media. A UEFI Boot (when available) should be used for Windows seven 64 Bit only a Legacy Boot must exist used for Windows seven 32 Bit.

                                                                            Apply this setting for Windows seven 64 Bit.
                                                                            When using Rufus to make a Bootable USB use the GPT Sectionalization Scheme.
                                                                            Use this setting for Windows 7 32 Scrap.
                                                                            When using Rufus to make a Bootable USB employ the MBR Sectionalisation Scheme.

                                                                            In other systems you may need to enter the UEFI BIOS setup to better the settings.

                                                                            The BIOS setup tin can as well be accessed directly using [F2] when powering up the Dell system:

                                                                            Windows vii 64 Bit does non back up Secure Kicking, it must be Disabled in the UEFI BIOS setup for Windows 7 64 Bit Installation. Look for a tab called Secure Kicking, expand it, select Secure Boot Enable and change the setting to Disabled. Select OK at any alarm dialog box:

                                                                            Legacy Option ROMs must be enabled for Windows 7. Get to the general tab and select Advanced Boot Options, ensure Enable Legacy Choice ROMs are Enabled. You should leave Enable Try Legacy Kicking unchecked:

                                                                            Next become to Boot Sequence and ensure the Boot List Option is set to UEFI:

                                                                            Select Apply:

                                                                            Press OK:

                                                                            It is also worth looking at your Drives here – in my case I take one 128 GB SSD drive that is Thousand.2, others may have a HDD and a low capacity 32-64 GB SSD Cache Drive:

                                                                            For a single Drive use AHCI. If you lot have a small capacity SSD and a big HDD you would demand to select RAID On (sometimes called Intel Smart Response Technology):

                                                                            Now leave the UEFI BIOS setup to save the changes:

                                                                            Lenovo UEFI BIOS

                                                                            For a Lenovo we will employ a Lenovo P320 ThinkStation with a 6th Generation Intel Skylake Processor as an example. When powering up the system printing [F12] to get to the UEFI Boot Carte:

                                                                            In that location is no mention virtually Secure Boot so nosotros volition take to Enter the Setup to cheque, the setup tin be accessed direct past powering upwards and pressing [F1]:

                                                                            The setup may also tell you if a SLIC Version of ii.i (OA2.1 Marking) is present.

                                                                            Select the Security tab and so highlight Secure Kick:

                                                                            Ensure that Secure Kicking is Disabled for a Windows seven install:

                                                                            To change the Boot options go to the Startup tab:

                                                                            For Windows 7 installation you volition demand to enable CSM (this is what Dell phone call Legacy Roms):

                                                                            A UEFI Boot (when bachelor) should be used for Windows seven 64 Bit but a Legacy Boot must be used for Windows 7 32 Bit.

                                                                            Use this setting for Windows 7 64 Bit.
                                                                            When using Rufus to make a Bootable USB apply the GPT Partition Scheme.
                                                                            Employ this setting for Windows 7 32 Bit.
                                                                            When using Rufus to make a Bootable USB use the MBR Partition Scheme.

                                                                            HP UEFI BIOS

                                                                            When powering up press [F9] to become the Boot Menu and [F10] to get to the UEFI BIOS setup. On some older systems you need to ability up pressing [Esc] to go to a startup carte du jour which you can utilize to access the BIOS setup or Boot Menu respectively.

                                                                            The Dell Windows 7 Multi-Lingual Reinstallation DVD

                                                                            Many Dell systems came with a Dell Windows vii Reinstallation DVD like below which can used to clean install Windows 7 and will automatically apply Dell Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) System Locked Preinstallation (SLP) offline on an eligible Dell system.

                                                                            These DVDs are out of date however and may not accept the necessary drivers to install Windows 7 on your system (missing USB 3.0 and Storage Controller Drivers in particular).

                                                                            Dell Windows seven Reinstallation DVD stating the Edition, Service Pack and Compages.

                                                                            For best performance slipstream updates and drivers to the install.wim. If you have the DVD. Create a new binder on your Desktop and call it Win7. And then copy its contents to a folder and perform the slipstream from it. You practise not demand to Download the Dell Windows seven Pro Skylake ISO.

                                                                            The Dell Windows vii Pro Skylake Reinstallation Multi-Lingual ISO

                                                                            An updated ISO was made available to download by Dell in January 2016 which incorporates driver back up for up to 6th Generation Intel Hardware for the Professional person Edition and Automatically Applies OEM Arrangement Locked Preinstallation. Dell just offer an updated Professional Edition (as they could only sell systems with OEM Downgrade Rights to Professional at the time they released the ISO). However this downloadable ISO can be converted into other Editions past modification of two files in a text editor such as Notepad++ (these other Editions are not updated however). Dell OEM SLP can exist removed converting the installation media into Retail installation media. The Dell ISO is likewise multi-lingual:

                                                                            It can be downloaded officially using the Dell Bone Recovery Tool or unofficially via the Windows ISO Download Tool (which addresses a lot of limitations of the Dell Os Recovery Tool and yous'll need to apply these workarounds if yous are wanting to install Windows 7 on a non-Dell system). This guide will instruct in converting the Dell Windows 7 Pro ISO to any other Edition and for utilise with any other OEM.

                                                                            The Dell OS Recovery Tool

                                                                            Downloading and Installing the Os Recovery Tool

                                                                            The Dell OS Recovery Tool requires Microsoft.net Framework 4.7.two to be installed and requires a Dell Service Tag for selection of the image (if you practice not take a valid Dell Service Tag use the Windows ISO Download Tool which overrides the query for a Service Tag giving you a Download Link direct from the Dell Server instead). This is inbuilt into Windows x. For Windows 7 it is likely already installed however if you require it, it is bachelor here:

                                                                            Double click the Plan:

                                                                            Have the User Account Control:

                                                                            Select Install:

                                                                            Select Close. You will have a Dell OS Recovery Tool icon on your Desktop and Start Menu:

                                                                            Launch the Dell OS Recovery Tool:

                                                                            Accept the User Account Control:

                                                                            You will see the Dell logo:

                                                                            Select Become Started:

                                                                            Select Next:

                                                                            Here if yous are running on a Dell Computer, you can select "This Computer" and it will scan your system for its Service Tag:

                                                                            It detects this is an OptiPlex 7040. Select Next:

                                                                            In my case my OptiPlex 7040 shows a Windows 10 Pro License. This organization is besides eligible for OEM Downgrade Rights and has a 6th Generation Intel Processor so a Dell Windows seven Professional OEM Reinstallation ISO volition likewise work on it. I volition select Change Device:

                                                                            I volition then select a Service Tag which has a Windows 7 Pro OEM Reinstallation ISO available for Download. Inputting by Service Tag allows you to run this tool on a non-Dell Computer:

                                                                            Inputting the 7 digit Service Tag:

                                                                            Selecting Next:

                                                                            If your Service Tag doesn't work use the Windows ISO Download Tool instead.

                                                                            I tin encounter the Windows 7 SP1 Professional 64 Scrap ISO available to Download.

                                                                            Select Download:

                                                                            Saving the Installation ISO

                                                                            Past default the Dell OS Recovery Tool deletes the downloaded ISO afterwards ti creates a Bootable USB.

                                                                            IF YOU Desire THE ISO DO NOT SELECT NEXT

                                                                            Open up Windows Explorer. Select C:\

                                                                            The folder the ISO is salvage in is a subfolder of ProgramData, a hidden folder.

                                                                            Change the Address to 

                                                                            C:\ProgramData

                                                                            Select Dell

                                                                            Select OS Recovery Tool

                                                                            Select Downloads:

                                                                            When you select this, you volition told you need to drag permissions to access the binder. Select Continue:

                                                                            You should now see the ISO. Select Re-create:

                                                                            Paste it somewhere like the Desktop:

                                                                            You now have the Dell Windows 7 Professional Skylake Reinstallation ISO:

                                                                            Y'all can shut the Dell OS Recovery Tool.

                                                                            The Windows ISO Download Tool

                                                                            The Dell OS Recovery Tool asks for a Service Tag in order to initiate the download. Sometimes the Dell OS Recovery Tool doesn't show the correct Compages of Windows 7 (e.g. 32 Bit instead of 64 Chip) or simply shows Windows ten instead of Windows 7. There is some other tool called the Windows ISO Download Tool which can be used to go straight links from the Dell Server. It can also get Windows 7 (Baronial 2018 English Just) ISOs from Microsoft and Windows seven (Nov 2010 All Languages) from Microsoft even so there are some issues with the November 2010 Download Links from time to fourth dimension and in that location are issues when using the August 2018 ISOs to slipstream updates and then I recommend using the multi-lingual Dell ISO for all systems and converting it if needed to Retail or for utilise with another OEM.

                                                                            Select Dell to the right hand side (non Windows vii). Then select Windows seven Professional 64 Bit or 32 Bit to the left hand side. You will then need to select a model (it doesn't matter what model y'all select equally in that location is no model to model customisation of the ISO, the ISO is always the same). So select Download.

                                                                            Rufus can be used to check the SHA256 Hash. Launch Rufus:

                                                                            Have the User Business relationship Control:

                                                                            Select, select:

                                                                            Select the ISO and select Open:

                                                                            Select ISO Checksums:

                                                                            The SHA256 should exist displayed:

                                                                            The SHA256 should friction match that stated by the Windows ISO Download Tool:

                                                                            Preparing Folders

                                                                            The Windows seven Installation Media is from Jan 2016 and past default locked to Windows 7 Pro. Yet the other editions can be unlocked merely are terminal updated in Nov 2010. The other Editions lack the USB 3.0 Drivers and Storage Controllers however nosotros will incorporate these.

                                                                            Win7 Folder

                                                                            ISOs tin can be mounted directly in Windows ten by right clicking them and selecting Mount.

                                                                            To exercise this in Windows seven you will demand to install Virtual Clone Drive.

                                                                            Create a new folder on your Desktop called Win7 and copy all the contents from the ISO to it:

                                                                            Boot Drivers Folder

                                                                            Next download the post-obit and launch the setup to extract them to folders USB3 and SATA respectively. Copy all the files from the 64 Scrap or 32 Bit driver subfolders (depending on the architecture of your original Reinstallation DVD) into a new folder bootdrivers. Yous should take the post-obit for 64 Chip Windows (it will look like for 32 Bit):

                                                                            Updates Binder

                                                                            Excerpt the Gigabyte Windows USB Tool and get the KB2990941 and KB3087873 hotfixes subfolder that matches your architecture. These should be added to the Updates binder alongside all other Updates. The updates needed for 64 Chip are listed below (it volition look similar for 32 Scrap):

                                                                            Windows 7 64 Bit Standalone Updates

                                                                            Only the NVMe hotfixes institute within the Gigabyte Windows USB Tool are available to download. Microsoft have pulled the remaining standalone downloads.

                                                                            Windows 7 32 Bit Standalone Updates

                                                                            Only the NVMe hotfixes found within the Gigabyte Windows USB Tool are available to download. Microsoft have pulled the remaining standalone downloads.

                                                                            Dell, Lenovo or HP (Business Model) Driver Pack

                                                                            Download the Driver Pack file for your model:

                                                                            Note: Home Models such as the Inspiron Range may not take a Driver Package.

                                                                            The Dell Commuter Pack is packaged as a CAB you will demand to extract it with 7zip. For the Lenovo or HP Driver Pack, launch the exe and select the folder to extract the drivers to.

                                                                            Open the extracted folder and then select the 64 Bit or 32 Chip Drivers depending on your architecture.

                                                                            Go to the extracted folder, select the model subfolder, then the win7 subfolder and so select either the x64 (64 Bit) or x86 (32 Flake) subfolder that matches the architecture of your Windows 7 ISO respectively. Rename the x64 folder installdrivers:

                                                                            Download

                                                                            You should have the post-obit folders:

                                                                            Converting a Dell Windows 7 Professional Reinstallation USB to some other Edition

                                                                            Skip this section if you are sticking to a Dell organization with Windows 7 Professional.

                                                                            Switching to some other Dell OEM Edition

                                                                            To change Edition of the Windows 7 Pro Bootable USB we just demand to alter ii files.

                                                                            I advise installing Notepad++ to alter the ii files

                                                                            The kickoff file needing to exist inverse is the EI.cfg file it is institute in:

                                                                            Win7\sources
                                                                            This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is 2-9.png

                                                                            Right click this and Edit it with Notepad++

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                                                                            You are only wanting to change one line, this discussion professional to the desired edition starter, homebasic, homepremium, professional person and ultimate. What y'all type should all exist lower example with no spacing:

                                                                            This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is eiprofessional.png

                                                                            I will demonstrate with Domicile Premium using homepremium but you tin can slide beyond for the other editions.

                                                                            The second file we need to modify is the SLP.cmd file found in:

                                                                            Win7\sources\$$\$OEM\setup\scripts

                                                                            Again right click it and select Edit with Notepad++

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                                                                            This file contains 2 lines, the first installs the OEM certificate (which is the same for all Editions) and the second installs the Generic OEM SLP key.

                                                                            This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is slpprofessional.png

                                                                            Nosotros just need to change this generic OEM SLP key to friction match the generic OEM SLP fundamental of the Edition of Windows seven we wish to install. In one case again I will demonstrate using Domicile Premium but you tin slide across for other editions:

                                                                            Starter: 36T88-RT7C6-R38TQ-RV8M9-WWTCY Home Basic: 36Q3Y-BBT84-MGJ3H-FT7VD-FG72J Home Premium: 6RBBT-F8VPQ-QCPVQ-KHRB8-RMV82 Professional: 32KD2-K9CTF-M3DJT-4J3WC-733WD Ultimate: 342DG-6YJR8-X92GV-V7DCV-P4K27

                                                                            That'due south all the Windows 7 Installation Media will now install Windows 7 Dwelling Premium or the Edition y'all select Opposed to Windows 7 Professional.

                                                                            You volition not exist asked what Edition to select during installation and instead be taken straight to the Home Premium License screen:

                                                                            This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is vlcsnap-2019-03-22-12h10m03s656.png

                                                                            You lot will not be asked for a Production Central during installation:

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                                                                            This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is vlcsnap-2019-03-22-12h10m46s423.png

                                                                            Dell OEM SLP will occur on eligible Dell systems.

                                                                            Switching to a Non-Dell OEM Edition or Retail Edition

                                                                            The OEM Cert File included inside the Windows seven Installation Media is just applicable to Dell. The cert file works with all Editions of Dell Windows 7 on Dell systems merely not for other OEMs.

                                                                            To remove Dell customisation from the Dell Windows 7 Professional Skylake Reinstallation ISO delete the $OEM$ folder and EI.cfg file from the sources binder.

                                                                            The installation media will then human action as Retail Installation Media.

                                                                            To activate with OEM SLP y'all volition need to skip the Product Key during installation and then use a script to manually install the OEM cert and modify the product key to the appropriate OEM SLP cardinal.

                                                                            I have put together a collection beneath. Select your Computer Manufacturer and Windows vii edition and copy the OEM folder to the Win7 folder on your Desktop.

                                                                            This will upshot information technology begin added to your updated Windows seven installation media, but OEM SLP won't be automatically applied like in the Dell case. The OEM folder volition have to be manually copied to the C:\ Bulldoze and the script file ran as an administrator to apply the OEM SLP (more details are given in the product activation section).

                                                                            Using NTLite

                                                                            Install NTLite. Download and install NTLite (we will use the free version):

                                                                            Update the Boot.wim

                                                                            Launch NTLite. To the top select Add → Image Directory:

                                                                            Select your Win7 folder:

                                                                            Next select Index 2 of the kick.wim:

                                                                            When it is ready it will prove upwards as dark-green.

                                                                            Select Drivers to the left hand side:

                                                                            Select Add together → Directory Containing Drivers:

                                                                            Select the bootdrivers folder:

                                                                            If starting from the Dell Skylake Reinstallation ISO one of the driver will already be present. Select OK:

                                                                            Now go to Apply:

                                                                            Select Process:

                                                                            Then select Yes:

                                                                            Close down and relaunch NTLite.

                                                                            Updating the Install.wim

                                                                            Now select the index you want to update. In this example I volition select Windows 7 Professional person:

                                                                            Select Updates to the left mitt side:

                                                                            Select Add → Directory containing packages:

                                                                            If you are paid version yous can instead employ Latest Online Updates (which volition download and slipstream the updates from Windows Update).

                                                                            Select the Updates binder:

                                                                            If using the Dell Windows seven Professional person Skylake ISO and yous have Windows 7 Pro selected some will already exist present, select OK:

                                                                            To the left hand side, select Drivers:

                                                                            Select Add → Directory Containing Drivers:

                                                                            Select your installdrivers folder (note if yous do not have a driver pack, use the bootdrivers over again to enable basic generic driver back up):

                                                                            Select OK at the alarm:

                                                                            Select Post-Setup:

                                                                            Drag and drop the Microsoft .Net Framework 4.7.2 and blazon

                                                                            /q

                                                                            Notation in the video and the screenshot below I had the incorrect value do not utilize /u otherwise yous will have to go through the setup of the Microsoft .Net Framework. The \q volition perform a placidity install, it'll install in the background automatically at the screen which says Windows is finalizing your settings.

                                                                            In the parameters box:

                                                                            Select Apply:

                                                                            Bank check the Create ISO push button:

                                                                            Name the ISO and select Salve:

                                                                            Label the ISO and select OK

                                                                            Creating the Media Refresh January 2020 ISO

                                                                            When ready select Procedure:

                                                                            Select Aye:

                                                                            When done you can close NTLite.

                                                                            You should take your updated ISO now.

                                                                            Creating a Bootable USB using Rufus

                                                                            Rufus can exist used to create a Bootable USB from the Media Refresh Jan 2016 ISO.

                                                                            Double click Rufus:

                                                                            Accept the User Account Control Prompt:

                                                                            Insert a sixteen GB USB Wink Drive:

                                                                            Select, select:

                                                                            Select your new Windows 7 January 2020 Media Refresh ISO:

                                                                            It'll display at the bottom and too populate the volume characterization:

                                                                            Since the install.wim exceeds 4 GB information technology will alway accept a NTFS file system. If you are installing 64 Bit Windows 7 on a system with a UEFI BIOS select GPT equally the Segmentation scheme otherwise select MBR for an older organisation with a Legacy Only BIOS or for 32 Scrap Windows 7:

                                                                            Select Start:

                                                                            Accept the warning to format the USB Flash Bulldoze:

                                                                            When done Rufus will warn you that this Windows seven Installation Media won't pass Secure Boot.

                                                                            You may at present Close Rufus:

                                                                            A Clean Install of Windows 7

                                                                            Booting from a Bootable USB

                                                                            Power Downwardly your Dell an Insert your Windows vii Installation USB and brand certain no other USB Devices are continued except for the Keyboard and Mouse. If using a Dell OptiPlex model (or other Desktop) I recommend using the back USB Ports as these are directly on the Arrangement Lath and Avoiding the Front Ones for Windows vii Installation.

                                                                            Hold [F12] while powering upwardly your computer:

                                                                            You will at present enter the UEFI BIOS Boot Menu:

                                                                            Notice that it says to the top that the Boot Manner is set to UEFI and Secure Kick is OFF. Press [↓] until you get to your USB Flash Drive (in my case it is a Sandisc Cruzer Glide 16 GB), ignore any listings sunder Legacy Boot.

                                                                            Some systems may tell yous to printing any key to continue Booting from USB, if they do press the space bar.

                                                                            Early Installation

                                                                            Yous volition get a black screen that says "Windows is Loading Files."

                                                                            Then ane that says Starting Windows.

                                                                            Yous will then be prompted for your language, fourth dimension and currency format and keyboard settings, amend these as desired. If you use an English language .iso information technology'll be set by default to English (US), I'm going to change to English (U.k.):

                                                                            Select Install At present.

                                                                            You volition get a Setup is Starting Screen:

                                                                            You may get a file asking you what Edition of Windows y'all wish to install. This depends if the installation media has an EI.cfg file – the EIF.cfg file is a text file which automatically selects the option at this screen. In my case I am going to install Windows 7 Professional using Downgrade Rights from Windows ten Pro OEM on a Dell OptiPlex 7040:

                                                                            Read the license, bank check to select and and then select Adjacent.

                                                                            Next select Custom (Advanced).

                                                                            Loading SATA Drivers and Deleting Partitions

                                                                            Alarm: This step volition upshot in data loss of internal drives.

                                                                            If the Windows seven installation media tin can see your SSD/HDD/HSSD on the next screen and so yous do not demand to load a SATA preinstallation driver as it'due south incorporated. This should be the example for the Dell Skylake Reinstallation .isos which take support for up to sixth generation Intel Skylake systems.

                                                                            Loading SATA Drivers

                                                                            The Dell Windows vii Pro ISO used in this guide should have all the SATA Drivers included for upward to 6th Generation Intel Hardware and be able to recognise your internal drives during the Windows Setup.

                                                                            If using older Windows 7 Installation Media it may not have the SATA drivers required for your Storage Controller and hence be unable to read your bulldoze.

                                                                            If no drives are listed on the "Where do yous want to install Windows?" screen then you must select Load Driver and select the SATA drivers from a USB stick. The SATA drivers essentially permit Windows to recognise the difficult drive controller on the motherboard and thus allow Windows to view the bulldoze letting you proceed with the install.

                                                                            Annotation the error bulletin higher up is:

                                                                            No Drives were Found. Click Load Driver to Provide a Mass Storage Driver for Installation.

                                                                            Quite often other related error messages show such as:

                                                                            A media driver your computer needs is missing

                                                                            A required CD/DVD drive device driver is missing

                                                                            These normally mean your installation media is decadent and are not because you need to load a driver. "A required CD/DVD drive device commuter is missing" quite ofttimes shows on Desktops when the Front end USB Ports are used, move your Bootable USB to the dorsum USB Ports instead and restart the computer.

                                                                            Although it is recommended to slipstream all standalone updates and the consummate Driver Cab File into the installation media as demonstrated with the slipstream scripts. It is also possible to manually load the SATA drivers:

                                                                            Become the SATA Drivers from:

                                                                            Press [Ctrl] and [ f ] to do a search. I'thousand going to type in 7040 as I am going to clean install Windows seven 64 Bit on this model.

                                                                            You tin scroll downward until you get to Serial ATA:

                                                                            Alternatively press [Ctrl] and [ f ] and do a search for F6 (these were called F6 drivers every bit they used to be loaded in Windows XP past pressing F6 and using a Floppy Bulldoze!)

                                                                            You must extract the driver as the Windows Setup cannot read .exes. Normally this can be done by launching the setup:

                                                                            Accept the User Account Control:

                                                                            Select Extract:

                                                                            Specify the location:

                                                                            Re-create the extracted binder to your Windows 7 Bootable USB.

                                                                            Look through the contents of the extracted folder, in that location is normally a drivers subfolder and a Windows7-x64 subfolder:

                                                                            It'south contents should look similar:

                                                                            This is the format the Windows setup can read. Select Load Drivers:

                                                                            Then Browse:

                                                                            And then navigate to the subfolder containing the drivers:

                                                                            Ensure that "Hide drivers that are not uniform with hardware on this figurer is ticked" (it should be set similar this by default). Select Next:

                                                                            The Storage controller is now recognised so the internal HDDs/HSSDs etc all bear witness up. If it is all unallocated space as shown select Side by side.

                                                                            If instead you lot have a previous version of Windows on your drives screen may instead look like this.

                                                                            Warning 2: This stride will upshot in information loss of internal drives.

                                                                            You can perform a Low Level Format using the Windows Installation Media by Deleting all the partitions on the drive. You should practice this if:

                                                                            • Yous are clean installing the latest version of Windows 10 on your PC.
                                                                            • Y'all are sure your old version of Windows wasn't infected with malicious software.
                                                                            • Y'all are keeping your reckoner…

                                                                            You should instead quit Windows Installation and perform a Secure Wipe using:

                                                                            • You lot are make clean installing Windows 7 due to a malicious software.
                                                                            • You have bought your estimator 2nd hand (and are not sure what the last user has had on the PC).
                                                                            • You are planning selling your estimator on (and don't want personal data passed on).

                                                                            To perform the Low Level Format using the Windows Installation Media select every partition on Drive 0 (or the desired Drive y'all wish to install Windows if yous have a organization with a multiple drive configuration) and systematically delete whatsoever partition.

                                                                            Delete all Partitions including Recovery Partitions, these are for former obsolete versions of Windows and no longer required.

                                                                            If multiple drives show you lot may have a SSD and a HDD.

                                                                            If your SSD is >128 GB install Windows vii on your SSD every bit it'll issue in optimal performance.

                                                                            If it is 32-64 GB it should be a enshroud drive. Remove all partitions on it and on the HDD. Then install on the HDD. The SATA Functioning needs to exist in RAID. Notes on setting upward Intel Rapid Storage Technology to use the SSD as a enshroud bulldoze will be given after.

                                                                            Middle of Installation

                                                                            Y'all will then a screen telling you the progress of the install and Windows will restart once:

                                                                            If you lot have slipstreamed the drivers pack,all the drivers will be installed at this stage and you lot should observe your screen resolution change:

                                                                            If you take securely wiped your organization and are using Dell Windows 7 Installation Media with slipstreamed updates and system drivers using NTLite on a Dell Organization so this screen is more than or less at the same state as an updated Dell Mill Image. You can power off your organisation if you programme to sell it on to a new end user (other OEMs won't be automatically activated so it won't quite be in a mill land).

                                                                            Type in your "username", by default the PC name volition be "username-PC" but you lot tin can change this as desired.

                                                                            Next type in your password, retype it and leave yourself a hint.

                                                                            Alternatively just select next (to have no password – not recommended only optional). Personally for convenience I tend to leave the password blank and add together one after the installation of Windows 7, drivers and updates as you will exist prompted to restart your estimator several times.

                                                                            The Product Key

                                                                            You should simply input a Product Primal at this stage if your License is Retail Full, otherwise select Skip for OEM Licenses and Retail Upgrade Licenses. Note this screen will not bear witness at all if using Dell Windows vii Reinstallation Media. Installation without a Product Primal will give a 30 Day Trial (we merely need about 30 mins of this trial before we become ahead and actuate Windows).

                                                                            Cease of Installation

                                                                            You lot will then be asked most Windows Update settings its more often than not best to get with recommended.

                                                                            Then select your time and engagement settings.

                                                                            Notation Windows 7 has reached End of Life and is likely to exist insecure on the Internet.

                                                                            If you have slipstreamed the driver pack and are continued to an ethernet, the following screen should brandish and you tin can select the network type:

                                                                            If you lot take slipstreamed the driver pack and are not connected to an ethernet but take a wireless carte you will be prompted to connect to a wireless network. And so run into the screen in a higher place.

                                                                            If you have not slipstreamed the driver pack, the Windows 7 setup will be unable to connect to the internet and skip these screens.

                                                                            The setup will Finalise (it may accept a moment to do this as information technology volition silently install the Microsoft .Net Framework 4.seven.2) taking you to the Windows Desktop.

                                                                            Microsoft Product Activation

                                                                            If you have used slipstreamed Dell Installation Media on a Dell Organization, your installation should already be activated, the standalone updates and all the arrangement drivers will be installed.

                                                                            Right click the beginning button and select Backdrop:

                                                                            You will see your activation condition.

                                                                            If you accept used OEM Reinstallation Media on an OEM System east.thou. the Dell Windows 7 Professional person Reinstallation ISO or DVD on an eligible Dell Organisation (or modified it for another Edition on a Dell), Windows vii should be activated offline automatically using OEM System Locked Preinstallation.

                                                                            If y'all take used Retail Installation Media (or Dell OEM media with the $OEM$ folder removed) on a system that has a Windows 7 OEM License (or downgrade rights from Windows 8.x Pro or Windows ten Pro OEM). Windows won't be activated and you volition need to manually apply OEM Organization Locked Preinstallation. Note y'all volition also not take the Dell customised wallpaper or Dell branding (logos):

                                                                            This activation mechanism is an offline activation machinery so you don't need to gamble connecting an cease of life operating system to the internet to apply this activation machinery.

                                                                            Close the System Properties Window after checking the activation status.

                                                                            If yous followed the slipstream procedure above you should take added an OEM binder on the installation media.

                                                                            If not you tin download it from the OEM SLP Collection (select your computer manufacturer and edition of Windows 7):

                                                                            In this case I will carry Windows 7 Pro OEM SLP Activation on a Lenovo ThinkStation P320 (the UEFI BIOS setup shows it has the necessary SLIC 2.one and is therefore eligible for OEM downgrade rights)

                                                                            Copy the OEM folder to the C:\Drive

                                                                            You should have 2 files an OEM xrm-ms cert and a SLP script file. Right click the slp script file and select Run as Ambassador:

                                                                            Select Aye:

                                                                            The get-go line of code volition install the xrm-ms cert file:

                                                                            Select OK:

                                                                            The next line will install the generic OEM SLP key (generic for your OEM and Edition):

                                                                            Select OK:

                                                                            Press any key to close the command prompt:

                                                                            Windows should at present exist activated with a Product ID containing OEM-899 (indicating OEM SLP).

                                                                            If it has not changed it may be because the System Backdrop Window was left open (in which case restart your computer and look at the activation condition).

                                                                            If information technology has not activated it may because your system is not eligible for OEM SLP activation and y'all can check for a SLIC using RWEverything portable as mentioned virtually the get-go of this guide.

                                                                            If y'all have used Retail Installation Media with a Full Retail Product Key y'all should be able to change cardinal in this screen and automatically activate when online.

                                                                            If you have used Retail Installation Media with a Retail Upgrade Only Product Key so you lot may have activation problems afterwards performing a clean installation. Y'all should activate online past using the Command Prompt instead.

                                                                            Y'all may become this is you attempt to activate normally, to become effectually this, we can use the Command Prompt:

                                                                            key-issue

                                                                            Press the Starting time Button and in the search box type in CMD.

                                                                            Right click CMD.exe and select run every bit an ambassador. This will open upwards the elevated command prompt take any user account control prompt.

                                                                            1

                                                                            To input your product key blazon:

                                                                            slmgr /ipk xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx

                                                                            Where xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx is your product key and then press [↵].

                                                                            2

                                                                            Select ok and so to actuate type

                                                                            slmgr /ato

                                                                            This will activate your product.

                                                                            3

                                                                            Install the Latest Security Updates

                                                                            If you take slipstreamed all the updates into the Windows 7 installation media using NTLite as outlined in a higher place skip this step every bit you already have all the standalone updates installed. Otherwise it is recommended to install the following standalone updates.

                                                                            You'll need to utilize another computer to download these and salvage them to USB as an unslipstreamed Windows seven installation is unlikely to contain the system drivers for the network adaptors.

                                                                            Convenience Rollup

                                                                            A restart is required after installing these updates.

                                                                            IE11 Prerequisite Updates

                                                                            IE11 is already included in the Pro Edition of the Dell Skylake ISO (excluded on other Editions)

                                                                            A restart is required later on installing these updates.

                                                                            IE11

                                                                            IE11 is already included in the Pro Edition of the Dell Skylake ISO (excluded on other Editions)

                                                                            A restart is required after installing these updates.

                                                                            Service Stack Updates for January 2020 Rollup

                                                                            A restart is required after installing these updates.

                                                                            Security Rollup Jan 2020

                                                                            A restart is required after installing these updates. Windows seven Reaches End of Life in January 2020 so this is likely to be the last Security Rollup.

                                                                            Microsoft .Net Framework

                                                                            A restart is required after installing this updates.

                                                                            System Drivers

                                                                            If you take slipstreamed a driver pack for your system into your Windows 7 installation media all drivers needed should exist installed. Right click Reckoner and select properties:

                                                                            Then select Device Manager:

                                                                            If you have slipstreamed your Driver Pack then all drivers should be installed and there should eb no warnings in the Device Manager:

                                                                            If you lot oasis't slipstreamed drivers yous'll need to visit your OEMs drivers and downloads page (likely on some other figurer as you'll take no drivers for your network adapters) and download each commuter and relieve to USB.

                                                                            Organization drivers will be system specific but you should endeavor and stick to the following installation gild. In some cases you volition need to brand certain the drivers extracts then manually run the setup.exe from the extracted driver binder:

                                                                            • Dell Organization (Notebook/Desktop) Software – Under System Utilities
                                                                            • Chipset Drivers – Intel Chipset Starting time – Under Chipset
                                                                            • Chipset Drivers – Any other Intel – Nether Chipset
                                                                            • Carte du jour Reader – Realtek, Ricoh, O2 Micro – Under Chipset or Removable Storage
                                                                            • Intel Matrix Storage Manager/Rapid Storage Technology – Under SATA Drives or CPU
                                                                            • Video* – Intel, AMD or NVIDIA – Nether Video
                                                                            • Modem* – Conexant or Intel – Under Modem
                                                                            • Network* – Ethernet – Under Network
                                                                            • Touchpad – Touchpad – Nether Input
                                                                            • Audio – Sigmatel, Intel or Realtek – Under Audio
                                                                            • TVTuners – Under Video
                                                                            • Wireless Carte du jour* – Under Network
                                                                            • Bluetooth* – Under Network
                                                                            • Keyboard/Mouse Application – Under Applications
                                                                            • Dell Quickset – Under Applications
                                                                            • Webcam Commuter – Nether Input

                                                                            *indicates components which vary over region or can be customised when ordering the system.

                                                                            Ensure there are no errors in the Device Manager afterward installing the drivers.

                                                                            If using a SSD Cache Drive be sure to set information technology up subsequently driver installation following the instructions.

                                                                            Security

                                                                            Windows 7 has Reached Stop of Life and is insecure nonetheless information technology is however a moderately popular Operating Organisation and a lot of companies are still offer security products for it. I usually use Malwarebytes Antimalware: