I was recently given a 1-year old HP laptop by a friend with the promise that I had to wipe the computer clean. Since Windows 7 just came out I thought it would a great idea to just purchase Windows 7 and do a clean install. I purchased Home Premium (yes, I now know that Microsoft won't let you do a clean install with this version). I read all of the web sites about double-installing and other techniques to active from the Home Premium (they don't work). I've probably put in the equivalent of a full-days work trying to install Windows 7. I finally found the OEM keys on this site and out of total frustration decided to try one.....sure enough it worked! Now, I've since spent a considerable amount of time reading the info on this site but since I don't really speak the language (I'm an accountant....not a programmer) there are some things I still don't understand. Should I leave the install alone and just use it or should I install it again using one of the installers and a brand-specific OEM key. I don't even remember which OEM key I used.....I just picked one. The only thing I want is for the darned thing to work and for the Microsoft goonies to leave me alone. Thanks for your help.
Okay. Would it be correct then to say that the use of an installer is primarily for downloaded copies of Windows 7?