Different Versions of Windows 7 Discs

[Omniman]

I do computer repair as a side business and I'm wondering if Microsoft has just a direct download .iso image you can get without having to purchase every different kind of 7. I'm asking because when I'm rebuilding windows 7 machines I've noticed that my windows 7 Ultimate disc can't do an install of say pro or home premium from the keys the customer provides...only Ultimate it seems. If I'm correct Vista had every single build on it but it seems as though 7 is different? Thanks.

[emorgoch]

There's a single file on the disc that defines what "version" of Windows is it. If you look inside the sources folder on a disc, you'll see a file named "ei.cfg". This defines what version of Windows 7 the disc is for. All you need to do is create a new disc that has the ei.cfg file removed, and you'll be asked during the install which edition of Windows 7 to install. Personally, I prefer a USB key that has the ei.cfg file removed.

Note that you can't combine the 32 and 64-bit versions onto a single disc using the "simple" methods. However, with a little googling, you'll find forum posts from people that have combined both on single discs/USB keys, or have even combined Windows 7 with Server 2008 R2.

[UberGerbil]

Of course, depending on how extensive this side business is, you might want to enroll in the MS partner network and possibly become a reseller, so you get access to their tools and pricing. (Caveat: depending on what you're doing this might be entirely out of proportion to what you're doing; I observed a friend's company go through this process a few years ago but I have no idea what kind of hoops they might make you jump through today.)

[Omniman]

Hmm Interesting. Well thanks for the info!