Rescue Windows 7

Bang!

I run into a period that I have to give up my hard disk (hardware failing).

Download OS ISO from the links provided in Windows Community (search "windows 7 home / professional iso etc.")

http://answers.microsoft.com

Burn to DVD

You know how. :) I downloaded Home Premium version (didn't find an Italian version which I was using).

Or Burn to USB!

http://wudt.codeplex.com

Windows 7 USB/DVD Download Tool is an open project from Microsoft that allows you to burn to USB easily. Try it, it is neat.

Installation

One thing needs to mention. you might see setup was unable to create a new system partition.... Windows 7 seems to find difficulty in identifying the primary drive. In this case, configure your booting priority from BIOS so that your HDD is the first. Then choose from boot options for starting from USB. Hope this helps.

Activate it

It is said to be working (confirmed now by me) if you have an OEM (most of us do) product key (on your COA label at the back, needed at installation). After installation, you will have three days to activate it. Go to Control Panel > System and Security > System, under Windows Activation, call the toll-free number shown, enter the numbers in groups, then you will receive the same amount of numbers to activate the system. It is indeed working!

Further Notes

An OEM product key is said to be reusable for the same machine. I replaced my hard disk with a new one, I think this doesn't make my notebook a new one according to Microsoft. The fact is I did have installed the English Win 7 Home Premium with my Italian Home Premium Key.

I guess Microsoft is encouraging customers to solve problems on their own so as to get rid of lots of unnecessary labor. And you are able to legally download their whole system (though not emphasized officially)!