Is there a way to reinstall Windows without all of HP's preinstalled software?

I have a HP Pavilion dv6-1334us notebook, installed with Windows 7 64-bit. I'm very familiar with the recovery process, DVDs and all, but I've recently read this article on Lifehacker: http://lifehacker.com/5832896/download-windows7-isos-to-reinstall-without-restoring-your-system
The opportunity to install a fresh, clean, legitimate copy of Windows 7 with my current product key seemed like a good one. No more would I have the modifications made by HP, Norton, Office 2007, Wildtanget Games and all. Upon installing this, I was prompted to cough up a product key. I tried the one on the bottom of my notebook, which is a little worn and hard to identify, but I didn't seem to have any luck. I reinstalled HP's build with my recovery disks, and used Speccy (a program by Piriform, the same developer who makes Ccleaner) to find out the product key hidden in my registry. I took that key, and tried it in the installation process. It seemed to have gone through, without a hitch. However, after checking my Windows activation status, it turned out that the key was rejected, apparently marked as invalid for this type of activation (I've forgotten the specific wording, but it's easily retrievable if needed). So now I write here, asking if anyone else has tried this on a Pavilion, and if so, with success, and if that, how. Is there some sort of other hidden key I'm missing?
I know the whole OEM situation makes it shady in the first place, but I'd like to know if I'm trying for a cause without the possibility of success. I also found out that HP Support Assistant has something about a product key, and so I ask if that could possibly be different as well.
Thanks in advance,
Clayton M.
This question was solved.
View Solution.

Hi,
You should have no problem doing this as long as you observe the following.
1.  Use a retail ( or a DVD created from a downloaded ISO ) that is the exact same version as the original OEM installation - ie if your notebook came with Windows 7 Home Premium 64bit this is the retail ( or your own created disc ) you must use.
2.  You must use the Activation Key found on the COA sticker on the base of your notebook.
3.  You generally ( well everytime I've done this ) need to use the 'Phone Method' to activate the OS after the installation has completed - see a guide on this Here.
This is a perfectly legitimate process and is supported by Microsoft for Windows 7 - see Here.
Regards,
DP-K
****Click the White thumb to say thanks****
****Please mark Accept As Solution if it solves your problem****
****I don't work for HP****
Microsoft MVP - Windows Experience

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