Allowed to use the same key, when transfered from a broken laptop?

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hamm

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Jun 29, 2014
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Hey, I have recently recovered my windows 7 ultimate key from my somewhat bricked laptop. I am wondering if I am allowed to use this same key? The laptop i gained it off was completely messed, and I have to boot it through my different bootable cd's to get to where I am. So theoretically, I am just taking it from 1 laptop and using it in my desktop, which means its only in use 1 time.
Let me know if thats ok!

Thanks,
 
Solution
Ijack
"Then you can use the key that came with Windows 7 and install it on the desktop :)"

Not necessarily. It must have been a full retail version of Windows 7 and not an OEM or Volume Licensing copy. But, under these circumstances, you should have the DVD that you used somewhere (or a receipt for the activation key). Either of these will tell you whether it is an OEM or a Retail version of Windows. It's a little odd that you can't remember how you upgraded it.

Edit: Also note that if it was an Upgrade version, rather than a Full version then it is probably still tied to the laptop as the version you upgraded was OEM. Basically, unless you did a fresh install, or an upgrade using the key from a full retail version, then you can't reuse it...
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TechHelpNO

TechHelpNO

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Jun 14, 2014
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It will not work if i am not mistaking because its OEM and its locked to the original laptop's motherboard and the Windows on the desktop will tell you that its wrong. So no it will not work and you have to buy a legit key and install disc from Windows or a retailer if you want to be legit :)
 
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hamm

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Jun 29, 2014
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Wait I think I forgot to mention some crucial things ahah.
Currently I am building a custom gaming pc. And I was wanting to use laptop 2.5" hdd on my desktop. But I am just needing to reinstall the same windows OS back onto the same HDD, using the same serial key.
 
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TechHelpNO

TechHelpNO

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Yea but if i am not mistaking OEM key gets locked to the original motherboard and cannot be used on another motherboard :)
You can however install the old HDD and use it for data storage :)
 
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hamm

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Jun 29, 2014
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Is there a way I can tell if it is OEM locked?
 
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TechHelpNO

TechHelpNO

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I am pretty sure its locked with the original key :/
 
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hamm

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The laptop came pre-installed with vista, and currently it has windows 7. I can't really remember, but I believe I may have updated it at some point, and the cd key I have for Ultimate, is different to the sticker on the bottom.
 
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TechHelpNO

TechHelpNO

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Then you can use the key that came with Windows 7 and install it on the desktop :)
I thouth that it came with Windows 7 pre installed :)
Just use the key on the Windows 7 box :)
 
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Ijack

Ijack

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Jul 30, 2008
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"Then you can use the key that came with Windows 7 and install it on the desktop :)"

Not necessarily. It must have been a full retail version of Windows 7 and not an OEM or Volume Licensing copy. But, under these circumstances, you should have the DVD that you used somewhere (or a receipt for the activation key). Either of these will tell you whether it is an OEM or a Retail version of Windows. It's a little odd that you can't remember how you upgraded it.

Edit: Also note that if it was an Upgrade version, rather than a Full version then it is probably still tied to the laptop as the version you upgraded was OEM. Basically, unless you did a fresh install, or an upgrade using the key from a full retail version, then you can't reuse it. You could always try installing it and phoning Microsoft - they won't activate it if it's OEM.
 
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Solution
TechHelpNO

TechHelpNO

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Jun 14, 2014
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Guess you have a point there :)
Guess the OP should check if its the Full, Upgrade, Retail or OEM :)
 
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