Buying windows 7, Need advice before I purchase it.

t2greeleyt2

Reputable
Jul 20, 2014
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So recently I built an entirely new computer. I did not have windows 7 prior to this so my friend installed it on my PC, but activation key would be needed soon. I didn't have the money on me at the time so I waited a week to do so.

So I have a couple questions before I purchase windows 7 home premium 64 bit. Since he has used his disk to install windows 7, will I have any problem just buying windows 7 and just typing the activation code in, or do I have to entirely re install everything? I kind of need a complete run down on how this works before I through down a hundred dollars.

Was using the same machine for a long time prior to this. So I have been behind. :sarcastic:
Thanks for any help in advance!
 

Dark Lord of Tech

Retired Moderator
As long as the code is for the same version of 7 , Home premium , Pro or Ultimate , has to match , you should be able to activate with the key.

If you have to re-install here are the directions from microsoft to do so.

To install Windows 7 using the Custom option and formatting the hard disk

To format your hard disk during Windows 7 installation, you'll need to start, or boot, your computer using the Windows 7 installation disc or USB flash drive.

Turn on your computer so that Windows starts normally, insert the Windows 7 installation disc or USB flash drive, and then shut down your computer.

Restart your computer.

Press any key when prompted, and then follow the instructions that appear.

On the Install Windows page, enter your language and other preferences, and then click Next.

If the Install Windows page doesn't appear, and you're not asked to press any key, you might need to change some system settings. To learn how to do this, see Start your computer from a Windows 7 installation disc or USB flash drive.

On the Please read the license terms page, if you accept the license terms, click I accept the license terms, and then click Next.

On the Which type of installation do you want? page, click Custom.

On the Where do you want to install Windows? page, click Drive options (advanced).

Click the partition that you want to change, click the formatting option you want to perform, and then follow the instructions.

When you've finished formatting, click Next.

Follow the instructions to finish installing Windows 7, which include naming your computer and setting up an initial user account.

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/installing-reinstalling-windows#1TC=windows-7
 

Wolfshadw

Titan
Moderator
Assuming the version of Windows 7 you (illegally) installed was also a Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit OEM version, you should be able to just use the key from the newly purchased license and not have to re-install. If it was ANY other version of Windows 7, it will need to be re-installed or the activation code won't work.

-Wolf sends
 

RealBeast

Titan
Moderator
If he installed the same Home Premium 64 bit version then your purchased key will work fine. If not, you will need to do a clean re-installation.

On the difference between OEM and retail, OEM is bound to your current motherboard, that is you can change anything else and re-activate it. Retail can be uninstalled from the current machine and used again on any other machine that will run it.
 

t2greeleyt2

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Jul 20, 2014
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@Blackbird
Thank you. Yes I would plan on buying the same version of what i have installed. What I am also have trouble with is it ok to do this buying OEM? Does OEM come with an activation key?

I would ask my friend this but he has been on vacation for a few days and I only have 10 days before trial ends.
Would I have to change the product key?