qazzi :
casper1973 :
qazzi :
well you also need an Windows 7 OEM install disk for that to work. the one you downloaded is probably a retail version.
Not true.
If you have COA sticker for Windows 7 Professional the product key will activate with any Windows 7 Professional install. Doesn't matter if you used an OEM Disk or a Retail Disk - 32-bit or 64-bit - RTM or Service Pack 1 - So long as it's Windows 7 Professional it should work.
Of course being an OEM licence you can only use it on the same hardware. It won't work, or at least won't be legal, on a different PC.
To do this just open the start menu, right-click on Computer and select properties. Scroll down to the bottom of this and press activate windows now. The rest explains itself.
False. you cant use the OEM CD-key with a retail version of win 7. it will reject it. (i know some will actually accept it then in activation will fail)
Is it possible you are thinking of the SLP key which comes pre-installed on new systems?
For example if I buy a HP laptop which comes pre-installed with Windows 7 then "extract" the product key from the registry of that system. This wont work for a re-install. The key will be rejected and activation will fail.
The COA sticker however has a different product key and from my experience it will activate - every time.
PS.
When I say "from my experience" -- I work in an IT repair shop and couldn't even begin to count the number of re-installs I have performed... many of them using retail disks.
I don't know Microsoft's official statement on this, so I'm not flat out saying you are wrong, but I can't pretend I just "got lucky" with every re-install for the past 3 years.
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