A question on installing Windows 7

[Griffolion]

Hello everyone,

Scenario:

Have a laptop from my old work with lots of stuff on it. Basically, I want to wipe it and reinstall Windows 7. I have a full Retail copy of Windows 7 HP lying around not doing anything. On the underside of the laptop, there is an OEM key code for Windows 7 on this laptop. My question is, can I use the Retail disk of Windows 7 to install the OS and then use the key code on the underside of the laptop for activation, thus keeping my retail key free?

Regards.

 

[Griffolion]

I refuse to believe I've stumped the TH community with this one. One of you must know for sure!

 

[electrontau]

you should be able to use the oem key.

 

[joedastudd]

Yes you can use the key as long as the retail version you have is the same version as the OEM copy. 32bit and 64bit do have different keys.

 

[Griffolion]

Thanks everyone.

 

[Griffolion]

Yes you can use the key as long as the retail version you have is the same version as the OEM copy. 32bit and 64bit do have different keys.

Is there any way at all to determine whether or not the OEM key is 32 bit or 64 bit from the sticker?

 

[fellskrazykayaker]

Is there any way at all to determine whether or not the OEM key is 32 bit or 64 bit from the sticker?

32-bit and 64-bit use the same keys.

 

[Griffolion]

Thanks.

 

[Dogsnake]

If you have a legal copy you can re-install it on the same computer from any win7 media source and reactivate it on that same computer using the original key. What is protected against is the use of the same key on multiple and different systems. If I remember correctly the rule is one key for each computer. The retail version comes with some support options that the OEM lacks.

 

[joedastudd]

My bad I thought I remembered reading somewhere that the that Retail keys worked for either, but OEM where locked to either 32bit or 64bit.

 

[Dogsnake]

True when you buy an OEM you need to specify 32/64 as they are different discs. The retail versions contain both.