I plan to replace Win 7 HP 64bit with Win 7 Ultimate 64bit on an Asus N53S, a replacement for a laptop that is now trashed and on which the win 7 OEM 64bit version had been installed to replace Win Vista. Is it possible to overcome Win 7 OEM being keyed to one computer MS protocol and if so, how is it done?
When you install Win7 retail OEM version it becomes locked to the first mobo installed upon and is supposed to die with that mobo - even though there are reports that MS has allowed some exceptions with good excuse during phone Activation option. How To Activate Windows 7 by Phone Step-by-Step Guide
So if you want to try I would save a Win7 backup image of Home Premium so you have a path back, then insert the Ultimate Product Key in Anytime Upgrade to unlock the few extra features. It may well be rejected outright. Windows Anytime Upgrade - How to - Windows 7 Forums
Backup Complete Computer - Create an Image Backup
If so your options are to do a Clean Install of Ultimate, which I would do on a test partition or separate HD to make it easier to scrap if it fails activation and appeal. Clean Install Windows 7
I would also not consider having Ultimate any advantage unless you know for sure you need the few additional features it offers: Compare Windows - Microsoft Windows
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