Using the COA key - general question

Hello,

In a previous thread, it was mentioned that "....If you do, you can do a clean reinstall and use the key on the COA certificate to activate Windows...". I am assuming in my ignorance that this is the 'product key'. Does this imply that I can use a windows disk (of the same rating i.e. win7 32 bit for example) and activate that copy with the COA certificate on a machine, or is this not the way to go about it. It's not urgent, just something I would like to clarify should it ever be needed.

Thanks,

Illiterate.

Yes, you can reinstall using the product key on the COA for your licensed version ...
See step #6 in this tutorial for a more detailed explanation with a picture ...
Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7

Thanks for your help,

Just to ensure I've got it, the product key found on the machine is applicable to that machine but, I can use a Win7 disc (not necessarily belonging to that machine) and install using the product key found on that machine... Is that correct ? Can I use A Win7 64bit on a 32bit machine ?

Thanks,

Illiterate.

If your current OS is an OEM you can only install the OS bit version it came with.

Using win7 32-bit license key to activate a win7 64-bit installation - Microsoft Community

Thanks for the information,

I think that just about covers it.

Thanks,

Illiterate

BrightBlessings said:

If your current OS is an OEM you can only install the OS bit version it came with.

Using win7 32-bit license key to activate a win7 64-bit installation - Microsoft Community

The Shenan Stanley quote from the MS Community link is incorrect. 32- and 64-bit are interchangeable with any Win7 license including OEM. We do it all the time here. The respondent's attachment doesn't even display what he claims.

I will ask my colleague Andre De Costa who is also posting in that old thread to try to correct it for the record since I don't post there.

Thanks for pointing that out Gregrocker, You are a brilliant team on a brilliant forum.

Best Wishes.

Illiterate.