32 bit and 64 bit Product key question.

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  1. Posts : 3
    Windows 7
       #1

    32 bit and 64 bit Product key question.


    Here's a break down of my situation.
    At my school, they sell Windows 7 at a cheap price. Both the 32bit and 64 bit versions.
    The day I bought it, the guy there told me I could use it for both my laptop and desktop. So later that day I installed it on both. A few days later, I activate it on my desktop. No problems at all. Then I tried it on my laptop. Didn't work. I searched online and have come to find out that I can only have one key per computer. Ok fair enough. I'll just go back to school and buy another.
    Can't do that either. Only one per student.
    So now I only have about 15 days til my laptop activation timer expires.

    So here's my question.
    The school allows me to buy a 64 bit copy of Windows7, but not another 32 bit version.

    I really want to keep Windows 7.
    So can I use the product key for the 64 bit version for my laptop which already has the 32 bit version installed on it?

    Thank you for your help!
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 28,845
    Win 8 Release candidate 8400
       #2

    Zx30 said:
    Here's a break down of my situation.
    At my school, they sell Windows 7 at a cheap price. Both the 32bit and 64 bit versions.
    The day I bought it, the guy there told me I could use it for both my laptop and desktop. So later that day I installed it on both. A few days later, I activate it on my desktop. No problems at all. Then I tried it on my laptop. Didn't work. I searched online and have come to find out that I can only have one key per computer. Ok fair enough. I'll just go back to school and buy another.
    Can't do that either. Only one per student.
    So now I only have about 15 days til my laptop activation timer expires.

    So here's my question.
    The school allows me to buy a 64 bit copy of Windows7, but not another 32 bit version.

    I really want to keep Windows 7.
    So can I use the product key for the 64 bit version for my laptop which already has the 32 bit version installed on it?

    Thank you for your help!
    Already asked, and yes. You may only need to call MS instead of the online activation.
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 1,939
    Windows 7 Ultimate 64 bit Steve Ballmer Signature Edition
       #3

    Unfortunately not... the key is specific to the bit version you have installed.

    Does your school offer MSDNAA (Academic Alliance) free student software???

    I'd check...
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 3
    Windows 7
    Thread Starter
       #4

    Ok so we have a YES and NO lol. Who's right?
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 1,939
    Windows 7 Ultimate 64 bit Steve Ballmer Signature Edition
       #5

    If he has to call then no need to buy a 2nd copy... just tell the Indian (dot not feather) on the MS tech support line that you had a HDD crash and had to reinstall!

    I've been told that unless it was a 2 disk copy with both 32 and 64 bit version (such as the Steve Ballmer Sig edition... a 64bit key wouldnt work... zigzag?)
    Last edited by Darryl Licht; 25 Feb 2010 at 21:07.
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  6. Posts : 17,796
    Windows 10, Home Clean Install
       #6

    I bought Windows 7 and it came with two DVD, one is 32 and one is 64. I can go back and forth, forth and back, with one key, just as long as there is only one computer with Windows 7 at any time. That is the only rule that MS knows, regardless of school policy. But why not call MS and be sure.

    As far as I know, there is no 32 and 64 bit key.
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 3
    Windows 7
    Thread Starter
       #7

    Awesome. I'll go ahead and buy the 64 bit version as soon as possible. I felt confident that it would work but just wanted the opinions of some experienced folks. Thanks guys.
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 17,796
    Windows 10, Home Clean Install
       #8

    Everyone here is trying to help and some disagree, why not just call MS and be sure, before putting out money?
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 2,685
    Windows 7 Ultimate x86-64
       #9

    Whatever you buy, one key to rule them all. If you use x64, then you cannot use the same key for x86. One key, one license, one install.
      My Computer


  10. Posts : 17,796
    Windows 10, Home Clean Install
       #10

    I think that its one key, one computer, at a time. I have a 32 and 64 DVD, I know for a fact I can use either on another computer, as long as I uninstall the first computer.
      My Computer


 
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