Reactivating Windows on new computer


  1. Posts : 5
    Windows 7 Home Premium Edition
       #1

    Reactivating Windows on new computer


    I bought a retail copy of Windows 7 Home Premium edition (full, not upgrade) at Best Buy and installed the 32 bit version on my old computer. In the future, I would like to build a new computer. Can I use the 64 bit disc on the new computer or do I have to stay with a 32 bit version for reactivation?
    Do I have to activate this setup by phone or can I do it online? It seems the more I research this, the more confusing it becomes. A step by step instruction for this process would be helpful. Thanks.
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 1,614
    Windows 7 Pro & Vista Home Premium
       #2

    I doubt it as the key would already be activated for the 32-bit version.
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 11,840
    64-bit Windows 8.1 Pro
       #3

    You will only be able to activate one version 32bit or 64bit, not both at the same time... you will need another key to do both..
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 17,796
    Windows 10, Home Clean Install
       #4

    brent2 said:
    I bought a retail copy of Windows 7 Home Premium edition (full, not upgrade) at Best Buy and installed the 32 bit version on my old computer. In the future, I would like to build a new computer. Can I use the 64 bit disc on the new computer or do I have to stay with a 32 bit version for reactivation?
    Do I have to activate this setup by phone or can I do it online? It seems the more I research this, the more confusing it becomes. A step by step instruction for this process would be helpful. Thanks.
    According to the terms if the EULA, you can only have 7 installed on one machine at a time. When you build your new computer, you must remove 7 from the old machine. You will then install the 64 bit DVD in the computer, you will be asked for your key, but do not give it, complete the installation. You should then use it for a while. If satisfied give your key number. If it does not work you will be given a number to call, you can then use the touch tone phone to input your number. If that does not work a rep. will get on the line. Just explain to him what you have told us and you will be up and runnning. You have no problem, just enjoy your new OS.
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 12,177
    Windows 7 Ult x64 - SP1/ Windows 8 Pro x64
       #5

    As Rich said, you can use the key (32bit or 64bit) on only one computer at a time.

    If you re-install the original OS on the old computer and want to use the Win7 upgrade on the new computer, you will need a XP or Vista OS key to use as the basis to upgrade from. If you have this and install the Win7 upgrade you can try to activate the Win7 upgrade key, if you have any problems you can try to activate on-line or by phone.

    Here are a couple of tutorials that will explain the procedure.

    Activate Windows 7 Online

    Activate Windows 7 by Phone

    Hope this helps.
      My Computer


 

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