Windows 7: How do I format my laptop without losing licence?

I am using a 64 bit windows 7 home premium that is shipped with my laptop. i plan on trying windows 8 and i don't want to lose my licensed system.

possible options:

1. i know that the license key is on a sticker on the bottom part of my laptop. so do i have to download the installer for home premium and use that key?? then reactivate?



2. a friend of mine says that he used recovery disk instead of windows 7 home premium ISO to restore everything... can anyone please enlighten me?

i also tried to make primary partitions but i can only make logical ones since my system has 3 primary partitions as default : recovery, reserved and the primary C.

If you'd like to sample Win8 in a Dual Boot, post back a screenshot of your maximized Disk Mgmt drive map and listings, using the Snipping Tool in Start menu - attach using paper clip in reply box. Dual Boot Installation - Windows 8 and Windows 7 or Vista - Windows 8 Forums

Otherwise save externally a Windows 7 backup image of your Windows 7 install so you have a path back: Backup Complete Computer - Create an Image Backup

I would also make your Factory Recovery disks since on most models Recovery will not run from its HD partition after the C drive is overwritten with a fresh or reinstall.

Most tech enthusiasts don't run the factory preinstalled Windows 7 but prefer to Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7 - everything you need to do this is in the blue link. At the minimum with a factory install or recovery I'd Clean Up Factory Bloatware