Re-using Genuine Windows 7 Product Key (OEM)

gregrocker · 18 Dec 2013

The key is not reuseable since it becomes locked to the first mobo installed upon. But like all Windows 7 you can reinstall it as often as you want on the same machine using the key.

Had you asked we could have told you that the path to Upgrade within Win7 is by using Windows Anytime Upgrade - How to - Windows 7 Forums which offers a considerable price break. I see Pro Anytime Upgrade version on the web now for $60.

This process involves only inserting the upper version Product Key into the lower version to unlock the extra features which are already there but hidden - since it's the exact same OS otherwise.

If you have the opportunity to take it back then you might want to do that, or if you haven't done the reinstall yet you can try inserting the key since Anytime Upgrade will work with a retail Product Key - and Builder's OEM is a retail SKU.

kathy025 · 18 Dec 2013

AddRAM said:

Retail costs a lot more then oem, as long as you got what you paid for, you weren`t scammed.

Didn`t you ask when you bought it ?

The only available versions in the store were these OEM packages with a plain cardboard sleeve, unlike what I saw online with the Retail version where it comes in a blue box.

I was originally hoping to buy the version which will allow me to install the OS on another laptop when I buy a new one. This OEM Professional I bought is locked on my ASUS N45SF now.

I got a genuine OS, but not exactly what I originally hoped for. Hence, "half-scammed" haha. It's okay though. It's another 4 or 5 years before I buy a new laptop anyway.

gregrocker said:

But like all Windows 7 you can reinstall it as often as you want on the same machine using the key.

Sorry, I meant "reusable on the same machine". :)

kathy025 · 21 Dec 2013

Just to update this story, I have successfully re-installed Win7 Pro SP1 OEM on the same machine, which I'm using right now. Simple online activation only. :)

Thanks again, peeps.

gregrocker · 21 Dec 2013

You're welcome, Kathy. Let's hope it holds activation now. It should if it was bought from a reputable seller. If not I would contact MS Customer Service which may award you a free copy if you cooperate with their piracy investigation. Enjoy Win7.