Pirate to Legitimate version

I know for a fact that a few of my work colleagues are using pirated versions of Win 7 that they have downloaded from torrent sites. I told them today about the new security update that is coming out and the one guy asked me this.

As he has his system up and running with all the software he wants already installed can he purchase a copy of WIN 7, I am not sure which version he is running, but then replace the key from the purchased one to the the one he has running now saving himself a fresh installation and set up all over again, then having a legitimate version?

Don't take my word for this, but if the pirated copy is an image of a normal disc, just with a hacked key, then yes, by buying a new legitimate key and replacing his pirated key with it, he should be okay.

Zen00 said:

Don't take my word for this, but if the pirated copy is an image of a normal disc, just with a hacked key, then yes, by buying a new legitimate key and replacing his pirated key with it, he should be okay.

Zen has given his usual correct advice. If the key number can be changed,it would indeed be legit. I would just like to add, that with a priated copy, we really do not know what else has been downloaded. For one, I would never use a pirated copy, for both moral reasons (no longer an issue, if a leg key if ultimately used) and for safety and security reasons.

After giving this matter some thought, I would like to add, the following. One method to change the key number would be to call the activation center and try to input the new number by touch tone phone. If that does not work a rep would speak to you. You can explain that you found out that your copy was not legit and you wish to make things right. The rep will probably thank you and most certainly change the number.

Shinobi73 said:

I've checked this "pirated" image from torrent and for all its worth its a copy of an image of Win7 minus the key. What i got is the same image that you can download... but it only has month to work and then it's going to ask for the registration key.

installed it... udjusted my time a month later and BINGO! It's asking to register the product

I don't think you need to wait for the Security Update to come in better buy the original product or else your friend will loose a lot.

Valuable information, I am sure the OP will take it into consideration. It is very difficult to get anything really worthwhile from a torrent site, if it is piarated. My big fear is malware or worse. You can never be sure of what you are getting, except potential prosecution.

Yes, you should be able to change the product key number with a legal one for the same edition that is installed and be ok after activating it.

Thanks for the valuable input guys I will get back to him on Monday morning and tell him his options.