I have a big question, idk if there was a post about this but nothing came up on google so i thought i ask anyways. CAn i use the product key that came with my laptop which is a 64 bit, and downgrade my os to a 32bit and use the same product key?
Thanks in advance
Sounds like you can according to this,
Need to "downgrade" to 32-bit Windows 7 (from 64-bit)__
Or not, read the whole thing.
Last edited by derekimo; 01 Aug 2010 at 23:21. Reason: added
Yes, under the Win7 EULA you are entitled to use either 32 or 64 bit for each license. The manufacturer cannot override the EULA on this so if they maintain a computer is not suitable for either kernel, MS activation will likely allow it's use anyway during the robocall needed to sort the batch Product key on COA sticker.
Hopefully Toshiba will cooperate but you cannot count on it as they may only press 64 bit Recovery Disks for your model and tend to enforce their bloatware (which makes up their profit margin) anyway by refusing to help you do a clean install without the Recov Disks.
So you may need to find a 32 bit installer. All versions can be unlocked in any installer by extracting the ISO using ImgBurn, run the ei.cfg removal tool, burn or write an all-versions DVD or USB installer to install your licensed version with Product key from COA sticker.
Back up your files, make your Recovery Disks or a Win7 backup image externally so you have a path back to factory condition or your present install if you decide to go back.
Congrats. You have joined the growing number of tech enthusiasts who clean reinstall to overcome factory bloatware which is now enforced by all manufacturers except on business computers.
You should make your Recov Disks anyway as sometimes Recov partition won't run even from boot after reinstall. It also frees you to consider wiping the HD to get the cleanest possible install. Most of the useless Toshiba utilties (which have much leaner better versions built into Win7) also won't run in a clean install since they lose their links. Go completely clean here: https://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials...tallation.html
The installer is mostly driver-complete with newer arriving quickly via optional Windows Updates. Any drivers then missing in Device manager can be found on Toshiba Support Downloads webpage for your model. Only change drivers if performance dictates, starting with video and chipset.
Install programs slowly to gauge performance after each. Don't let any write themselves into msconfig>Startup to become freeloaders on your RAM/CPU. I only allow AV and gadgets. Run a lean mean AV like free MS Security Essentials which installs in 30 seconds, updates, runs Scan then becomes invisible unless there is a threat.
When done, clean and order the HD perfectly with state-of-the-art CCleaner ("Run Cleaner" and registry tabs) and Auslogics Disk and Registry defraggers monthly.
Then save a Win7 backup image so you never have to reinstall again, just reimage the HD or replacement in 15 minutes from DVD and image.
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