Win 7 Prof not genuine and cannot enter genuine OEM product key

whs-

Thats what I was afaid of. In order to get around having to do a clean install is it better for me to buy one from microsoft or would you suggest I go the retail route and buy one and do a clean install. I have alot of apps loaded and hate the thought of having to reload them. When microsoft prompts me that my windows 7 is not valid the offer to make it valid - so is it matter of me buying a key from them without having to do a clean install? I can get a better deal going retail but which route would you suggest?

Look at the web page for Dell Precision M6300, was only sold with Win XP or Vista.


Dell Precision M6300 Mobile Workstation Details | Dell

64-bit Intel Core™2 Duo and Intel Core™2 Duo Extreme Edition Processors and up to 8GB1 of dual-channel memory with 36-bit addressing, is the latest in performance laptop architecture.
Genuine Windows® XP Professional or
Genuine Windows Vista® Business , which features 64-bit support, delivers premium performance for demanding digital media

Yes I bought this machine used on ebay and I know this may be a dumb question but that would stand to reason that this machine should not be loaded with OEM keys. Right? Sorry new to this end of things as my forte has been those icky mainframes.

What version of Windows is the COA for?

What I am after is Windows 7 professional and just to make sure I know what I am looking for I need to keep my eye out and purchase an OEM product key (vs a retail product key?)? I am still confused between the two and just want to make sure I purchase the right one. Whenever I talk to Microsoft they keep telling me I will need to do a clean install should I go the retail route vs going with them and (purchasing) a key and avoiding a re-install of windows. I find this hard to believe. So if you could help me with the proper verbage on what I need to look for when looking to buy a key I would appreciate it! Also besides talking to microsoft do you know who would know if just installing a key I purchased would work for this? Thanks!

An OEM product key means that the operating system is tied to the motherboard of the computer it is installed on and generally speaking you won't get support from Microsoft if you need it. Support is provided by the system builder or the vendor and is the main reason why this is the cheaper option. Strictly speaking, you cannot transfer an OEM operating system to another computer.

A retail product key qualifies for support from Microsoft and the operating system can be transferred to another computer providing it is removed from the one it was previously on.

If you want to save money, go down the OEM route. If you want Microsoft support and more flexibility, go down the retail route.

In case you didn't know, OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer.

seavixen32 and whs-

Thanks for this clarification. It is appreciated. Yes, I currently have windows 7 loaded on this machine and I just get p*ssed every time I have to deal with "microsoft support" so I do not want or need that - so the OEM route is where I am going to go.

SO, with that being said, would it be correct to say that buying a OEM windows 7 professional product key from say Egghead for example would allow me to enter this key without having to do a clean install of the system. What about the OEM product key the keyfinder is showing on my machine currently - how does that come into play? And why when I call microsoft and give them the OEM product key listed on the back of my laptop (and they say is valid) it will not take it when I try to enter via search - slui 3?