Is it legit to use a preinstalled seven Key on another PC ?

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  1. Posts : 45
    Window 7 ultimate 32 bit (french) SP1
       #1

    Is it legit to use a preinstalled seven Key on another PC ?



    Hi
    I bought a PC with Seven Family 64 bit preinstalled, so I have a first legit number.
    I installed (clean install) on that PC Window Ultimate, retail bought, so with another (second) legit number.

    My question is:
    Do-I have the right to install (upgrade install) Seven (Family) - but I'd prefer 32 bit - on my portable with the first number, so the number from the preinstalled Seven (which I no more use).

    Would It Work?
    Would it be accepted by Microsoft

    Would I be able to use a 64bit number with a 32 bit Seven?

    And if it ever it is a validation problem, or it fails, would I be able to downgrade to my old Vista (without reinstalling all my application or so)

    I am a little confused with the difference between preinstalled licenses right and retail one.


    Thank you for your light.
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 3,960
    W7 x64
       #2

    If your original PC was classed as having an OEM licence then the answer is no.
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 11,269
    Windows 7 Home Premium 64 Bit
       #3

    You would not be able to downgrade to Vista, so I would recommend making a backup image of the full system to revert back to in the event that you decide to downgrade. As I understand it, Seven family can be installed on up to three computers, so I do not see why you would not be able to install it to a second computer as long as you have not installed to three computers already.


    Qdos said:
    If your original PC was classed as having an OEM licence then the answer is no.
    I do find it odd that Seven family would have been installed before you bought it. Makes me wonder if the company sold three computers with that installed, in which case, there may be something unreputable going on.
    Last edited by writhziden; 19 Jan 2012 at 19:42. Reason: Saw Qdos's post...
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 7,730
    Windows 7 Ultimate SP1 64-Bit
       #4

    Have a look here at these Microsoft OEM faqs: Licensing FAQ

    A pre-installed licence is one provided by the system builder and is an OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) licence.

    As such, it is tied to the computer it was originally installed on and cannot be transferred to a new computer.

    A retail licence has no such restriction and can be transferred to a new computer as long as it has been taken off the original computer.

    A retail product key should work for both the 32-bit version and the 64-bit version, from experience I know it does with a retail version of Windows.
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 3,960
    W7 x64
       #5

    Why would a single PC come with what is made to sound like a family licence?
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 11,269
    Windows 7 Home Premium 64 Bit
       #6

    Qdos said:
    Why would a single PC come with what is made to sound like a family licence?
    Can we get a screenshot of the Product ID: (not the key that is on the sticker) within Windows? The ID can be found by (Start Menu->Right click Computer/My Computer->Properties). It is at the bottom of the System page under Windows is activated.
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 45
    Window 7 ultimate 32 bit (french) SP1
    Thread Starter
       #7

    That sure is clear.

    So no luck... It would have been a dream, but it don't want to take chance, and I' ll stick to Vista on my laptop for a while.

    I really appreciate your (so fast) help and answers.

    It sure do spare me of hours of reinstalling softwares and coping backed up data. Last time it was four day in row.
    So thank you for your time.


    Wirthziden
    About the key license, as Windows Utlimate had been "clean installed" over the first OEM one, and activated the only number i have it the one on the side of the PC.
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 7,730
    Windows 7 Ultimate SP1 64-Bit
       #8

    You're very welcome.

    Do post back if you need further help.
      My Computer


  9. JMH
    Posts : 7,952
    Win 7 Ultimate 64-bit. SP1.
       #9
    Last edited by JMH; 20 Jan 2012 at 01:22. Reason: Page / link clarification...
      My Computer


  10. Posts : 21,482
    Win 7 x64 Home Premium (and x86 VirtualBox VM)/Win10
       #10

    FWIW - the 'Family' here is I suspect a literal translation from the French 'Familiale' - which is their Home Premium edition.

    So there's no problem about 'genuineness' , because it's nothing to do with the Family Pack upgrade.
      My Computer


 
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