Windows 7 - 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.

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

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.


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.

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.

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.

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.

You're very welcome.

Do post back if you need further help.

The 4 different pages of links below may help you to understand how Windows 7 licensing works...

What Microsoft won't tell you about Windows 7 licensing | ZDNet

What Microsoft won't tell you about Windows 7 licensing | ZDNet

What Microsoft won't tell you about Windows 7 licensing | ZDNet

What Microsoft won't tell you about Windows 7 licensing | ZDNet

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.