Copy of Windows not genuine question

So I've run into a bit of a problem with 7. I have purchased two copies of 7, the first was basic 32bit (7600) and after a using it for a while on my laptop I decided to add some RAM and purchased a copy of Ultimate 64bit for the same machine. After upgrading to 64bit I loaded the original 32bit copy onto a friend's computer. Just yesterday she started getting prompts that her copy is not genuine, blah, blah, blah. I've purchased two legit copies and have only installed on two computers, I am not using pirated software or simultaneously running the same key on multiple machines. Any suggestions on how to work this out? Is there a way to deauthorize the 32bit install that is no longer on the 64bit machine?

In addition to Rich's usual good advice, I'd add that you are entitled to run either 32 bit or 64 bit for every license bought. It is your choice which your run and when/where you put it, as long as they are only on one machine at a time.

The exception is any OEM version which is locked to the hardware it is first installed upon.

This thread got me browsing and I could not come up with a reliable answer.
It is not a concern of mine, but I am getting enquiries. How do you actually cancel a product key, if you wish to sell your OS software and have it installed in a new machine? It seems a little naive of Microsoft, if the new user can just phone in and tell them he has bought it, and get it reactivated???

I have just been in contact with my local Ms branch and I think I have some kind of answer.

Quote:
"If the previous Windows 7 installation has been formatted or deleted, you can sell it. The buyer may have to call Microsoft and explain what happened to complete the activation.

If the new user has any problems activating Windows 7, he/she should open the Windows Activation Wizard while in Windows 7, and use the telephone option to activate Windows:
When (re)installing Windows 7 at the "enter your product key" page, do not enter your key and uncheck "Automatically Activate When Online"
When you have reached the desktop, Click Start, then in the Search box type: slui.exe 4 and press Enter on your Keyboard
Now select your Country and telephone activation option."
Call and hold for a real person.


There is still a grey area here. You are given a totally new key, as I understand it. I wonder if Microsoft are then diligent enough to canxcel the old one.

Have a read:

A "Must Read" for OEM license users

theog said:

Have a read:

A "Must Read" for OEM license users

Thanks for the input. But I don't think OEM's are the issue that interests me here.

WindowsStar said:

@davehc
You only get so many phone calls. I know because I was installing Full Retail Vista on a machine and it did not work (Install 1). So I bought my friends machine that had a Vista sticker on it. Loaded it there but the video did not work correctly (Install 2, required a phone call). Bought a new video card and still had problems. Changed out the RAM thinking that was the real problem (Ooooppsss, Call number 3 to Microsoft to validate). Nothing was working very well so I wiped the drive and installed from scratch with the New Video Card, Upgraded RAM and had to call (Install 3, validate 4). I was denied because they thought I was installing on many machines or not telling them the truth about what was happing. So you only get a few phone calls.

There is no limit to how many times you can reinstall a retail copy of Win7. They are only concerned that it is not installed on more than one machine at a time. This is why numbers are exchanged which deactivate it on old hardware while activating it on new.

The courts have made it clear: MS cannot steal back from you merchandise you purchased from them based on some suspicion you are circumventing their activation process. You own (not borrow or rent) it and it must be made usable once it is clear it is legit, and they must allow you to prove that.

If you have had a problem with communications with MS activation agents, open a support case with Customer Service who will resolve it for you proactively.

Thanks for the replies(and the ensuing discussion). After 30 min. of getting bounced between various departments I finally got on the phone with the right person and another 10 min. later my friends computer was back to normal.