Windows 7: Windows 7 - activation region concern

1) I have a Toshiba laptop with Vista purchased in 2008 from the USA. I am now in Qatar (Middle East region) and want to do a clean install of Windows 7 (hopefully improve overall performance of machine). Local purchase of Windows 7 software says it is only for Middle East release and activation. If I purchase, install, and activate Windows 7 here in the Middle East, can I reinstall it again later in another country if needed, say the USA?

2) What is difference between this Middle East version of Windows 7 and a version bought in the USA?

Thanks.

Welcome!

The #1 difference between the versions is that the Middle Eastern one will not be English.

IF there is a problem when installing/activating just set the timezone to middle east, then set back after.

There should not be any problem with activation - naturally one is free to travel and it just might so happen that one experiences a problem and needs to reinstall in a foreign country. Thus it's only logical that you can activate your legally purchased Windows regardless of your current geographical position.

Now, the localized versions - such as your Middle East one - are usually not in English, but in the local language. That's the number one reason to have such a localized version. However, Windows 7 is great - you can download any language pack from Windows Update and change the language of your OS to whatever you want it to be. I believe it's still useful to know the original language of the localized version, in case it might show up in some circumstances, but I believe this should not be a problem for you.

Hello qatarinstall, welcome to Seven Forums!



In the last week I've seen 2 threads that people have accounted that they purchased "regional" versions of Windows 7 (one in India and the other in Japan) that they were having all kinds of problems getting to activate outside of the country of purchase.

I would THROUGHLY research this before I made a "regional" purchase of Windows 7 in a foriegn country.



Best of luck!

Thanks for all your comments!

We're glad we could help!

Was that due to some special pricing?

Would one be able to resolve such activation problems by calling Microsoft and explaining the situations - say, I live there, bought it there, but now I am traveling? It's hard to believe they would give one hard time with this.

Hello.


According to both of the OPs neither was having any success with MS activating their OS; I know the Indian OP new when he purchased it that it was a "regional" version and he assumed he could get it activated outside of India only to find he(?) was wrong; the OP from Japan was having a very hard time dealing with MS when last we spoke, I have no idea if he found a resolution.