Windows 7: Can I buy a new Product Key?

Hello,

Hopefully someone can help me... I'm a little confused!
I recently got a new desktop PC that came with an OEM copy of Windows 7 Professional 64bit. I decided I wanted to test Windows 7 on my HP Laptop, and did a fresh install of this, replacing my old OS (Vista) completely. I now want to make this a legit copy of Windows 7 on my laptop (so I can activate it etc.) without having to do another fresh install (i.e. I don't want to lose all my new settings...)

Can I buy a Product Key, or equivalent, or am I going to have to buy a retail copy of Windows 7 and start from scratch?

Hope that makes sense!? Any help would be great. Cheers!

When you purchase Windows 7 via the store/online you should receive a product key along with it. You should be able to just input this product key into your operating system to make it genuine.

How did you install Windows 7 in the first place? Is it a Beta version?

Welcome!

You can legally buy the Upgrade version from Microsoft and activate. If it doesn't let you, see this tutorial: Clean Install with a Upgrade Windows 7 Version

Cheers for the help guys.

It wasn't a Beta version, it was the OEM version that came with another computer. Obviously I can't activate the same copy twice, and the fact that it's OEM rather than retail will probably cause problems...?

I would like to avoid a clean install as I've spent ages getting all my other software installed etc. Just want to activate what I've got now, and make it all above board

Is it just the Product Key that makes a copy of Windows an OEM copy?

Will any Windows 7 Professional Product Key work as long as it's legit?

Yes, any Pro key should work to upgrade it.