Changing license from 64 to 32 bits


  1. Ras
    Posts : 3
    Windows 7 Home Premium 32 bits
       #1

    Changing license from 64 to 32 bits


    I bought Windows 7 Home Premium 64 bits preinstalled on my Dell, but had to re-install a 32 bits version to obtain compatibility with my most important programs (expensive dictionaries, as I am a translator).

    The new Windows 7 Home Premium 32 bits now gives me 30 days to activate it, and according to Microsoft itself, this ought to be possible with the same product key as the one used for the 64 bits version. However, it is not. When I try, it gives me error 0xC004E003.

    Since the product key is from an OEM source, there is no way I can get in touch with Microsoft short of paying 50 dollars to talk with technical support (not activation service) on the phone.

    Dell, which could contact Microsoft, just refuses to do so, stressing that their responsibility ended when I installed a new operating system. Perhaps they are right, but it is certainly not a very customer-friendly approach.

    Any ideas about what can I do?

    And if I really do need to buy a brand new product key, how can I do this, ideally online, from Chile?
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 17,796
    Windows 10, Home Clean Install
       #2

    Welcome

    Where did you find the OEM key? i want to be sure it is the correct key.
      My Computer


  3. Ras
    Posts : 3
    Windows 7 Home Premium 32 bits
    Thread Starter
       #3

    How I found out the key


    I found the key product using the program "Magic Jellybean key finder".
    keyfinder | Magical Jelly Bean

    Thanks for taking an interest.
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 17,796
    Windows 10, Home Clean Install
       #4

    Glad that I asked. On OEM sometimes the correct key is on the computer, if bought retail.

    Do you get the error when you try to give the key number?

    If your answer is yes. Then when asked for the number do not give it. When you see the checked box, activate automatically uncheck and continue the install. When installed and set up. Follow these instructions.
    Activate Windows 7 by Phone
      My Computer


  5. Ras
    Posts : 3
    Windows 7 Home Premium 32 bits
    Thread Starter
       #5

    Thanks for keeping trying, though this one might be tricky...

    Yes, when I give the key number in the context of activating Window, I get the error message after a check with the MS databases.

    The installation worked fine the first time, so at least I now know that the 32 bits version is the solution to all the incompatibility problems I had with 64 bits. But I have only 25 days left to "activate Windows".

    I do not get the option of finding a Microsoft phone number (I am in Chile) as in the instruction to which you referred. Whether typing slui.exe or clicking on the activation link, the dialogue box says that the product key entered (during installation) is not valid for activation, and then gives me three options. One is to enter a "new product key", which, as mentioned, results in the error message if I use the one I have got.

    Another option is to "get a new product key online", which takes me to a website that declares (after installing some checking software) that my Windows validation has been sucessful, but does not lead to any activation. I cannot even buy a new product key online, not from Chile at least.

    The third option says I can get in contact with Microsoft, but when I try, I am first asked about my product key, and when I type in the one I have got, it says that this is an OEM license, and hence I must talk to Dell. Dell merely says that I am on my own after changing the OS.

    Perhaps my product key for the 64 bits version is not supposed, after all and despite what MS says, to work with the 32 bits version?
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 17,796
    Windows 10, Home Clean Install
       #6

    . You have two numbers one from jelly bean and one from the computer, try both

    Then, maybe this will help
    Microsoft Volume Licensing - Activation Centers

    I do not understand the problem with the 32 v 64. The key is for both so that should not be a problem.

    I do not know what else I can say.
    Last edited by richc46; 08 Jun 2010 at 12:12.
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 2,736
    ...
       #7

    Ras said:
    I bought Windows 7 Home Premium 64 bits preinstalled on my Dell, but had to re-install a 32 bits version to obtain compatibility with my most important programs (expensive dictionaries, as I am a translator).

    The new Windows 7 Home Premium 32 bits now gives me 30 days to activate it, and according to Microsoft itself, this ought to be possible with the same product key as the one used for the 64 bits version. However, it is not. When I try, it gives me error 0xC004E003.

    Since the product key is from an OEM source, there is no way I can get in touch with Microsoft short of paying 50 dollars to talk with technical support (not activation service) on the phone.

    Dell, which could contact Microsoft, just refuses to do so, stressing that their responsibility ended when I installed a new operating system. Perhaps they are right, but it is certainly not a very customer-friendly approach.

    Any ideas about what can I do?

    And if I really do need to buy a brand new product key, how can I do this, ideally online, from Chile?
    Hello Ras;

    If I may use less than accurate technical terms, my understanding of the different license types means:

    The manufacturer (in this case Dell) uses a volume license which is tied to the BIOS of the computers. The license number you retrieved with jellybean is this number. It only works when the original OS is installed or restored to the original computer and recognizes the original BIOS ID.

    The sticker on the case of an OEM (in this case Dell) computer has a different license number. This license will work when the OS is supplied by the manufacturer and is tied to the computer and license number, thus called an OEM License.

    A Retail OS and License, either an upgrade license or a full install license, is not tied to any computer. The license number that accompanies the OS will work on any computer and can be transfered to a newer computer for example, but is good for ONLY ONE COMPUTER AT A TIME.

    There is a limit as to how much mixing and matching can be done between license types. For example, a "Volume License Install" will NOT accept a "Retail License Key". You do not say where you got the 32bit Windows, or whether it is "Retail" or not. But I suspect you are trying to activate a "Retail" Windows with the "Volume License Key"? Can not be done.

    Perhaps you can use the OEM License Number on the sticker on the side of the Dell? If not, then it would seem to use that license number you would need to get a copy of the 32bit Windows from Dell ... an OEM copy that will accept the OEM license number on the side of the case.

    Otherwise, you just need to use the Retail License Number that came with the "Retail" 32bit Windows you purchased while you are using the computer. When the time comes for you to replace this computer with another one, you will be able to return the original 64bit "Volume License" OS to the computer and take your 32bit Windows with you to install anywhere you choose.

    Here is a link to another thread with more on the different license types:
    Windows 7 Licenses

    Cheers!
    Robert
      My Computer


 

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