VM or dual boot?

HAVOC said:

So if I deactivate/uninstall an OEM copy of Windows, the disc/product key is no longer useful? Should I toss them or keep the disc for whatever reason?

If it's a MS Install disc, keep it.
The same disc can be used for Retail or OEM, it's the license that determines OEM vs. Retail.

The disc could be used for startup repairs, reinstall on any PC as long as you have a valid license for that PC, etc.
Since MS pulled the official W7 ISO downloads from Digital River many people have a hard time finding a legitimate Win 7 install disc/ISO to use for repairs or re-installs.

If you have a legitimate MS Win 7 disc, you may need it someday.

An OEM product key (license) is only good for the original PC/motherboard it was installed on.
If you ever want to re-install Win 7 on that PC, you'll be glad you have the disc and license key.

The two discs in question are from Microsoft (both Windows 7 Home Premium 64bit). Each disc is in a blue envelope with the COA sticker on the side of it.

One key was installed on an Acer netbook. I no longer have that computer (too many issues with it). The other key was installed on my MacBook Air using Bootcamp. Used slmgr.vbs to deactivate Windows then uninstalled it. I guess I can always reinstall 7 to the MacBook if needed.

I don't have a computer that I can install either to.

I'll keep both discs. One if I ever need to reinstall 7 on my MacBook Air, and the other so I'll have it should I need it to do a repair (although I'll have to look at a tutorial for that).

ThrashZone said:

Hi,
I believe you can use Win+X and go to System
I believe there is a anytime upgrade listing on the top same as in 7 :/

You're talking about Windows 10? I can't use the key (it's Windows 7 Home Premium) to activate Windows 10 (it's Professional). It's telling me I can't upgrade is as far as I get.

Looks like I'll be buying a Retail copy of Windows 10 Professional. With 10 not being activated, I can't change a lot of settings.

Looks like they don't offer a disc anymore? I'm looking at Windows 10 pro on the USB drive. Can I buy the download version, put it on a USB drive (or burn the ISO to a DVD) and have the same thing? I like to have physical stuff when it comes to an OS.