Can I use the same key?


  1. Posts : 2
    vista home premium
       #1

    Can I use the same key?


    Hi,

    I purchased a Dell laptop from a store and it originally came in Trad. Chinese Vista Home Premium, since I wanted and English OS, I think they then reinstall it to English version, I checked and the vista key they used during installation is the one as stated at the bottom of my laptop.

    So now that I've registered from the dell website for a windows 7 upgrade, I only get to choose Trad. Chinese for the upgrade DVD, does anyone know if I can use the same key that will be provided to register an english version of windows 7 upgrade (if I can use my brother's english Win7 upgrade disc for setup instead of the chinese one from dell)?
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 334
       #2

    oilhemmer said:
    Hi,

    I purchased a Dell laptop from a store and it originally came in Trad. Chinese Vista Home Premium, since I wanted and English OS, I think they then reinstall it to English version, I checked and the vista key they used during installation is the one as stated at the bottom of my laptop.

    So now that I've registered from the dell website for a windows 7 upgrade, I only get to choose Trad. Chinese for the upgrade DVD, does anyone know if I can use the same key that will be provided to register an english version of windows 7 upgrade (if I can use my brother's english Win7 upgrade disc for setup instead of the chinese one from dell)?
    Hi OilHemmer! Yes you should be able to use the same key.
    Product keys are only tied to the edition of Windows and sub-edition (In Windows 7's Case: Professional, Ultimate, Home Premium etc.). So as long as your brothers Upgrade Disk is the same edition as you would've gotten from Dell, it's fine.

    Thanks,
    ZeshanA
    If I helped, click the scales above my post and click I Approve!
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 2
    vista home premium
    Thread Starter
       #3

    Hi ZeshanA, thanks.

    I'm wondering... the key that I should be getting from Dell is the free upgrade version, but my brother bought his Win7 upgrade from Best Buy, is there a difference? I searched in forum and people said there are differences between OEM and retail version, does that apply to clean Windows 7 installation or upgrades as well?
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 71,977
    64-bit Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
       #4

    Hello Oilhemmer, and welcome to Seven Forums.

    A OEM version can only be reinstalled and activated on the same computer that it was first activated on and no other computer.

    A Retail version can be reinstalled and activated on any computer as long as it was uninstalled from any previous computer first.

    This applies to all types and versions of Windows 7.

    Hope this helps,
    Shawn
      My Computer


 

Our Sites
Site Links
About Us
Windows 7 Forums is an independent web site and has not been authorized, sponsored, or otherwise approved by Microsoft Corporation. "Windows 7" and related materials are trademarks of Microsoft Corp.

© Designer Media Ltd
All times are GMT -5. The time now is 17:52.
Find Us