Solved Re-using Genuine Windows 7 Product Key (OEM)

[kathy025]

Hi guys,

My ASUS N45SF originally came pre-installed with Windows 7 Home Basic (no physical disc). If I understood correct, this is the OEM version, since it came with the Notebook.

I wanted a Professional version, so I bought a Windows 7 Professional w/ SP1 (single license) separately from the retail store. Here it is:

As you can see, it appears I have bought an OEM version ("For distribution only with a PC") as well from the retail store. I have reformatted my ASUS N45SF once to install this, so right now, I am using the genuine license of the Professional version I have separately bought.

1) If I understood correct, aren't OEMs supposed to be sold only to manufacturers? Why was I able to buy one from the retail store?

2) Now that I am using an OEM Professional (apparently not a "full retail" disc), will I still be able to reuse/activate its product key on the same machine should I have the need to reformat it in the future?

 

[derekimo]

Welcome to the forum,

A lot of people buy OEM versions because they are cheaper.

Basically you don't get Microsoft support that would come with a retail license and it it only good on that first machine you installed it on.

So Yes you can reinstall on that same machine again if you need to.

 

[indianacarnie]

Welcome to the forums kathy025!

As to your first question, honestly I don't know right off hand. As to your second question, yes.



(derekimo - we have to stop meeting like this!)

 

[AddRAM]

1) Anyone can purchase OEM ( as stated you don`t get Microsoft support with it )

2) You can use the key again and again on the same machine. ( same motherboard )


http://www.newegg.com/Operating-Systems/SubCategory/ID-368

http://smallbusiness.chron.com/many-times-can-use-oem-license-before-need-phone-microsoft-61744.html

 

[gregrocker]

Tips to get and keep a perfect Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7
which are same for retail OEM.

 

[kathy025]

Oh shoot guys, I was half-scammed.

I bought it, thinking I was buying the Retail License. So that's why it didn't come in the fancy blue packaging. Still, glad to know I can re-use the product key on the same machine.

3) Upon re-installation, do I have to undergo through online activation or phone activation?

 

[AddRAM]

Nope, just activate it as normal, don`t enter your key right away, always wait til you have windows how you want it, you have 30 days, so there`s no rush.

Retail costs a lot more then oem, as long as you got what you paid for, you weren`t scammed.

Didn`t you ask when you bought it ?

 

[Gator]

Don't worry about no tech support from Microsoft. There is a better help desk team right here on seven forums.

 

[AddRAM]

Don't worry about no tech support from Microsoft. There is a better help desk team right here on seven forums.

I couldn`t have said it any better myself

 

[kathy025]

Oh, I see. Thank you.

I'm just sad my OEM Professional is stuck to the machine I first activated it on and I won't be able to re-use it, should I upgrade to a new Notebook. Should have done my research first. If ever there's a next time, I'll make sure it's a Retail License. Hope someone else will learn from my experience.

Still thank you for the timely response and clarifications guys. It's still a relief to know the key is re-usable (on the same machine). I will post more should I have further questions.

P.S.
Nice people here indeed.

SUMMARY:
OEM
- Can only be re-installed on the SAME machine it was first activated on
- Usually comes pre-installed on the machine (but can also be bought separately)
- No official MS support
- Cheaper

Retail (single license)
- Can be re-installed on ANY ONE computer, as long as it is not activated on another machine
- Usually bought separately
- Full official MS support
- Expensive

 

[gregrocker]

The key is not reuseable since it becomes locked to the first mobo installed upon. But like all Windows 7 you can reinstall it as often as you want on the same machine using the key.

Had you asked we could have told you that the path to Upgrade within Win7 is by using Windows Anytime Upgrade - How to - Windows 7 Forums which offers a considerable price break. I see Pro Anytime Upgrade version on the web now for $60.

This process involves only inserting the upper version Product Key into the lower version to unlock the extra features which are already there but hidden - since it's the exact same OS otherwise.

If you have the opportunity to take it back then you might want to do that, or if you haven't done the reinstall yet you can try inserting the key since Anytime Upgrade will work with a retail Product Key - and Builder's OEM is a retail SKU.

 

[kathy025]

Retail costs a lot more then oem, as long as you got what you paid for, you weren`t scammed.

Didn`t you ask when you bought it ?

The only available versions in the store were these OEM packages with a plain cardboard sleeve, unlike what I saw online with the Retail version where it comes in a blue box.

I was originally hoping to buy the version which will allow me to install the OS on another laptop when I buy a new one. This OEM Professional I bought is locked on my ASUS N45SF now.

I got a genuine OS, but not exactly what I originally hoped for. Hence, "half-scammed" haha. It's okay though. It's another 4 or 5 years before I buy a new laptop anyway.

But like all Windows 7 you can reinstall it as often as you want on the same machine using the key.

Sorry, I meant "reusable on the same machine".

 

[kathy025]

Just to update this story, I have successfully re-installed Win7 Pro SP1 OEM on the same machine, which I'm using right now. Simple online activation only.

Thanks again, peeps.

 

[gregrocker]

You're welcome, Kathy. Let's hope it holds activation now. It should if it was bought from a reputable seller. If not I would contact MS Customer Service which may award you a free copy if you cooperate with their piracy investigation. Enjoy Win7.