Windows 7 Pro 64-bit : OEM install over retail while preserving data?

[Typhoon]

I recently installed a retail version of Windows 7 Pro 64-bit onto my PC with the intent of using the 30 day trial period then activating it with an OEM licence key if all of my software and drivers worked okay under the 64-bit OS.

I've now been lead to understand that it is NOT possible to activate the retail installation with an OEM key, so apparently my only viable option is to buy a retail product, which of course costs a lot more than the OEM version (and I'm not exactly rolling in money so I need to take the cheapest route).

I would naturally prefer to purchase the OEM version.

Would it be possible to buy the OEM disc and product key, then "re-install" over my existing retail installation without losing any of my current configuration?

I have quite literally spent DAYS configuring this retail (trial) installation and now that it all works I don't want to have to re-install everything from scratch if I go the OEM route.

Surely it's possible to "update/refresh" the trial Retail installation with the OEM disc so that I can then use a purchased OEM key?

Thanks

 

[whs]

Posting deleted by poster because it was wrong and I did not want to confuse future readers.

 

[Typhoon]

Thanks for the reply.

That's a pain - not unexpected considering it's Microsoft, but still a pain!

Don't you think it seem ridiculous that it's not possible?

 

[whs]

Those are 2 pairs of shoes. Technically it is not legal for you to use an OEM version because you are no professional system builder. But I don't think they will come after you for violating the EULA.

 

[Typhoon]

OEM versions aren't legal for non professional system builders?

Really? I wasn't aware of that.

They're openly sold everywhere ...... Amazon, Ebay, plus loads of very reputable PC hardware retail outlets, etc.

 

[whs]

Yes they are openly sold - for the thousands of professional system builders around the world.

The Microsoft OEM system builder license is designed to make it easy for system builders to acquire and distribute genuine Microsoft software with the systems they build and sell

Source

 

[RolandJS]

I hope you have current backups of all your data. A reinstall of your programs is work enough; don't want you to have to recreate all your data.

 

[Typhoon]

I hope you have current backups of all your data. A reinstall of your programs is work enough; don't want you to have to recreate all your data.

No worries there.

 

[DavidE]

Did you try activating with your OEM license ?
As long as the version of the key such as Win 7 Professional matches the version you installed the key should work as far as I know.

 

[DavidE]

Can i ask, where did you get a Retail disc without a license key ?

 

[DavidE]

Your specs show a Custom Build, and seem to indicate it's a dual boot of Win 7 32 bit and Win 7 64 bit.
Is this the PC you installed the "retail trial" version on, and are asking about now ?

Or, is this a pre-built PC with an OEM sticker (license) on it ?
Or, is it a new Custom Build and you don't have a COA sticker or new purchased license ?
Or ... ?

 

[gregrocker]

I've now been lead to understand that it is NOT possible to activate the retail installation with an OEM key, so apparently my only viable option is to buy a retail product, which of course costs a lot more than the OEM version (and I'm not exactly rolling in money so I need to take the cheapest route).

What? :huh: Who told you that you can't activate any Win7 you installed with an OEM Product Key?

Beginning with Vista, the retail and OEM installers are exactly the same. So the install you did had absolutely nothing saying it is OEM until you activate it with an OEM key. Only then does it become OEM, just as if you activate it with a retail key it becomes full retail or upgrade version.

You can activate with a full retail, retail Builder's OEM, or if you have any previous XP or Vista on hand you qualify to activate with Upgrade version key even if the qualifying OS wasn't installed.

Unfortunately if you don't already have a license, the only ones available now are OEM so the idea that restrictions apply for OEM version that are still enforced is long gone. MS wants only OEM version installed now so that it dies with the mobo and cannot migrate, although they do make exceptions during reactivation to change between mobos from what I've heard.

 

[whs]

What? Who told you that you can't activate any Win7 you installed with an OEM Product Key?

Greg, that was my bad. I was apparently not up-to-date. Sorry.

 

[gregrocker]

That's OK, Wolfgang. I was only referring to his OP where he said he'd been told that elsewhere.

There's hardly a day in six years that I haven't had to clarify that. It is a deeply embedded belief due to XP: People think that there is an OEM installer just like we had to look for a separate OEM sku installer to reinstall XP factory OEM. But there are no such differences in Win7.

 

[whs]

Greg, I am glad you clarified that. I removed the erroneous posting to avoid further confusion.

 

[gregrocker]

No problem. We all have our specialties, and that is mine.

 

[AddRAM]

Windows 7 has been out for years, why are you just figuring it out/installing it now ?

The iso that you downloaded from Digital River is not a Retail version.

Greg explains everything above.

 

[DavidE]

The OP has another thread for this in the Updates and Activation forum:
http://www.sevenforums.com/windows-...windows-7-activation-retail-oem-licences.html