Use Upgrade License key after install of other?

[ewingr]

I upgraded a Vista PC with a license I had already used, with the plan of testing some specific software before deciding to stay with Windows 7 on that particular PC.

I am ready to purchase a license, and I see some in some online shops for 'upgrade from vista'. I didn't realize that type of license was available.

My question is, does anyone see any reason why I couldn't purchase one of those, and just change the KEY from the properties of the computer then register? The existing license I installed with was a full version.

 

[gregrocker]

You can try inserting the new key at the activation link at rightclick Computer>Properties,

or click on start, type CMD in search box, rightclick result to Run as Admin, type
slmgr.vbs -ipk <insert your new product key here>
Then to activate windows after changing the key, run slmgr.vbs -ato

If it rejects key then run a http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/3413-repair-install.html?ltr=R of Win7 which resets activation and accomplishes the necessary "upgrade" (over itself) to allow use of Upgrade version key.

 

[ewingr]

Thanks!

 

[CassieFWinTeam]

In general, be cautious when purchasing a key from an online retailer. There are many scams out there, and you don't want to end up with a faulty key that results in a non-genuine Windows 7. Just remember it is always best to purchase from a reputable retailer or Microsoft Partner, and if something seems too good to be true, it likely is

Cheers,
Cassandra
Microsoft Windows Outreach

 

[richc46]

In general, be cautious when purchasing a key from an online retailer. There are many scams out there, and you don't want to end up with a faulty key that results in a non-genuine Windows 7. Just remember it is always best to purchase from a reputable retailer or Microsoft Partner, and if something seems too good to be true, it likely is

Cheers,
Cassandra
Microsoft Windows Outreach

This is such good advice. I would not try to save money online with this type of product. I have been at the fourm for a while and I have seen more than a handful of happy scam victims, please, do not become one of them.

 

[ewingr]

The advice re: purchasing is good. I never purchase from online companies that I cannot research from at least 2-3 different sources for reviews of the reseller. And unless it is well known to be good, for example New Egg, I don't purchase if there is no phone number to call.

That being said, after the initial responses about using the license above, I have made my first time purchase from a site this morning, which did meet my criteria above. I don't do that often. We'll see if I get burned.

Wish me luck

 

[gregrocker]

The best mainstream price for Home Premium Upgrade I'm finding is $105 US.

Anyone find better in mainstream?

 

[ewingr]

I've beat that by a little bit for a Professional Upgrade, not full license. But it remains to be seen if I get burned or not.

 

[richc46]

The advice re: purchasing is good. I never purchase from online companies that I cannot research from at least 2-3 different sources for reviews of the reseller. And unless it is well known to be good, for example New Egg, I don't purchase if there is no phone number to call.

That being said, after the initial responses about using the license above, I have made my first time purchase from a site this morning, which did meet my criteria above. I don't do that often. We'll see if I get burned.

Wish me luck

I know the members of the forum and all that see your thread do wish you luck.

 

[gregrocker]

Perhaps you can post a link to the Win7 you bought so we can have a look.

 

[ewingr]

Perhaps you can post a link to the Win7 you bought so we can have a look.

I purchased this one. Received email that it has shipped.

 

[gregrocker]

Perhaps you can post a link to the Win7 you bought so we can have a look.

I purchased this one. Received email that it has shipped.

I am not sure what the "(Branded)" tag means at end of title but am suspicous that in description it says not to install Upgrade Manager (Disk1). If they are reselling a manufacturer's Upgrade Kit then they could be in trouble. Who else provides an accompanying Upgrade Manager disk? Better ask them.

However, excellent merchant reviews here: Merchant Review for Discount Mountain - PCWorld Pricing

OEM means it will be permanently locked to the hardware once installed.

 

[Wishmaster]

Maybe its just me but the fact it draws attention to:

"Guaranteed 100% Genuine" makes me a bit weary in itself. And only for 30 days?

I always just get mine straight from MS ;-/

 

[ewingr]

Thanks for the input. I'll ask them about the 'Upgrade Manager'. I was wondering too on that.

I didn't realize it would be permanently locked to the HW, but I'm OK with that.

 

[gregrocker]

That's why OEM is so cheap, as is normal.

MS sponsored an Upgrade program where people who bought computers in the year before Win7 was released could get a free Upgrade, which was mailed to them by manufacturers after 7 release. This was to keep computer sales moving.

Most manufacturers provided an Upgrade manager/Drivers/Apps disk and OEM install DVD which was unable to be used except on intended machine, however some brands failed to restrict its use in this way. This might be what you bought from a reseller.

Their Customer Service in the reviews sounds superb, so maybe they'll back out gracefully or make it good or better. You may be better getting your money back and going to newegg, buy.com or a local box store.

 

[ewingr]

I looked on their site, and it this is the description of OEM:

OEM packaging includes the installation disc(s), Certificate of Authenticity, and product keycode(if needed). OEM is different from Full Retail in the following ways: OEM does not come in a retail box, it does not include printed manuals, cannot be transferred to another computer (even if the original computer breaks), and is not eligible for free technical support from the manufacturer. Help files can usually be found on the disc and printed out. OEM software is the same software as the Full Retail and can be upgraded, it just comes in different packing.

So, I called them and discussed, and decided to switch to the retail box, so that I could ultimately switch to a different computer if needed. It was less expensive than NewEgg (which I don't really find that often), and I feel fairly comfortable with the vendor.

While I received email it had shipped, it was still there waiting for pickup, so caught it before it went out.

We'll see how it goes now.

 

[infomike]

Yeah, I've seen some issues where people have upgraded, or at least tried to upgrade but kept getting an activation error, more can be seen here: Windows 7 Activation Error 0xC004F061 on x86 and x64

I've beat that by a little bit for a Professional Upgrade, not full license. But it remains to be seen if I get burned or not.

 

[ewingr]

Update on how it went

I did get the PRO license very fast, and it was good. Came in MS original packaging.

In the end, for getting it to take the new key, I had to do the boot with the CD that came, and do the Repair, and got it to work.

Thanks for all the help everyone.