Install legal copy of win7 over a bad one


  1. Posts : 1
    win7 64
       #1

    Install legal copy of win7 over a bad one


    Hello. A friend of mine have a pc with invalid windows 7 installtion (I get a message that that I may be a victim and so on...).
    I have a real original windows 7 pro copy that is still new and wasn't registered yet.

    Can I register the bad copy with the key of the good one so it will be legal and she want need to reinstall windows 7 (because then she will need to install all the other programs she already install on it).

    Thanks.
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 1,800
    Windows 7 Pro x64 SP1
       #2

    donok said:
    Hello. A friend of mine have a pc with invalid windows 7 installtion (I get a message that that I may be a victim and so on...).
    I have a real original windows 7 pro copy that is still new and wasn't registered yet.

    Can I register the bad copy with the key of the good one so it will be legal and she want need to reinstall windows 7 (because then she will need to install all the other programs she already install on it).

    Thanks.
    Welcome Donok to the windows 7 forum.

    I would not recommend trying to use your key on that illegal copy of windows.
    It might have some extra bad guys payload in it as that is a normal routine of pirated copies.

    I would just backup important data from the bad copy to an external usb drive and then boot your good copy, completely remove the existing partitions and then re-partition the hard disk to install your good copy.

    This should make sure that none of the bad payload from the pirated copy of windows is still on the hard disk.


    Rich
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 19,383
    Windows 10 Pro x64 ; Xubuntu x64
       #3

    +1.^ Excellent advice from Rich.
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 2,606
    Windows 7 Pro X64 SP1
       #4

    donok said:
    Hello. A friend of mine have a pc with invalid windows 7 installtion (I get a message that that I may be a victim and so on...).
    I have a real original windows 7 pro copy that is still new and wasn't registered yet.

    Can I register the bad copy with the key of the good one so it will be legal and she want need to reinstall windows 7 (because then she will need to install all the other programs she already install on it).

    Thanks.
    A new installation with a legitimate copy is probably the best idea.

    However, it's possible to replace the product key:

    How to Change Windows 7 Product Key | Sizzled Core - Android, Internet Media, Gadget Reviews

    The sticky bit there is that the versions must match. If the new key is a retail upgrade key, I believe that it couldn't be used to activate an OEM install, even if they are both Pro. I'm not sure about using a full retail Pro key on an OEM copy.

    Maybe she should contact Microsoft directly. The activate-by-phone people (run slui 4 from the command line) are supposed to be available 24/7.
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 7,730
    Windows 7 Ultimate SP1 64-Bit
       #5

    I agree with everyone in that you should ditch the bad copy of Windows as it'll give you nothing but trouble.

    The automatic telephone activation process is quick and painless, providing you have a genuine copy of Windows.

    Activate Windows 7 by Phone
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 13,576
    Windows 10 Pro x64
       #6

    Can you decribe what you mean by an invalid copy ? Is it something she or someone else installed for her ? Did the pc come with it ? Your willing to give away a key that you paid for ?
      My Computer


 

  Related Discussions
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 19:57.
Find Us