Solved Activating Windows 7 N with a regular (non-N) key

[Speedbird737]

Hello,

I was wondering if it's possible to activate an N-edition of Windows 7 (e.g Windows 7 Home Premium N) with a non-N (e.g Windows 7 Home Premium) product key?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Britton30]

Welcome to Seven Forums.

I don't think it's possible, the non-N key is generally for activation in the US while the N versions are for Europe. You can give it a try though, nothing lost.

 

[Speedbird737]

My computer came with Windows 7 OEM licence and I'm in Europe. I have reinstalled Windows several times (using non-N media) and it has always successfully activated. I have to reinstall again pretty soon, I might give it a try.

 

[Britton30]

Let us know how it works for you.

 

[NoelDP]

It won't work.
It's not the location that matters, but the Key itself is locked to only one version.

You can download whichever version you are likely to want from the links at this site...

http://www.heidoc.net/joomla/technology-science/microsoft

 

[Speedbird737]

Thanks.

 

[Britton30]

It won't work.
It's not the location that matters, but the Key itself is locked to only one version.

You can download whichever version you are likely to want from the links at this site...

http://www.heidoc.net/joomla/technology-science/microsoft

Will the non-N key activate in Europe then with a proper ISO?

 

[NoelDP]

Definitely! Very few people in Europe actually use N which is the full edition without IE. About the onlpeople who do are corporations because they can limit access to those who need it

 

[Speedbird737]

It won't work.
It's not the location that matters, but the Key itself is locked to only one version.

You can download whichever version you are likely to want from the links at this site...

http://www.heidoc.net/joomla/technology-science/microsoft

Will the non-N key activate in Europe then with a proper ISO?

Yes, it will.

 

[Britton30]

Okay, thanks guys.

 

[Kari]

Definitely! Very few people in Europe actually use N which is the full edition without IE. About the onlpeople who do are corporations because they can limit access to those who need it

Sorry to jump in a solved thread but let's make this clear:
Windows N (in Europe) and KN (in Korea) do come with IE but without Windows Media Features, for example Windows Media Player. Users installing a Seven N or KN version can download and install the Media Features Pack which includes Windows Media Player free from here: Download Media Feature Pack for Windows 7 N with Service Pack 1 and Windows 7 KN with Service Pack 1 (KB968211) from Official Microsoft Download Center.

As an individual edition Windows 7 N needs its own individual product key. A Home Premium N cannot be activated with normal Home Premium key, nor can Professional N be activated with normal Professional key.

I have all Windows 7 and 8 editions and matching product keys, normal and N available as ISO files (TechNet / MSDN subscriptions) and just to satisfy my own curiosity I have tried installing both 7 and 8 normal editions and activating them with a respective N key, and vice versa, installing N editions and trying to install them with respective normal key. Both ways it's a no go, not working.

Kari

 

[NoelDP]

Sorry - you're correct - I always get confused between the N and E editions!



As you rightly say, though, a Key is locked to a particular edition and cannot be used for any other (so I was kinda right )

 

[Kari]

Of course you were right, Noel . I guess nobody here has more activation knowledge than you.

I simply wanted to confirm that, not only as something I have read about but something I have really tested myself out of personal interest.