Activation of an OEM install

[Jovin123]

Hi All
I have windows 7 ultimate installed on my home built system from A HP branded OEM disc which did not require the input of a licence key during install. This has worked fine for many months but since dual booting with Windows 10 preview it has now come up as not genuine. If I buy a genuine new licence key (COA) should I be able to input this key by going through the "change key" process without having to do a complete re-install?

Thanks a lot for any help and advice.

John

 

[Layback Bear]

You can not use the HP pre-installed COA key from a HP branded computer on a home built computer.

The HP COA key is locked to that HP computer.

You will have to buy Windows 7 again and use the COA key that is issued with the new Windows 7.

 

[Jovin123]

Buying a new Key is exactly what I'm saying I intend to do however I wondered if I could enter the new key using the "change key" process without having to re-install the whole OS....

 

[Layback Bear]

As far as I can remember. Yes you can if you get the Key for exact same Windows 7.
Home Premium, Professional, Ultimate.

As far as I know you can no longer just buy the key legally. Microsoft use to sell keys but I'm not sure they still do.
You have to buy the whole package. The DVD and COA key as a package.

I think this tutorial by Brink should help you.

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/18630-product-key-number-change.html