Solved How can I get a retail replacement for the OEM Windows 7 Home Premium?

[Coreos]

I own Windows 7 Home Premium 64 bit but I can't use the product key or install it because worried about legality of this. Is there a way to obtain it in a full retail without legal issues and not waste money?


- - - Updated - - -

The license says that I cannot use it for personal use and wondering if the product key itself is okay but not the disc
If not then a replacement is a must have

- - - Updated - - -

Anyway to contact microsoft and make sure to get a new one from them?

- - - Updated - - -

 

[SIW2]

Pretty sure MS no longer sells it.

Enter the key.

If it doesnt activate type slui 4 in the run box and a window pops up that will give you the freefone number.

 

[Coreos]

Does that mean I have to use what I got or should I look online for other retails? Not sure what to do exactly.

- - - Updated - - -

Ok i'll use it

 

[SIW2]

I have done with it oem keys, just ring up it is not hard.

Enter the key first.

If it doesn't activate type slui 4 in the run box

ring the freefone number

The slui window also gives a bunch of numbers which you read out to the MS operator, then they give you a key to type in.

 

[MisterEd]

The only place you can buy Windows 7 anymore are from online sellers. Some places sell Windows 7 Home OEM keys for about $15. You then just have to download the Windows 7 setup ISO and install from that. When done you activate it with the key after you just bought. There a few places that sell Windows 7 DVDs but they are more expensive.

 

[SIW2]

If you have already got a key use it. As long as it is only being used on one machine. No point in buying another.

 

[MisterEd]

I have done with it oem keys, just ring up it is not hard.

Enter the key first.

If it doesn't activate type slui 4 in the run box

ring the freefone number

The slui window also gives a bunch of numbers which you read out to the MS operator, then they give you a key to type in.

I just activated Windows 7 a few months ago. It was an automated phone system where you gave the numbers to a computer. If verified it gave you another set to type into your computer. However, as an option it offered to send your smartphone a text message with a link to do the activation. When you clicked on the link boxes popped up so you type the numbers into them.

- - - Updated - - -

If you have already got a key use it. As long as it is only being used on one machine. No point in buying another.

You are right. No harm trying to see if the key activates. If not you have a least 30 days to buy a key if you have to.

 

[Snick]

Coreos

OEM keys for specific computers are the same. It is an Original Equipment Manufacturer key that they have license for every computer of that make and model. I have an extensive list of OEM keys for most. You didn't say what the make and model of your computer is.

 

[SIW2]

Snick

There are different types of "oem".

There is the kind pre installed by the manufacturer called SLP. Those are what you are referring to. They only work if the motherboard has the relevant slic table in bios. They activate offline.

The OP most likely has what is called a "system builder" dvd. They have individual keys on the box and do not require slic table in the bios.
They activate online just like regular retail. Rather confusingly, MS also calls them "oem", probably because they don't come with MS support ( except activation support) and are therefore cheaper than the full retail.

 

[MisterEd]

Technically, these system builder OEM Windows versions are supposed to be tied to the first computer it is installed and activated on. Unlike Retail versions you are not supposed to be able to move them to another computer. However, I have heard that some people have called Microsoft and told them they replaced their motherboard so were allowed to install it anyways. Whether that is true or not I don't know because I have never been in that situation.

The OP most likely has what is called a "system builder" dvd. They have individual keys on the box and do not require slic table in the bios.
They activate online just like regular retail. Rather confusingly, MS also calls them "oem", probably because they don't come with MS support ( except activation support) and are therefore cheaper than the full retail.

 

[SIW2]

Never had any difficulty and never been asked about motherboard failure.

 

[Snick]

SIW2

Thank you for the explanation. Yes I was referring to SLP OEM with slic table.