How do I install Win7 OEM when I should have purchased Win7 Retail

[whiteknee]

I am currently running XP Professional 2002 SP3. I purchased Win7 Home Premium SP1, 64 bit on-line last week and they sent me the OEM version. Because I opened the package they will not accept a return of OEM for the Retail version.

Is there a way to install OEM on my PC?

I have a Dell Dimension 5100 with 4Gb RAM and plenty of external HD space.

 

[Computer0304]

You are allowed to install it on your computer. There is no difference except that the installation is stuck on your computer and cannot be moved. Well, unless that was from another PC. Where did you get it?

 

[whiteknee]

I should add that the Windows Set-up message I get when spinning up the DVD is:

"Your computer can't run this version of Windows. You need an installation disc that's compatible with your computer. For more information, check you computer's system information."

I assume this is due to OEM version but could it be a 64 bit issue?

 

[whiteknee]

Bought it from Rakuten which used to be Buy.com

 

[whs]

1. OEM versions is all that's on the market. Microsoft withdrew the retail versions.
2. There is nothing wrong with OEM versions if you accept what computer0304 said
3. If this is a 64bit version, your CPU must be 64bit capable - what's your CPU
4. Buy.com has always been a shady outfit. I guess they just changed their name, not their practices.

5. You can download a 32bit (x86) version from here and try to install it with your product key. In principle that should work. Make sure you get the exact version that matches your key - e.g. Home Premium. It's worth a try and there is nothing to lose.

And make an image of your XP system so that you can backpaddle in case things don't work out.

 

[Computer0304]

Yep, according to your system specs, you have a Pentium 4 CPU which is 32-bit.

whs: I thought with OEM versions, you need to use the version of Windows it came with: I don't think you can use a 64-bit Windows key on a 32-bit installation. But please correct me if I'm wrong.

 

[whs]

I am not 100% sure myself. But it is worth a try - costs nothing and we will all learn something.

 

[Computer0304]

If the key does not work in 32-bit, you can call Microsoft and they might do a phone activation for you. https://support.microsoft.com/gp/contact_microsoft_customer_serv?&fr=1

 

[Golden]

Product keys are not BIT specific....the same key will activate an x86 or x64 installation. Of course it's an either or situation....you cannot activate both concurrently.

 

[SIW2]

The confusion arises because oem versions come with only one dvd. You can use the key for 32 bit. Follow Whs advice POST 5

 

[whiteknee]

which English x86 Home Premium version should I download? Once downloaded can just click on the executable to get started or do I need boot from external hard drive, or.....?

 

[SIW2]

If you mean from digital river, the .iso file you want is SP1 U version.

X17-58996.iso


It is an .iso file.

You need to burn it to dvd, or extract to usb stick.

Windows 7 has a built in iso burner.

If you haven't got one this is easy: Download Burncdcc

TeraByte Unlimited :: Downloads :: Free Software :: Hard Drive Management

If you want to use usb stick , Rufus will do it for you. Rufus 1.4.7

You would then boot from the dvd/usb and install.