How to install 7 from release candidate key

[Angate]

I have a friend who who bought Windows 7 (I think Professional) x64 from school via the Microsoft Academic Alliance when it was Release Candidate 2. The issue we are running into is re-installing it. We don't have the original CD, but we do have the key. I have a CD full of 7 OEM installs, but I can't find one that will accept this key. I have the PC installed to OEMALL 7 Pro currently hoping that I could then change the key, but it won't accept it, it says the key is not valid.

Anyone have an idea how to re install this version of 7?

 

[zigzag3143]

I have a friend who who bought Windows 7 (I think Professional) x64 from school via the Microsoft Academic Alliance when it was Release Candidate 2. The issue we are running into is re-installing it. We don't have the original CD, but we do have the key. I have a CD full of 7 OEM installs, but I can't find one that will accept this key. I have the PC installed to OEMALL 7 Pro currently hoping that I could then change the key, but it won't accept it, it says the key is not valid.

Anyone have an idea how to re install this version of 7?

win 7 RC has long since expired and cannot be used i believe. Was long ago replaced by RTM and the version keys I dont believe interchangeable as you are finding out

 

[Angate]

My bud said he paid $13 to upgrade the key after R2, so I wonder if it is compatible with RTM? He was using the computer with this key until a week ago.

 

[zigzag3143]

My bud said he paid $13 to upgrade the key after R2, so I wonder if it is compatible with RTM? He was using the computer with this key until a week ago.

I dont believe there were keys for RC, and if he has/had a legit purchased one it needs to be installed on the correct version of win 7, ie AN OEM key on an OEM version, a retail key on a retail version.

AN upgrade key may require you to have an OS installed before it can be upgraded.

 

[gregrocker]

Any retail installer can be used to reinstall Win7. I would want one with SP1.

Here are the steps to get a perfect clean reinstall: Reinstalling Windows 7