Installing different language with a legal key

[RonAshman]

Hello,

I have a quick question about this, maybe someone can give me a hand.

I have a valid license key for Home Premium. This key came with a computer with windows pre-installed, in English.

There is NO recovery partition or whatsoever. So I am installing Windows again from an installation disc. If I use an installation disk and install Home Premium but in a different language (i.e. Spanish) will my key be valid and legal?


Any help is much appreciated.

 

[gregrocker]

Most often, yes. You will have to try to see.

Follow these steps for Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7 which provides the latest official installer in Step 1 with tool to burn to DVD or stick in Step 2.

 

[RonAshman]

Hello, thank you for replying!

Great guide you wrote there. Well that's actually what I usually do. So I am going to try it. Thank you very much! I'd give you rep but it seems I did it some time ago and it doesn't let me.

Thanks again.

 

[RonAshman]

Just so other people know, it didn't work. It showed as not valid and asking me to contact Microsoft.

I did contact Microsoft. I contacted Microsoft US since it was purchased in the US and also called Microsoft Argentina since that's where I am. They both offered to send me a new installation disc with a new license key, after paying for shipping, handling and some other service.

 

[gregrocker]

That's not bad. Thanks for reporting back. Sometimes different Languages work for reactivation, others don't. Did MS tell you why it didn't work?

 

[RonAshman]

Yes, they said that as it came with the computer it's an OEM key.
I explained the disc I was going to use I got it in an authorized store in Argentina, that's why it was in Spanish. They said they might not be compatible because the disc is not an OEM version of Windows, so I would need to get a new key.

I tried it anyway and didn't work. They offered to send me a new key and disc for 35 US dollars.

 

[gregrocker]

The installation disks are all the same with some versions hidden. It is the key which determines which will activate.

You can use the Win7 English installation DVD here to reinstall your licensed version without paying MS for a disk: Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7

 

[RonAshman]

That's what I did.
Thanks a lot again for helping, and sorry I couldn't give you rep since you're the last person I gave it to.

 

[AddRAM]

Didn`t the install disc you brought in Argentina come with it`s own key ?

 

[RonAshman]

Hi,

Yes, but it was used in another computer, and the licence can be used only in one machine at the time as I understand. That's why I wanted to use the one that I got in the US.

Since it wasn't for me because I gave the PC to my dad and he needed it in Spanish, I ended up using a loader/cracker, I must admit.