My disk and his activation key?

[cashcow]

I'm sure this has been asked before but I can't find anything on it.

My friend is building a new computer and wants to re use his HDD. He currently has an AMD set up, and is moving to all intel. Well I know he'll have to reformat his HDD essentially wiping all the data and having to re install windows 7.

My question is, can we use my windows 7 disk that I used for my PC, but use his activation key that is on the sticker on his pre build machine?

Will these work together?

 

[seavixen32]

Welcome to Windows Seven Forums.

Have a look at this tutorial, because this method ensures he has his own copy of Windows 7, providing it is the same version as the one linked to his product key.

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/219487-clean-reinstall-factory-oem-windows-7-a.html#post1839164

 

[nitroman84]

Yes, only if the version of Windows on the sticker matches the version on your disk. For example if his key is for Home Premium your disk would need to be home premium as well.

 

[cashcow]

Awesome thanks for the fast response. This was a lot more clear than /g/.

 

[seavixen32]

Awesome thanks for the fast response. This was a lot more clear than /g/.

???

I mentioned the method in my post because that way you'd have your own copy of Windows.

If you borrow a DVD and need to reinstall at any time you'd have to try a borrow a disc again.

Far better I feel to have your own copy.

 

[cashcow]

Ah so that method you posted basically puts a factory installed OS at your disposal on a disk whenever you need it?

 

[seavixen32]

Yes, that's why I posted the link in the hope you'd at least read it.

It will in effect be a clean install of Windows without all the factory bloatware.

Just be aware you'll be relying on Windows updates and the hardware manufacturers for the drivers.

 

[cashcow]

Sweet. I'll download it and put it on a disk for my friend then. Thanks for the help!

 

[seavixen32]

You're very welcome.

Please follow the instructions in the tutorial carefully and post back if you have problems.

The important thing to remember is to download the correct version i.e. if your product key is for Windows 7 Home Premium 32-bit, then you need to download that exact version ISO.

 

[cashcow]

Ya I got the right one. Home premium 64 bit English.

You will definitely hear from me again if I can't figure it out.

 

[seavixen32]

OK, just take it step by step and you should be fine.

 

[cashcow]

I do have one more question while I wait for it to finish downloading.

How exactly do I wipe his old HDD so I can do a fresh install?

 

[seavixen32]

You'll be able to do that during the install procedure, it's all in the tutorial.

When you boot into your installation media, you'll choose a Custom install and be given the opportunity to delete the existing partition (s) on the hard drive and create a new one for Windows.

 

[cashcow]

Ah ok I see it now.

 

[seavixen32]

Jolly good.

 

[gregrocker]

My friend is building a new computer and wants to re use his HDD. He currently has an AMD set up, and is moving to all intel. Well I know he'll have to reformat his HDD essentially wiping all the data and having to re install windows 7.

My question is, can we use my windows 7 disk that I used for my PC, but use his activation key that is on the sticker on his pre build machine?

Not if you're changing the mobo. An OEM version is tied to the mobo and cannot migrate to another.

He would need to buy a retail Builder's OEM license, or if he has any retail XP or Vista laying around it can be used to qualify for Upgrade version even if it isn't installed. Otherwise it will need to be full retail version.

 

[rraod]

Andrew,

I believe a Home Premium key works for both 32 bit and 64 bit Windows 7 Home Premium. The only difference in keys are retail and OEM keys. Am I right?

 

[seavixen32]

The deal is one key, one licence. You can use the same product key for both the 32-bit and the 64-bit versions, but not both at the same time.

If you use the 32-bit version you must uninstall the 64-bit version if you've already installed that and vice versa.

An OEM key is tied to the motherboard of the computer you first install it on and cannot be used on another computer.

A retail key can be transferred to another computer providing the software is uninstalled from the old computer first.

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/32-bit-and-64-bit-windows-frequently-asked-questions

 

[rraod]

Thanks Andrew. Very helpful.

 

[seavixen32]

You're very welcome Rao, pleased to be of help.