Solved New product key to replace invalid product key

[Crazy biker]

Just discovered that the Win 7 Professional Retail Version I purchased, downloaded & installed has a bogus product key. I've since ordered a genuine Win 7 copy. When it arrives, can I just enter the new product key into the existing system without reinstalling Win 7 again, following the "change product key" instructions? If not, is there a way to do this without a reinstall?
THANKS.....Lee

 

[Brink]

Hello Lee,

As long as you purchased a retail Windows 7 Pro, then yes you should be able to just change the key to the new one to activate with it.

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/18630-product-key-number-change.html

 

[HelpGiver]

Hi Crazy Biker,
Yes, of course yoou can by following the "change product key" instructions.

 

[Crazy biker]

Thanks, y'all.........now let's hope I get what I ordered!

Cheers.........the very crazy biker Lee

 

[Brink]

You're welcome Lee. If you have any problems, please let us know.

 

[Crazy biker]

Let me think a bit more on this, "just in case". I've observed that the OEM versions of Win 7 Pro are more plentiful than the full retail versions. In case I "accidentally" get the OEM version (or am notified that the full retail isn't available), will that OEM product key work in my existing full retail installation? Again, if not, is there a way around this other than a reinstall?

Thanks again.......Lee

 

[Brink]

As long as you get a Pro edition, an OEM key should work as well.

If it doesn't for some reason, then you could try to activate by phone to hopefully avoid a clean install to activate.

 

[Crazy biker]

Great! I'd surely try that approach rather than a reinstall; on my upgrade from XP to Win 7, it was about a week before I restored all my files & customizations and got them to work well with each other!

Lee