Solved OEM Activation Question, Vista installed, but BIOS has SLIC 2.1

[rogerm]

I am currently doing a cleanup on a Toshiba computer which came installed with Vista. I updated the BIOS to a newer version, and one of the changes added in more recent BIOS versions, was "Updated: SLP2.1 for WINDOWS 7."

I know that I would be able to install of Windows 7 on this computer and do an OEM activation, now that the BIOS has SLIC 2.1. However, since this laptop has a COA for Vista, would this be legal?

With support for Vista ending soon I see Windows 7 as a much better and more secure option than Vista. But, I don't want to install and activate Windows 7 if it is not legal to do so.

 

[torchwood]

Hi Roger,
Very intiguing, yes Bios updates can include SLIC table amendments and would certainly been included in models where downgrade rights were available and conversely when a new OS version was about to hit the market then Upgrade rights.
I suspect the latter in this case - BUT the upgrade would come via a CD and a COA key, it would not be able to use the default key currently on the computer.
The COA sticker on a machine DOES NOT stop you installing a new OS, or make it illegal todo so.

What will be interesting and THE CRUNCH will be what else its installed/changed.
The 2.1 table indicator is only ONE part of the Activation process.
You will have to use the CD COA key i mentioned above.

You are able to run W7 for a trial period of 30 days, the system will generate a default key.
If you want to try W7 on it. Go ahead, then after a week or so run this tool copy/paste the output
I'll run over it and comment.
http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkID=52012

Roy

 

[rogerm]

Hi Roy,

I know I can install Windows 7 on this computer. I can do a OEM activation where no product key is used, due to it now having SLIC 2.1. I have even done so on a spare Vista computer I have, which also had a SLIC 2.1 BIOS, and it activated with no issue. Not only will it activate, but Microsoft will see it as a genuine Windows license and it will not expire.

However, what I want to know is, even though I can install and do an OEM activation of Windows 7, is it actually legal to do so, as the computer only has a COA for Vista?

 

[torchwood]

As i said
The COA sticker ONLY relates to the Vista OS, its a licence to run it period
(Its your computer - but not your OS is basically what its saying)
Nothing illegal about what your doing/going to do.

Roy

 

[rogerm]

Thanks. Considering that the Vista COA is a license to run Vista, woudn't I need a Windows 7 COA or some other documentation in order to actually have a license to run Windows 7, as the Vista COA is as it see it is solely for Vista. Or, on the otherhand does having SLIC 2.1 grant me a license to run Windows 7, even though I have no COA for it.

Sure, I can install Windows 7 and activiate it with no issues, but is that legal without a COA for it?

 

[torchwood]

Hi Roger,
Yes you do require a SPECIFIC COA sticker for the OS version your running.

Thats why i said earlier that a machine with upgrade/downgrade rights will have to use the CD COA sticker code.

Roy

 

[rogerm]

Thanks.

 

[torchwood]

On a side note, was lookin back over your problem SP1 install.
That comp certainly didnt come with W7, way to old, should have had a Retail or system builder licence.

Roy