Product key?

[Brian6121990]

I have a big question, idk if there was a post about this but nothing came up on google so i thought i ask anyways. CAn i use the product key that came with my laptop which is a 64 bit, and downgrade my os to a 32bit and use the same product key?
Thanks in advance

 

[NTFS]

Is this from a retail disc or OEM?

 

[derekimo]

Sounds like you can according to this,

Need to "downgrade" to 32-bit Windows 7 (from 64-bit)__

Or not, read the whole thing.

 

[Brian6121990]

Is this from a retail disc or OEM?

I wouldnt say retail but oem yes. The one that came preinstalled on my laptop.

Sounds like you can according to this,

Need to "downgrade" to 32-bit Windows 7 (from 64-bit)__

Ok, let me check it out

 

[NTFS]

Preinstalled? Contact the manufacturer.

 

[Brian6121990]

Preinstalled? Contact the manufacturer.

Yeah, i gotta called toshiba tomorrow just in case anyways and if they cant help, i have to call microsoft. I wanna downgrade to 32bit because, well you can see the specs lol. Plus 32 bit runs more smoother with specs like mine than using a 64 bit.

 

[NTFS]

Preinstalled? Contact the manufacturer.

Yeah, i gotta called toshiba tomorrow just in case anyways and if they cant help, i have to call microsoft. I wanna downgrade to 32bit because, well you can see the specs lol. Plus 32 bit runs more smoother with specs like mine than using a 64 bit.

Agreed.

 

[gregrocker]

Yes, under the Win7 EULA you are entitled to use either 32 or 64 bit for each license. The manufacturer cannot override the EULA on this so if they maintain a computer is not suitable for either kernel, MS activation will likely allow it's use anyway during the robocall needed to sort the batch Product key on COA sticker.

Hopefully Toshiba will cooperate but you cannot count on it as they may only press 64 bit Recovery Disks for your model and tend to enforce their bloatware (which makes up their profit margin) anyway by refusing to help you do a clean install without the Recov Disks.

So you may need to find a 32 bit installer. All versions can be unlocked in any installer by extracting the ISO using ImgBurn, run the ei.cfg removal tool, burn or write an all-versions DVD or USB installer to install your licensed version with Product key from COA sticker.

Back up your files, make your Recovery Disks or a Win7 backup image externally so you have a path back to factory condition or your present install if you decide to go back.

 

[Brian6121990]

Yes, under the Win7 EULA you are entitled to use either 32 or 64 bit for each license. The manufacturer cannot override the EULA on this so if they maintain a computer is not suitable for either kernel, MS activation will likely allow it's use anyway during the robocall needed to sort the batch Product key on COA sticker.

You need to find an installer for the correct 32 bit or 64 bit kernel. All versions can be unlocked in any 32 or 64 bit installer by extracting the ISO (use ImgBurn), run the ei.cfg removal tool, burn or write an all-versions DVD or USB installer to install your licensed version with Product key from COA sticker.

Back up your files, make your Recovery Disks or a Win7 backup image externally so you have a path back to factory condition or your present install if you decide to go back.

My laptop has a recovery partition
Also, i already got a 64 bit unlock (all versions) and will make a 32 bit unlock (all versions) in a minute. Thanks

 

[gregrocker]

Congrats. You have joined the growing number of tech enthusiasts who clean reinstall to overcome factory bloatware which is now enforced by all manufacturers except on business computers.

You should make your Recov Disks anyway as sometimes Recov partition won't run even from boot after reinstall. It also frees you to consider wiping the HD to get the cleanest possible install. Most of the useless Toshiba utilties (which have much leaner better versions built into Win7) also won't run in a clean install since they lose their links. Go completely clean here: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/91339-ssd-optimize-windows-re-installation.html

The installer is mostly driver-complete with newer arriving quickly via optional Windows Updates. Any drivers then missing in Device manager can be found on Toshiba Support Downloads webpage for your model. Only change drivers if performance dictates, starting with video and chipset.

Install programs slowly to gauge performance after each. Don't let any write themselves into msconfig>Startup to become freeloaders on your RAM/CPU. I only allow AV and gadgets. Run a lean mean AV like free MS Security Essentials which installs in 30 seconds, updates, runs Scan then becomes invisible unless there is a threat.

When done, clean and order the HD perfectly with state-of-the-art CCleaner ("Run Cleaner" and registry tabs) and Auslogics Disk and Registry defraggers monthly.

Then save a Win7 backup image so you never have to reinstall again, just reimage the HD or replacement in 15 minutes from DVD and image.

 

[Night Hawk]

When the retail 7 was first out I ran both 32bit on a second drive while the 64bit remained on the host drive using the same product key. Explaination? Same key = same machine

The recovery partition as well as any recovery disks provided should provide the option for either even with them being branded since you will still be using the same key on the same machine there. The other option for you to decide on is the 4gb maximum according to the specifications which would lessen the need for the 32bit 7 on the other hand.

If you replace the present 2gb with a different brand rather then adding onto the present 2gb with another of the same you would then need a clean install or call MS for reactivation however. 4gb is generally quite adequate since the recommended for the 64bit is about 2.5gb.

 

[Brian6121990]

When the retail 7 was first out I ran both 32bit on a second drive while the 64bit remained on the host drive using the same product key. Explaination? Same key = same machine

The recovery partition as well as any recovery disks provided should provide the option for either even with them being branded since you will still be using the same key on the same machine there. The other option for you to decide on is the 4gb maximum according to the specifications which would lessen the need for the 32bit 7 on the other hand.

If you replace the present 2gb with a different brand rather then adding onto the present 2gb with another of the same you would then need a clean install or call MS for reactivation however. 4gb is generally quite adequate since the recommended for the 64bit is about 2.5gb.

I would really love to upgrade to 4gb ram, but i cant afford $50+ for a another 2gb thats 6400+ speed or whatever that number came on my ram.

 

[mjf]

Congrats. You have joined the growing number of tech enthusiasts who clean reinstall to overcome factory bloatware which is now enforced by all manufacturers except on business computers.

Can I get some clarification please.
Are you saying that the process described here allows you to clean install from a factory OEM operating system? As opposed to factory restore which of course puts back all the unwanted trial software.

 

[gregrocker]

Yes, starting with Vista the retail installer can be used to clean reinstall factory OEM of your licensed version with the Product Key on COA sticker. We have done it hundreds of times.

 

[Night Hawk]

When the retail 7 was first out I ran both 32bit on a second drive while the 64bit remained on the host drive using the same product key. Explaination? Same key = same machine

The recovery partition as well as any recovery disks provided should provide the option for either even with them being branded since you will still be using the same key on the same machine there. The other option for you to decide on is the 4gb maximum according to the specifications which would lessen the need for the 32bit 7 on the other hand.

If you replace the present 2gb with a different brand rather then adding onto the present 2gb with another of the same you would then need a clean install or call MS for reactivation however. 4gb is generally quite adequate since the recommended for the 64bit is about 2.5gb.

I would really love to upgrade to 4gb ram, but i cant afford $50+ for a another 2gb thats 6400+ speed or whatever that number came on my ram.

That would be an option to consider at a later date since you should still be able to run the 64bit as well as the 32bit 7 on 2gb depending on the types of programs you run. I tossed a fast temp install of the 32bit on an old boat with only 1gb and that install ran normally on the lesser amount including running some old game titles as well as the XP Mode on VM ware.

Since I have CAD and other things running here and why when planning the new build I went for 8gb over simply seeing another desktop with 4gb while for most part the slight increase when you can afford it would help some.

Having over 2gb is not a requirement however for either flavor while most prefer the extra. As far as which flavor suits your needs the best you will be the one to decide on that.

Note if and when you plan to buy the additional memory the manufacturer's prices for the upgrade will always tend to be well above the deals you can find at vendors like newegg. Try to stay with the same brand however as that could effect the preactivation unless some memory stands out.

When simply swapping the first set of dimms out on the new build here a fresh full install turned out to be what was needed when the invalid product key message appeared on the initial already activated install. 7 is a bit fussy there.

 

[karlsnooks]

Brian,
Bite the bullet and up your ram to 4gb. This will work wonders for you.

 

[Night Hawk]

When first putting the last case together the 2gb size dimms were first being seen for the $300 price tag on a pair now being seen for the 4gb dimms instead. Some time later when the prices did fall low enough it was 4gb time there. But that was a year later when seeing to it while running Vista on 2gb all that time. With 7 that should be a breeze when comparing the two.