Reinstall: Japanese Product Code

[banwell]

Just bought a Japanese laptop and I am planning a reinstall of Windows 7 Home Premium with some UK installation discs. Will the Japanese OS product code still be valid with the UK install?

I've heard conflicting arguments for and against.

Just wanted a heads up. Thanks.

 

[jumanji]

Have a look at this thread How to change system language of Windows 7 Home Premium from russian - Microsoft Answers

Does this answer your query?

 

[banwell]

No it does not.

I want to reinstall the OS. The laptop did not come with any installation discs. All I want to know is if the Microsoft product code the laptop shipped with will activate with the UK windows 7 installation disc for the same OS - Windows 7 Home Premium 64.

Or does Microsoft region lock the product code?

The suggestion of upgrading to a Ultimate license is out dated these days with the price of a new Home Premium license being almost most half the cost (not to mention W8 due soon too). I will buy a new Home Premium license if need be - but would just like a heads up before hand.

 

[seavixen32]

As far as I'm aware, Windows product keys are bound to the specific version and language purchased.

By that I take it to mean you can't use a product key from a Japanese version of Windows to install a UK version of Windows.

You'll need to decide which is cheaper: an new copy of Windows HP or an upgrade to Ultimate.

 

[jumanji]

Ditto. The Microsoft article is very clear. Only with Ultimate, you have an option to change the language(same product key) and not for the lower versions. I shall go with seavixen32.