Will 64 bit OEM key work for a 32bit OEM install?

[Ballistic]

I Built a new computer for myself a while back and gave my old one to my brother... The thing is that I installed Windows 7 Ultimate 64bit for him and I planned to get a key after the trial time was up but I never did it and he's getting tired of the reminders to activate now that the trial has run out and I can't locate a reasonably priced legit key so I was going to just install Vista back into the computer for him (It came with Vista Premium 64 bit OEM) but I only have a Vista Premium 32 Bit OEM install disk and I can't find a Vista 64 Bit OEM ISO online anywhere so I wondered if I could use the 64 bit key associated with the computer but use that key for a 32 bit install ????

 

[Bare Foot Kid]

Hello mate.



Windows activation keys will activate either the 32-bit or the 64-bit of the exact same version they are associated with; though an OEM version must remain on the first motherboard it was first installed/activated to.

 

[Bill2]

Trying hard not to be ridiculous but...

AFAIK, Royalty OEM licence is tied to the specific bitness that was originally purchased.That probably helps the OEMs because if your OEM shipped 32 bit software, MS won't upgrade it to 64 bit, since the OEM would have to support it, and they may not be able to. So if you think about the OEM license, EULA etc. your plan may not be all kosher.

But technically yes, as BFK said, the sticker key will work with the 64 bit install, you may haave to phone activate though.

 

[Ballistic]

Trying hard not to be ridiculous but...

AFAIK, Royalty OEM licence is tied to the specific bitness that was originally purchased.That probably helps the OEMs because if your OEM shipped 32 bit software, MS won't upgrade it to 64 bit, since the OEM would have to support it, and they may not be able to. So if you think about the OEM license, EULA etc. your plan may not be all kosher.

But technically yes, as BFK said, the sticker key will work with the 64 bit install, you may haave to phone activate though.

The sticker is for a 64 bit and I only have a 32 bit disk... Anyhoo, I found a 64 bit ISO at piratebay after all so I will be installing the same thing the computer came with from the Mfg but even that is technically illegal since I'm downloading the ISO but everyone does it either way

 

[gregrocker]

Be sure to rightclick scan with your AV and updated Malwarebytes any ISO downloaded from internet, then check the HASH against official Win7 HASH to make sure nothing was added.

 

[Ballistic]

Please use the "Edit" button in your post to remove the 'where' part.

That won't be necessary... The version I was able to find is not OEM, but retail so my earlier comment remains valid... Though others are claiming success with using an OEM key as long as they opt out of online activation during the installation process

 

[Ballistic]

Be sure to rightclick scan with your AV and updated Malwarebytes any ISO downloaded from internet, then check the HASH against official Win7 HASH to make sure nothing was added.

Will Do... thanks!

 

[grss1982]

I'm not sure about OEM's, however for retail copies of Windows 7, it does not matter what the bit is as long as you have the corresponding product key for the Windows 7 edition you're installing, the bits do not matter.

 

[gregrocker]

Since Vista, the retail installer can be used to clean reinstall factory OEM.

If necessary unlock all versions to install yours with the Product key on the COA sticker: Ei.cfg Removal Utility Lets You Use Any Product Key With Your Windows 7 Disc