Windows 7 License Key and custom Install

[Tartarus]

Hi guys I installed Windows 7 Professional 64 bit on my home computer with a clean install from Vista Home 64 bit which I was using. Unfortunately the license key I got was already in use which means I only have 27 days until it expires. I was wondering since I do not have a valid Windows 7 install on my computer, can I buy another upgrade version and do another clean install of it or does it look for the licence key of the previous version in the install process? I also do not have my Vista disk either so I cant revert back.

Any help would be welcome as I do not want to buy a full non upgrade version of Windows 7 but will if I have to.

 

[richc46]

No need to reinstall, Just get a valid key and use it. The CDs are all the same. If you have it installed, all you need is a valid key to begin enjoying.


EDIT: Dwarfs statement about the editions not being interchangeable is correct. I just assumed that fact in my post. We all know what happens when we assume.

 

[Dwarf]

A license key (aka product key) is only valid for the edition it was intended for (i.e. home premium, professional, ultimate, etc). It is not interchangeable between editions. In other words, a key intended for home premium will not activate ultimate or professional. You can use the same product key to activate either the 32-bit or 64-bit version of the edition it is intended for, but only one can be used with a single key. If you wish to install both versions, then you will need to purchase a separate key.

 

[Bare Foot Kid]

Hello Tartarus, welcome to Seven Forums!





Here are a couple tutorials at the links below you may care to have a look at.


Clean Install with a Upgrade Windows 7 Version

Windows 7 Universal Installation Disc - Create

 

[Tartarus]

So right now I have Professional 64 bit installed, I can go out and buy an upgrade version of that same Professional 64 bit and simply type the product key from that into this version and it will work fine?

If that is the case thanks you have been very help and this website is great.

 

[richc46]

Yes you can
The DVD just sets up the system. You must use the key to activate. So is you have the Edition that you want, just buy a key and activate.

It can even be done by phone
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/18715-activate-windows-7-phone.html?ltr=A

 

[Tartarus]

Right just to be doubly sure before I buy anything, all I need is the product key of an edition of windows which is the same as the one I am now running which is Windows 7 Professional 64 bit. It doesn't matter if the one I am running now was a full or upgrade version all I need is the product key of an upgrade version of Windows 7 Professional 64 bit and it should activate the one I am now running. Is this correct?

 

[richc46]

When you bought the bad key, what did you have on your system?
Was it activated?
Were you entitled to an upgrade when you bought the bad key?

 

[Tartarus]

I had Windows Vista Home 64 bit which was activated and then could not up grade to Windows 7 Professional 64 bit so I did a clean install using a version (not sure if it was full or upgrade) which I got from a site provided by my College which had a key that was already used.

What I was trying to say is that is there any difference between a full or upgrade Window 7 Professional 64 bit key?

Sorry about this I am kinda confused as to how the version work.

 

[Tartarus]

I cant get a Windows 7 Home CD but what I want to know is if I buy a retail upgrade version of Windows 7 Professional 64 bit can I use that key in my now running version of Windows 7 Professional 64 bit (which had the bad key) regards if it was a full or upgrade disk that I used to install it?

 

[Bare Foot Kid]

I'm not entirely sure as to the upgrade/retail differences in the activation keys but there are differences, maybe you had better make sure it'll work how you are asking before you spend money.


I'll ask someone who will know for sure to look into this thread for a definitive answer.

 

[richc46]

You can upgrade from Vista HP to Windows 7 Professional You may use the upgrade key.

 

[Tartarus]

I know now the key I tried to use was already used and I cannot use it. I can however buy a disk upgrade copy of Windows 7 Professional 64 bit for cheap which has an unused key. Can I just use this key to activate my now running unactivated Windows 7 Professional 64 bit OS?

It was stated previously that keys work within the same edition and bit type but do they also work between physical retail upgrade versions and full versions of the OS?

I am sorry if this sounds confusing but I dont fully understand the difference between full and upgrade versions of Windows 7, physical copies I mean.

 

[richc46]

To that question,.
You have a valid Vista HP. You can upgrade to Windows 7 HP.

 

[Tartarus]

I no longer have my Vista disk so I cannot revert back to it. I have a unactivated Windows 7 Professional 64 bit running on my computer because the key was already used, what I wanted to know and I think it was answered was that if I buy an upgrade disk of the same version can I use its key in my unactivated running version?

Or if I buy an upgrade disk can I do a completely fresh install of it on my system and remove my currently unactivated version of Windows 7?

I am sorry if I seem too persistent but I am very worried about this.

 

[richc46]

There seems to be a problem with us understanding each other. I would hate to have you spend extra money becuase you misunderstood me. It is best to call Microsoft and then get the name of the person that you spoke to.

 

[Tartarus]

I dont understand the differance between an upgrade version of Windows 7 and a full version.

I can get a cheap upgrade version of Windows 7 Professional 64 bit which comes with a product key. I have an unactivated Windows 7 Professional 64 bit without a key running on my system. I wanted to know if I could use the key from the cheap upgrade version to activate the currently running unactivated Windows 7 Professional 64 bit.

I am very worried about this and I dont want to spend a lot of money on a full version of Windows 7 if I dont need to.

 

[gregrocker]

You have a qualifying OS (Vista) so you qualify for Upgrade version, period.

When you ran or booted the Win7 Pro installer it scanned the HD to see Vista (or any OS) so it passed a flag allowing the use of an Upgrade version key, then or now.

If you had installed Win7 upgrade to a blank HD then you'd have to do a common workaround to get it to take the key, but you still qualify so it doesn't matter. http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/31402-clean-install-upgrade-windows-7-version.html

 

[Tartarus]

Ok ill buy the other upgrade copy of Windows Professional and see if the key works, but I still dont fully understand the process.

 

[Dave76]

According to a Microsoft site, don't think this is correct.

Which version of Windows 7 can I upgrade to?




OK, having said that, take a look at this Microsoft site.

Upgrading? Things to consider





So this seems to mean that it's ok.

You can upgrade but, must do a Custom install.