Pro 32bit key, on Pro 64

HP shipped my laptop with the wrong version of Windows. Rather than go through the pain of sending it back to them to get it refunded I wanted to know one quick thing:

The back of the laptop has a key that says "PRO OA" followed by the key.

If I use the key on the back, can I just install Windows 7 Pro 64 bit, and use the key from the 32 bit version? Or no? Reason I ask is because I REALLY do not want to have to send it back and have such a huge hassle with them.

TL;DR Can I use my Win 7 Pro 32bit key, on the same computer with Win 7 Pro 64.

Perfect, so If I understand you correctly, as long as I install Windows 7 Professional 64 bit, it shouldn't give me any hassle? Awesome, that reduces the stress of this tremulously. Thank you very much!

Theres no need to "uninstall" the license key, removing windows or formatting the disk is sufficient. Thats because a retail key is "activated" at MS's servers, thats where the hardware hash linking that computer to that key is stored. Uninstalling the key locally via slmgr has no effect on MS's data, that is affected only when you try to reuse that key on the same or a different machine.

Of course if slmgr satisfies your conscience and makes you feel you're doing things the ethical way, thats a different matter.

Hydrogen said:

HP shipped my laptop with the wrong version of Windows. Rather than go through the pain of sending it back to them to get it refunded I wanted to know one quick thing:

The back of the laptop has a key that says "PRO OA" followed by the key.

If I use the key on the back, can I just install Windows 7 Pro 64 bit, and use the key from the 32 bit version? Or no? Reason I ask is because I REALLY do not want to have to send it back and have such a huge hassle with them.

TL;DR Can I use my Win 7 Pro 32bit key, on the same computer with Win 7 Pro 64.

Before you wipe your drive and reinstall Windows you might want to copy the swsetup folder under C:\Windows as it contains the HP drivers and any applications you might find useful.

Kari said:

Bill2 said:

Of course if slmgr satisfies your conscience and makes you feel you're doing things the ethical way, thats a different matter.

That's precisely why I am always doing it. A bit paranoid, I keep doing these extra unnecessary things just to please myself :).

Lol, I always underestimated the capabilities of slmgr.

Kari said:

:)

My logics:

Slmgr has an uninstall product key switch (slmgr /upk) ergo it is meant to be used. So I use it :)

Hmmm...hopefully that logic doesn't extend to format C: or rmdir windows and such like. But of course you're not that logical/illogical.