New product key to replace invalid product key


  1. Posts : 7
    32 bit XP
       #1

    New product key to replace invalid product key


    Just discovered that the Win 7 Professional Retail Version I purchased, downloaded & installed has a bogus product key. I've since ordered a genuine Win 7 copy. When it arrives, can I just enter the new product key into the existing system without reinstalling Win 7 again, following the "change product key" instructions? If not, is there a way to do this without a reinstall?
    THANKS.....Lee
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 71,959
    64-bit Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
       #2

    Hello Lee,

    As long as you purchased a retail Windows 7 Pro, then yes you should be able to just change the key to the new one to activate with it. :)

    Product Key Number - Change
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 13
    Microsoft Windows 7 Home Basic 32-bit 7601 Multiprocessor Free Service Pack 1
       #3

    Hi Crazy Biker,
    Yes, of course yoou can by following the "change product key" instructions. :)
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 7
    32 bit XP
    Thread Starter
       #4

    Thanks, y'all.........now let's hope I get what I ordered!

    Cheers.........the very crazy biker Lee
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 71,959
    64-bit Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
       #5

    You're welcome Lee. If you have any problems, please let us know. :)
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 7
    32 bit XP
    Thread Starter
       #6

    Let me think a bit more on this, "just in case". I've observed that the OEM versions of Win 7 Pro are more plentiful than the full retail versions. In case I "accidentally" get the OEM version (or am notified that the full retail isn't available), will that OEM product key work in my existing full retail installation? Again, if not, is there a way around this other than a reinstall?

    Thanks again.......Lee
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 71,959
    64-bit Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
       #7

    As long as you get a Pro edition, an OEM key should work as well.

    If it doesn't for some reason, then you could try to activate by phone to hopefully avoid a clean install to activate.
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 7
    32 bit XP
    Thread Starter
       #8

    Great! I'd surely try that approach rather than a reinstall; on my upgrade from XP to Win 7, it was about a week before I restored all my files & customizations and got them to work well with each other!

    Lee
      My Computer


 

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