How do I install Win7 OEM when I should have purchased Win7 Retail

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  1. Posts : 5
    XP
       #1

    How do I install Win7 OEM when I should have purchased Win7 Retail


    I am currently running XP Professional 2002 SP3. I purchased Win7 Home Premium SP1, 64 bit on-line last week and they sent me the OEM version. Because I opened the package they will not accept a return of OEM for the Retail version.

    Is there a way to install OEM on my PC?

    I have a Dell Dimension 5100 with 4Gb RAM and plenty of external HD space.
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 2,409
    Windows 7 Professional 32-bit/Windows 8 64-bit/Win7 Pro64-bit
       #2

    You are allowed to install it on your computer. There is no difference except that the installation is stuck on your computer and cannot be moved. Well, unless that was from another PC. Where did you get it?
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 5
    XP
    Thread Starter
       #3

    I should add that the Windows Set-up message I get when spinning up the DVD is:

    "Your computer can't run this version of Windows. You need an installation disc that's compatible with your computer. For more information, check you computer's system information."

    I assume this is due to OEM version but could it be a 64 bit issue?
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 5
    XP
    Thread Starter
       #4

    Bought it from Rakuten which used to be Buy.com
      My Computer


  5. whs
    Posts : 26,210
    Vista, Windows7, Mint Mate, Zorin, Windows 8
       #5

    1. OEM versions is all that's on the market. Microsoft withdrew the retail versions.
    2. There is nothing wrong with OEM versions if you accept what computer0304 said
    3. If this is a 64bit version, your CPU must be 64bit capable - what's your CPU
    4. Buy.com has always been a shady outfit. I guess they just changed their name, not their practices.

    5. You can download a 32bit (x86) version from here and try to install it with your product key. In principle that should work. Make sure you get the exact version that matches your key - e.g. Home Premium. It's worth a try and there is nothing to lose.

    And make an image of your XP system so that you can backpaddle in case things don't work out.
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 2,409
    Windows 7 Professional 32-bit/Windows 8 64-bit/Win7 Pro64-bit
       #6

    Yep, according to your system specs, you have a Pentium 4 CPU which is 32-bit.

    whs: I thought with OEM versions, you need to use the version of Windows it came with: I don't think you can use a 64-bit Windows key on a 32-bit installation. But please correct me if I'm wrong.
      My Computer


  7. whs
    Posts : 26,210
    Vista, Windows7, Mint Mate, Zorin, Windows 8
       #7

    I am not 100% sure myself. But it is worth a try - costs nothing and we will all learn something.
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 2,409
    Windows 7 Professional 32-bit/Windows 8 64-bit/Win7 Pro64-bit
       #8

    If the key does not work in 32-bit, you can call Microsoft and they might do a phone activation for you. https://support.microsoft.com/gp/con...mer_serv?&fr=1
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 19,383
    Windows 10 Pro x64 ; Xubuntu x64
       #9

    Product keys are not BIT specific....the same key will activate an x86 or x64 installation. Of course it's an either or situation....you cannot activate both concurrently.
      My Computer


  10. Posts : 16,130
    7 X64
       #10

    The confusion arises because oem versions come with only one dvd. You can use the key for 32 bit. Follow Whs advice POST 5
      My Computers


 
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