Will my OEM key work on retail version of Windows?

Chandra mate why are you asking because the 64bit version you bought should have it's own activation code. It will not activate with the OEM version (code) you have.

For future reference the retail version can be installed on another machine in any case should the original machine you install it on dies- the only thing you cannot do is have it on more than one machine at a time.

Having said that I think MS might get ask why if you have installed it on more than say three machines in a row.

ALL Windows 7 Keys are valid for both 64-bit and 32- bit installs (but not at the same time)
Yes, you can use a Retail disk to install with an OEM Key.

Sorry my mistake I thought it was the way I said I will leave you to Noel's answer.

NoelDP said:

ALL Windows 7 Keys are valid for both 64-bit and 32- bit installs (but not at the same time)
Yes, you can use a Retail disk to install with an OEM Key.

Noel, I believe that using an OEM SLP key will only work with OEM recovery media and is blocked from the activation servers. The OP would have to activate by phone using the Certificate of Authenticity (COA) key in this scenario (using retail media), would he not?

EDIT: removed reference to unauthorized software, I apologize to all. - UBM

The COA Sticker Key will work on Retail media.
The Key found using a Keyfinder tool will work for the install - but will not activate unless it's either the one from the COA sticker, or a retail Key.

You should NEVER use Recovery media from one machine on another

Now this query seems to be causing some confusion least not to me.

Now if I have a retail version of 7 64bit and installed it over the 32bit version why on earth would I want to use the OEM 32bit version activation code?? Is that code not locked to the motherboard for the 32bit version??
My understanding was that each copy has it's own dedicated activation code - unless I use the ei.cfg removal tool when using any disk media??
But why one would want to do that is quite beyond me. If it were me I would slip in 2GB extra RAM and use the 64bit copy, because I do not know what is going to be saved by using the activation code for the 32bit??.

ALL windows 7 Product Keys are valid for BOTH 64-bit and 32-bit installs - but only one at a time!

Ok Noel have taken that in but my thought is if I have a retail 64bit copy why would I install it using the 32bit version code?? I cannot see any advantage and surely the two versions would be locked to the code that came with each one unless one used that ei.cfg removal tool.

I just don't see how an activation code for a 32bit OS could be used for the 64bit version seeing it has it's own dedicated code.

It sort of sounds to me that owner is trying to save an install "counts" by using the 32bit code for the new 64bit media or have I got it completely wrong??

Anyway about time I got out of this one.

The OP wants to UPgrade from 32-bit to 64-bit :)
Must have some more RAM install that he wants to use