Hi guys,
Just a quick question, I know that the 32-bit OEM keys can be used interchangeable for the 64-bit version of the window. As I don't have a copy of the 64-bit OEM disc, can I use a retail professional ISO with the OEM key?
Also, would anyone know where I can get a copy of said ISO? I need a copy to reformat a friends computer and I only have retail versions of HP and Ultimate… would these work?
Cheers,
ProjectZero
Tried that, unfortunately doesn't work with OEM keys.
I believe you can't use an OEM key to install a retail version of windows. You'll need the recovery media which came with your friends PC when he bought it.
If it's been lost I think your best option is to contact the manufacturer and possibly get some replacements.
Otherwise you can obtain a Win7 Ultimate MSDN key off someone from another forum(~$3-5) and Format the PC with a retail ISO copy
Cheers mate, unfortunately, it is a home built desktop so I guess I'll have to see if I can get an OEM disc from a computer store or something.
I did a bit more digging and I think I was mistaken, you can use the OEM key to activate a retail copy only if the edition of windows is the same as the one you will install.
Example If you have Windows 7 Home Premium it can only activate if you reinstall Home Premium.
There are some instructions on This Website on how to activate using an OEM key.
Microsoft removed the Windows 7 ISO's to download(You can only get them through Software Recovery) so you may have to get one via torrent or other websites.
@Forskin: Cheers for the help… was looking to do the downloading the "legit" way but I suppose if M$ wants to take it down, I'll have to resort to torrents.
How things change, must be this Windows 10 thing. I downloaded W7 ISO from MS 6 months ago with no key needed.
From memory you should be able to use any retail copy of windows 7 for example. It's the key that determines the version installed. If it doesn't work you've learned something and killed a few hours.
Install it, enter the code then when it comes to activating it, I give MS a call, read out the 20+ something numbers and letters and they give you 20+ numbers to enter into your system.
I've had to migrate OEM from a busted HP to generic PC with no problems. I was actually amazed how easy calling MS was. They're actually very good.
You can download it from Microsoft providing you have a legit key.
http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-recovery