Windows 7 installation

[PrivatePixel]

I have a general question regarding Windows 7: can I use the Windows 7 Professional SP1 64bit (Full) System Builder DVD for installation on a laptop?


Here's my situation:
My laptop came pre-installed with Windows 7 Home Premium. I swapped the original hard drive (Toshiba 5400rpm) with a WD Scorpio Black yesterday. I am trying to install Windows 7 on the new HDD, but the original Home Premium product key won't work (my guess is that the product key was tied to the original hardware, a limitation of OEM/system builder licenses: no hardware changes alowed). I tried using the 64-bit upgrade disc that I purchased through the university store, but the product key isn't recognized. Tried installing Windows XP Pro, but I end up with a BSOD during installation.

Bottom line: can I use the system builder (OEM) license on my laptop? I'm not planning on any other hardware changes, and I would prefer not having to spend ~$265 for a full license of Windows 7 Professional if I don't have to. Both Amazon and NewEgg has the OEM Professional license for ~$140 (I think that's the cheapest online price from a legitimate e-tailer).

[Hatter]

The upgrade install didn't activate because well, there was no upgrade path it could follow to validate the product.

You can however call up microsoft and explain the new hard drive. They should re-activate your old oem license for you.

[rob.sparrow]

try using the pro disc and installing without the key.

then use the online upgrade function, choosing windows home premium as your choice, putting your original home premuim key in for the upgrade. when you go to activate, if it then doesnt work, use the phone method. its an automated system where you type into your phone 9 sets of 6 numbers that will appear on your screen. it will in turn give you another 9 sets of 6 numbers to put in below.



i have a home premium disc and use it to install windows 7 professional on 2 of my machines when upgrading etc.

[PrivatePixel]

Got it resolved yesterday. I forgot that I had an unused copy of Vista, so I installed that, then used the upgrade option for Win 7 Pro; activated without issue this morning. Never got Win XP to install, plus the upgrade steps would have been more of a hassle. Thanks to everyone for their suggestions.

[Hatter]

Originally Posted by PrivatePixel

Got it resolved yesterday. I forgot that I had an unused copy of Vista, so I installed that, then used the upgrade option for Win 7 Pro; activated without issue this morning. Never got Win XP to install, plus the upgrade steps would have been more of a hassle. Thanks to everyone for their suggestions.

Just wanted to note that since I had to re-install Windows 7 while only posessing an upgrade disc,I activated it using the well known double install method. Full install Win 7, don't activate. Then use upgrade option which installs Windows 7 again and enter upgrade key. Worked for me. For future refernece or anyone else.

[PS3-Playb3yond]

Originally Posted by Hatter

Just wanted to note that since I had to re-install Windows 7 while only posessing an upgrade disc,I activated it using the well known double install method. Full install Win 7, don't activate. Then use upgrade option which installs Windows 7 again and enter upgrade key. Worked for me. For future refernece or anyone else.

A clean install is always better than an upgrade though. Why did you upgrade from Windows 7 to Windows 7? Were they different editions?