Hi,

I have a copy of Windows 7 Business/Professional (64bit) which I got for free (legally) off of one of Microsofts websites for students. (http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/academic/default.aspx)

I need to reinstall it, and was wondering where I stood with the product keys. I know with OEM stuff it's not a problem, but I've never had an 'aftermarket' OS before aside from Linux, and wanted to check I won't be uninstalling it, only to find I won't be able to put it back on again. I have the product key they gave me still, and it will be going back onto the same laptop, with no hardware changes.

Thanks,

Joe.

Hi,

I have a copy of Windows 7 Business/Professional (64bit) which I got for free (legally) off of one of Microsofts websites for students. (http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/academic/default.aspx)

I need to reinstall it, and was wondering where I stood with the product keys. I know with OEM stuff it's not a problem, but I've never had an 'aftermarket' OS before aside from Linux, and wanted to check I won't be uninstalling it, only to find I won't be able to put it back on again. I have the product key they gave me still, and it will be going back onto the same laptop, with no hardware changes.

Thanks,

Joe.

That should be ok, It will need to be re-activated after the install and if there are any issues you'll have to phone Microsoft who will give you a bloody great long key over the phone to type in. Chances are you won't need to though

Thanks,

shall have a go tomorrow most likely, fingers crossed I won't be needed to ring Microsoft.

Cheers,

Joe.

Unlikely there'll be a problem, as you're putting it back onto the same laptop.

Steve

even if you do have to talk to microsoft they will only ask you to confirm how many pcs this is currently installed on.

Yup, you will be totally fine.

OEM allows you to install/re-install on to the original machine it was intended for. With OEM you cannot transfer the licence to another PC, even the motherboard dies and you find a replacement.

With the student package its kinda a retail licence, meaning that you can only have it installed on 1 PC at a time. If you do encounter problems with the activation process just call their toll free number.

Mark

If it is back onto the same PC with no or minimal h/w changes the fingerprint will be sufficiently similar that it should just activate.

Thanks all.