Windows 7: Home Premium

BuZ · 4 Feb 2013 at 13:16

I have a Windows 7: Home Premium (full package) that were in use by a computer that is now broken and gone forever.

Is there any chance I could ring Microsoft or contact them to change the use of the product key so I could use it on another Computer?

If so - will I be able to do the same again when I decide to upgrade in the future?

TheVoice · 4 Feb 2013 at 13:19

When you say full package, do you mean it's a retail item? If so, you can just re-install it on a new machine.

BuZ · 4 Feb 2013 at 13:22

It's OEM which means the install is locked to the computer it is used on.

Although, I think this can be changed if you ring Microsoft up and ask them to switch the product key to other Computer/PC/Laptop or whatever you're installing it to.

It is the full package, both 32bit/64bit discs.

BuZ · 6 Feb 2013 at 12:19

Anyone been able to do what I explained above?/Have you done it & is it possible?

zakblood · 6 Feb 2013 at 12:31

OEM is one use only, that's why it's cheaper, a phone call won't help on different hardware, phone and try, you have nothing to loose

kirbz · 6 Feb 2013 at 12:34

Basically the OEM licence is for 1 machine, that machine broke so technically you cannot install it on another machine...

Having said that the machine is broke so a replacement motherboard will be bought and used, you could argue that you are replacing the broken one and all the parts (bar mobo) are the same.

You can reinstall windows on the "new" machine and it should work, you may need to ring MS and re-activate. Technically it isn't legal (I think).

bledd · 6 Feb 2013 at 12:41

If the motherboard is broken and you've replaced it, then you can use that key on the new machine.

Chances are, it won't even blink an eye when you go to Activate it. From what I remember, there's a cool off period where a key will become 'usable' again. If you get any problems, phone them up and explain that you replaced the motherboard.

If it's the same 'computer' but a different motherboard; replaced due to damage, they should accept your request.

BuZ · 6 Feb 2013 at 15:30

Thank you very much, does anyone have the phone number?

If so does it cost/are there any charges for phoning the number/service to contact Microsoft?

demonix · 6 Feb 2013 at 16:02

BuZ said:
It's OEM which means the install is locked to the computer it is used on.

Although, I think this can be changed if you ring Microsoft up and ask them to switch the product key to other Computer/PC/Laptop or whatever you're installing it to.

It is the full package, both 32bit/64bit discs.

As far as I'm aware, only retail packs have both 32-bit and 64-bit version discs (OEM versions come with either a 32-bit version disc or a 64-bit version disc not both since that's how OCUK and others sells them) so you've got a retail version and not a OEM version.