Windows 7 lisences

mac1st3 · 3 Nov 2009 at 08:11

Hey guys, had a quick search but couldn't turn up what I'm looking for, but feel free to point me in the right direction

I've installed windows 7 home premium on my PC, all is good, and have now come into posession of Ultimate edition.

While I know I can just upgrade from one to the other, I was wondering, am I able to install windows 7 ultimate, and then give my copy of home premium to a family member, as it's not installed/the lisence for it isn't technically being used.

I understand this probably isn't the case if I go for the !anytime upgrade" so would I have to to clean install all over again? or can I just get away with upgrading and letting my brother have my old 7 home premium?

memyselfandi · 3 Nov 2009 at 08:24

Is the copy of Home Premium Retail or OEM?

The former then it can be installed on another machine if it is not in use, if it's the latter then it's tied to the first motherboard it was installed on.

mac1st3 · 3 Nov 2009 at 08:48

the home premium is retail copy, the ultimate is NFR copy (not for retail) so probably OEM

PhillyDee · 3 Nov 2009 at 09:09

You can install Retail on as many different PC's and hardware as you like (But only ever one at a time).
So just go nuts!

mac1st3 · 3 Nov 2009 at 09:13

PhillyDee said:
You can install Retail on as many different PC's and hardware as you like (But only ever one at a time).
So just go nuts!

cool, but do I have to do a clean install on my machine or can I get away with just the upgrade? cause in my mind, if I upgrade the key for my home premium will technically be in use, just...not >.<

so if I install ultimate, will that negate my home premium key and free it up?