Windows 7 problems

50Twuncle

My HP laptop came with back up DVD copies of Windows 7 Premium 64 bit - but on trying to reinstall this - I found that it had gone corrupt and would not fully install.....
(before anyone asks - the back up on the HDD partition has also gone astray)

So I borrowed a copy of 32 bit Windows 7 Professional N from a colleague to use - remember that I do have a licenced copy of 64 bit
This worked for a month - I am now getting the warning "beware unlicenced OS" - So I decided to change the product key to my genuine one (using an MS Utility) - but my key was not accepted (presumably because the OS (although a downgrade) is not exactly the same) ?

How can I stay "legal" without spending any money ?

Does *any* Windows 7 64 bit premium DVD pass MS key check - if I use my (legal) product key ?

Alternatively - what will happen (and when) if I ignore the MS Warnings and continue to use the copy - How long will I be able to use it ?

leseul

Read this: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/18715-activate-windows-7-phone.html

Lucero_2

Yep, just ring up and use the automated process. The "key" is valid for any copy of Windows 7 Home Premium either x64 or x86.

Personally, I would try and keep with x64, but if you've only got a x86 version handy then that will do. Be wardned though, you can't upgrade to x64 without doing a complete new instalaltion.

Leo2020

The copy of Windows on your laptop was originally an OEM 64-bit version which came with an OEM product key. The copy you have borrowed will be a retail copy and is also 32-bit. You won't be able to use the product key with a retail version of Windows, you will need to use it with a HP OEM version of Windows.

You can order recovery disks from the manufacturer. HP's website referred me to this for UK customers: https://www.best2serve.com/page/rcd_landing

leseul

Leo2020 wrote: »

The copy of Windows on your laptop was originally an OEM 64-bit version which came with an OEM product key. The copy you have borrowed will be a retail copy and is also 32-bit. You won't be able to use the product key with a retail version of Windows, you will need to use it with a HP OEM version of Windows.

In my experience I have been able to activate using a non OEM disk as long as its the same machine (i.e. not transferring the license to another machine) and you'll need to activate by phone.

Leo2020

Well the OP can always try telephone activation. But does it still work if you have 64-bit license but 32-bit software?

leseul

Yeah, Windows 7 doesn't distinguish between 32bit and 64bit keys.

Lucero_2

Leo2020 wrote: »

Well the OP can always try telephone activation. But does it still work if you have 64-bit license but 32-bit software?

The answer to your question was posted an hour before your first response.

50Twuncle

http://msft-dnl.digitalrivercontent.net/msvista/pub/X15-65733/X15-65733.iso
is the download URL for a genuine copy of Windows 7 64bit premium - of course this only works when using a genuine key code

TakeThis

21Twinkle wrote: »

http://msft-dnl.digitalrivercontent.net/msvista/pub/X15-65733/X15-65733.iso
is the download URL for a genuine copy of Windows 7 64bit premium - of course this only works when using a genuine key code

You should use the SP1 image. Here

closed

factory restore partition?

gone corrupt, gone astray?