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Upgrading main computer to Windows 8 and using my Windows 7 copy on another

Discussion in 'Windows OS' started by Deery50, Nov 30, 2012.

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  1. Deery50 Newcomer, in training Posts: 24

    Hello, I wanted to upgrade my main computer to windows 8 by buying it and installing it. But I want to use the windows 7 copy that is currently installed on my main computer on my secondary computer that is still on vista. I know how to find the product key which I have, but I don't have an actual physical disc copy of windows 7 so how will I install windows 7 without a disc with the product key I have?

    So Pretty much I guess I have to get windows home premium ISO file and type in my product key. But I want to be sure I get this file legally. It means nothing without the product key anyway.
    Deery50, Nov 30, 2012
    #1

  2. SNGX1275 TS Special Forces Posts: 11,891   +117

    I don't know of a surefire legal way to get a Windows 7 image anymore (without re-paying for it). You might be best off trying to find a friend that you can borrow the disk from. Microsoft used to offer it for download, but I'm not sure if you could get it without buying a key at the same time, but in any case, I couldn't find that anymore since they are pushing Windows 8 pretty hard.
    SNGX1275, Nov 30, 2012
    #2

  3. Deery50 Newcomer, in training Posts: 24

    Deery50, Nov 30, 2012
    #3

  4. Cobalt006 TechSpot Booster Posts: 819   +43

    Cobalt006, Dec 1, 2012
    #4
    Deery50 and SNGX1275 like this.

  5. cliffordcooley TechSpot Paladin Posts: 2,297   +291

    Is your copy of Windows 7, an OEM version? If so, then it is non-transferable.

    You stated you didn't have a disk and could find your key, which brings up the question of whether you can transfer your license.

    All OEM installs are bound to hardware in which they were installed and activated.
    cliffordcooley, Dec 1, 2012
    #5

  6. SNGX1275 TS Special Forces Posts: 11,891   +117

    I should have remembered that site. I once tried to be clever and turn the free 2008 Server I got from there into a usable Windows 7, but there were just too many hassles (AVs, disk defragmenters, printer drivers, ect).
    SNGX1275, Dec 1, 2012
    #6
     

  7. Cobalt006 TechSpot Booster Posts: 819   +43

    I have this site book mark. There are a lot of people who seem to misplace there recovery disks or have some how manage to corrupt there recovery partion. Due to virus and such. It comes in very handy.
    Cobalt006, Dec 1, 2012
    #7

  8. JC713 TechSpot Guru Posts: 2,664   +195

    Get the serial number from the bottom of your machine and maybe you can use it. but it may not be able to be transferred because it may notice a different mobo.
    JC713, Dec 1, 2012
    #8

  9. Cobalt006 TechSpot Booster Posts: 819   +43

    Very few times I have ran into that. Most of the time its a go.
    Cobalt006, Dec 1, 2012
    #9

  10. cliffordcooley TechSpot Paladin Posts: 2,297   +291

    Whether it does or not is irrelevant because of the terms stated within OEM license. Even an upgrade install becomes bound when upgrading an OEM version. Only full retail versions have transferable license. Successfully transferring an OEM license is forbidden within license agreement. With that said, their are probably thousands of people who are never called out and prosecuted on licensing issues.
    cliffordcooley, Dec 1, 2012
    #10

  11. misor TechSpot Booster Posts: 340   +43

    1. buy windows 8 from microsoft store.
    the windows 8 installer files are saved in a hidden folder in C:\ESD\Windows.

    2. create a bootable windows 8 dvd or bootable usb flash drive.

    3. boot from windows 8 dvd/usb flash drive and install windows 8 on the second partition.
    that way, you have a fully functional windows 7 side by side with windows 8 pro.
    since you have a genuine windows 7/8, windows 8 will be activated in the background as soon as you have an internet connection.
    misor, Dec 7, 2012
    #11

  12. Deery50 Newcomer, in training Posts: 24

    No need to argue :) Problem solved.
    Deery50, Dec 11, 2012
    #12

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