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Can I install Win7 from any DVD with any Key?

Kelemvor

Kelemvor

Lifer
I have a license key for WIn7 Professional but the only DVD I have is for Win7 Ultimate. Can I install with Ultimate, use the Professional key, and will it just activate as professional?

Also are keys specific to 32 vs 64 bit? I have a DVD of each but don't know if the key is coded to one or the other.
 
If I recall correctly the Windows 7 DVD actually has all versions on it, it just goes by your cd key as to which one it installs. The keys are not specific to 32 or 64 bit. Your key will work for both.
 
That's what I thought but wasn't 100% sure and didn't want to waste time installing it to find out it wasn't going to work.

Thanks.
 
Well crap. Installing with Ultimate and got to the key part. Put in my Professional key and got an error that it doesn't match the WIndows SKU.

Left it blank for now and am hoping it will let me downgrade somehow once I get all the way in... *sigh*
 
thanks for updating, i was gonna try this with ultimate dvd/oem key, please update any new info
 
Well crap. Just tried with my ultimate DVD and plugged in a professional CD Key and it worked just fine installing Windows 7 Professional. Please keep us updated with the outcome. Thanks
 
i saw a blurb somewhere that the language between the key and media has to match was the only exception
 
OS said:
i saw a blurb somewhere that the language between the key and media has to match was the only exception
Click to expand...

I haven't verified myself, but I heard that was NOT an issue. It was my understanding you could mix and match language and keys.
 
2canSAM said:
If I recall correctly the Windows 7 DVD actually has all versions on it, it just goes by your cd key as to which one it installs. The keys are not specific to 32 or 64 bit. Your key will work for both.
Click to expand...

Windows 7 DVDs do have all versions on it, BUT not all of them are configured to give the end user the option to select which version to install. If it's a retail Ultimate DVD for instance, it will only install Ultimate.

You can either delete the "ei.cfg" file on the DVD which forces the selection window to pop up on install, or you can alter the ISO so that it will install a different version of windows 7. Either will work. I personally just delete the "ei.cfg" file so that I have one DVD that can install multiple versions, instead of burning multiple DVDs.

Delete ei.cfg from ISO:

http://www.mydigitallife.info/2009/...ction-on-install-with-ei-cfg-removal-utility/

Windows 7 version switcher:

http://www.mydigitallife.info/2009/...on-switcher-free-download-for-direct-convert/
 
PepperBreath said:
Windows 7 DVDs do have all versions on it, BUT not all of them are configured to give the end user the option to select which version to install. If it's a retail Ultimate DVD for instance, it will only install Ultimate.

You can either delete the "ei.cfg" file on the DVD which forces the selection window to pop up on install, or you can alter the ISO so that it will install a different version of windows 7. Either will work. I personally just delete the "ei.cfg" file so that I have one DVD that can install multiple versions, instead of burning multiple DVDs.
Click to expand...
^^^ This.
 
Additional : Windows Vista retail dvds worked for both OEM and Retail keys. Windows 7 install discs no longer have that capability. The discs still include all versions, but you'll need a OEM disc for OEM key and Retail disc for Retail key. I'm not sure if this can be edited out as the above can.
 
Well, my DVD was the Ultimate edition from those House Party things from the launch date. My key is a Professional OEM key and it did not like it.

I downloaded an OEM RTM version of Win7 Professional and installed that with my key and it has worked fine so far. Just hoping I don't get a validation issue at some point but the key is legit so I should be fine.
 
Anteaus said:
Additional : Windows Vista retail dvds worked for both OEM and Retail keys. Windows 7 install discs no longer have that capability. The discs still include all versions, but you'll need a OEM disc for OEM key and Retail disc for Retail key. I'm not sure if this can be edited out as the above can.
Click to expand...

Not true. I've installed Windows 7 from a retail DVD and then activated with an OEM key. The only hang up is that it didn't activate online but I had to call the automated phone number to activate. Otherwise it works fine.

I've done this twice for two different systems, two different keys.
 
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