[GotSnazz]

I put a new computer together a couple days ago, and used a Dell OEM Windows 7 disc to install windows on it. It's not activated yet. If i buy a $200 retail copy of windows at the store, can I use that key to activate it? Or will I have to reinstall with the retail version? They are both Home Premium. Thank you.

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Well, I am glad you are getting a new license because using that Dell OEM license was illegal!

You should be able to use the new key, but if it balks, a repair install with the new disk should correct it without over writing everything.

[Digerati]

Well, I am glad you are getting a new license because using that Dell OEM license was illegal!

You should be able to use the new key, but if it balks, a repair install with the new disk should correct it without over writing everything.

[GotSnazz]

I wasn't aware using the disk purely for an install was illegal. I was under the impression trying to move the activation over was the illegal part. You learn something everyday. Thanks for the heads up, and the reply.

[rshaffer61]

Also using the OEM disk supplied to your Dell for any other system can be issue in itself since it will load drivers for the Dell on the new system.

[GotSnazz]

Just an FYI. I bought the retail version of windows 7 home premium. Didn't even have to take it out of the box. I just put in the code that came with it, and it activated with no problems.

Good call on the drivers comment. I hadn't thought of that, and I'm actually really surprised it hasn't caused any problems. I deselected some stuff on the initial install, but I'm not sure if drivers were one of them.

Thanks for the help fellas.

[Digerati]

I wasn't aware using the disk purely for an install was illegal.

It's not - as long as you use a proper license key, as you did. But if you had left that Dell copy as is, even without activating it, that would have been a violation of the license agreement from the original installation. So all is good.