Can I download Windows 7 OEM with the product key?

[Uraneum]

I'm currently building a second PC with the spare parts I've accumulated over the years and I'm having trouble getting Windows 7 to work. I'm using a laptop hard drive that was pre-installed with Windows 7 OEM on a different motherboard. I do not have an install disc.

From what I've read it seems I'm definitely gonna have to reinstall Windows entirely, as there's obviously some massive software clash going on. I was able to find the product key and enter it on Microsoft's website in order to download Windows onto a USB and so on, but the key isn't validating for some reason. Am I unable to download it via the key because it's the OEM version? Or is there something else going on and I should contact support?

P.S. I'm positive that it's the product key and not the product ID or serial number. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

 

[Phillip Corcoran]

OEM Product Keys are invalid for Microsoft's downloads of Windows 7.

Your OEM Windows is tied to your laptop and cannot be transferred to any other PC, highly illegal primarily, but also it won't boot on different hardware anyway so your screwed for two reasons - - legally and technically.

You'll have to buy Windows with it's own licence and product key for your new PC build so you can do a clean install from scratch.