can i use a windows 8.1 pro key to activate windows 7?

[xwar91x]

i lost my old w7 key that came on my system so im wondering if i could just use my windows 8.1 key to validate it


plz noone tell me i should just use the windows8.1 key if i wanted to do that i wouldnt have made this thread...besides the key was used once already

 

[Groveling_Wyrm]

You should not be able to use it for W7. Also, if it has been used, and is still in use on a different computer, then you are violating the terms of use and illegally using it to activate the 2nd computer.

 

[Someone Somewhere]

No.

If windows came with your system and it's from e.g. HP/Dell, you may be able to simply use the restore disks to install and it will activate using the SLIC data in the BIOS. If it's not an OEM machine, you won't be able to.

 

[zsedan]

Downlaod this: https://www.magicaljellybean.com/keyfinder/

It will tell your key.

 

[xwar91x]

no the windows 8 key was used on only 1 system the same one i wanna install w7...but my harddrive failed after installing w10 so i wanna go back to w7

 

[justajohn]

no the windows 8 key was used on only 1 system the same one i wanna install w7...but my harddrive failed after installing w10 so i wanna go back to w7

Why not go back to win8? People are going to ask because it's what you got. LOL
I'm just curious... I myself prefer win7 I am trying 10 (not liking mind you), and I despise 8 but if 8 is the version you have the valid key for then I'd use it. Reverting to win7 means buying a win7 key. Link to scam/spam site removed - SS
A pretty cheap and quick option looks like.

Hope you get it figured out
-John

 

[justajohn]

Didn't intend to post a scam site. I re-posted from someones comment elsewhere and looked like a good deal... win7 pro 32 or 64 bit OEM for $22 download... but more then likely a scam. lol

But anyhow the answer still stands you need to buy a new win7 key.

I got one from amazon for a little less then $50 USD not too long ago... for a 7 year old operating system??? and they are giving away their newest for free talk about your scams... lol
I am about to re-install win7 pro to my daily user as win10 is just still way too buggy for me to jump in all the way.
Damn Microsoft always pushing out stuff before it's ready.

 

[Someone Somewhere]

Oops... forgot to PM you about that.

Most of the places to buy cheap software will sell you stuff like MSDN keys, which MS will revoke if they find out they've been sold.

 

[justajohn]

Oops... forgot to PM you about that.

Most of the places to buy cheap software will sell you stuff like MSDN keys, which MS will revoke if they find out they've been sold.

Not a problem. I should have been more careful about posting dubious links in forums anyhow... It was too easy to cut and paste and I was in the moment... didn't think it through.
The last thing I want to do is perpetuate a scam I'm not even getting any benefit from. LOL
Thanks for keeping things decent.