Windows pro 7 system builder key with retail DVD?

[groupiii]

I have a virtual machine that I installed Windows 7 Pro from a retail DVD. Can I use a System Builder/OEM Product Key to activate it or do I have to reinstall using the System Builder DVD?

 

[Ubrales]

Welcome to Tom's hardware Forums!

If you have the 'retail' key use it rather than the OEM key.

The answer is yes, you can activate it using the OEM key, but then it is not transferable to a different computer like the retail version is. In addition to this, the retail version has tech support from Microsoft; not so the OEM version.

 

[groupiii]

Thanks for the info that's just what I needed.

Transferability is not really an issue since it is in a virtual machine that will live on one box.

Thanks for the quick response!

 

[groupiii]

Best answer selected by groupiii.

 

[Ubrales]

Thank you!

 

[nikorr]

This topic has been closed by Nikorr.