b.walker36

I know since i have an oem copy i am limited to one machine. However am i limited to the 32b that was installed. My sticker does not say so i was wondering if i could wipe it and use my key to install 64b instead of 32bit. thanks in advance.

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NITRO1250

Yes you can as far as when I talked with MS Customer service.

blupupher

From what I understand, MS will not send you a 64 bit disk, but if you can get a hold of a 64 bit disk, the key should work.

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FallenFaux

Yes, if you can get the 64-bit disk then you can install 64-bit. Also, If you have an OEM copy and try to install it with another system, all you have to do is call M$ and get a confirmation # from them for the install. I've done it about 4 times with a copy of premium I had. I just kept using it for my next build.

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coffeejunky

Exactly. If you can find an x64 disk - doesn't matter which version (i.e basic) - just use your key.

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blupupher

It is against the TOS here and against the Windows EULA to advocate pirating OEM software.

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guyladouche

I think MS will ship you a 64-bit version of Windows for just s/h (of course no product key provided)--and since you're using it on your original machine you first used with your 32-bit OEM version, it should be fine as far as MS is concerned.

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identitycrisis

How does this same question set popup almost weekly, and why do the same statements need to be restated...

Stop telling people its ok to reuse OEM keys... its against microsofts EULA and is against the TOS here on OCN... Jeez

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coffeejunky

The OPs question does not mean he is using teh OEM key on a different mobo - just that he wants to switch to x64 - which is perfectly acceptabel - you just need an x64 disk.
Although I do find it annoying how often people say its fine to use OEM keys on mutiple mobos.

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guyladouche

Where's your proof?

You can most certainly reuse an OEM key if it's on the same computer and same hardware that the OS was originally installed on. OEM=one machine only--there's no limit to how many times you can install an OS on the same machine regardless of whether it's an OEM license or regular retail. Learn the facts first, and then post.

EDIT--there's no prohibiting switching from 32-bit to 64-bit with the same license key in MS EULA IIRC, but this article states that the OEM is version-specific, so going between 32 and 64 bit is not allowed--haven't found this directly from MS yet. http://arstechnica.com/news.ars/post/20070130-8730.html

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