Hi I have purchased a Lenovo desktop Thinkcenter with Windows 7 PRofessional 64bit pre installed. I needed some test applications that run only on 32 bit platform. So I need to install Windows 7 Professional 32 bit. I do not have any any installation media from lenovo. So Do I need to buy a fresh retail Windows 7 32 bit professional OR Can I use ANY windows 7 professional 32 bit retail version DVD for installation and then product key on the windows 7 preofessional 64 bit sticker on my thinkcenter? Is this legal? Is it allowed by microsoft?
THis particular application is a testing application that runs for a connected LAB device. And It can not be installed, I have tried installing on 64 bit version.
Usually yes, but some are incompatible with WOW64. @OP: The key works for both 32bit and 64bit, but only for one installation at a time.
OK I setup windows 7 professional 32 bit from a retail DVD, and when it asked for the product key, I entered the one on the windows 7 sticker on my thinkcenter, and it accepted. Dont know if it is legal for microsoft. If the product key is accepted during installation, then can i assume, its allowed by Microsoft?
No, the check at Setup is only preliminary (a simple calculation). But MS does not care about 32bit vs. 64bit.
So, presumably, if the product key passes the installation check (which is just a calculation), and letter when i connect the computer to internet, it will try to activate and suppose, at that time, if it gets activated (combination of Windows 7 32 bit professional retail version DVD setup + Product key of Windows 7 64 bit professional version on a sticker on computer), then can we take it that microsoft has allowed this? Because, correct me if I am wrong, if it is not allowed, internet activation will fail from MS server.
It is allowed. The key is for Windows 7 Professional, and keys are the same for 32 and 64bit. Edit: Retail packages come with both 32bit and 64bit media, but only one key for both. There's no difference.
Ok. Thanks. one last query: will it matter, as I have used a product key from Lenovo, and setup is from a Retail DVD?
No. It only mattered in XP and below. Btw. if it really came with Windows 7 pre-installed, then it will already have SLIC 2.1 in BIOS. So you could simply use Daz Windows Loader to install the Lenovo OEM:SLP key and certificate*. Permanent, legal activation. *Start the Loader and look if the 'Details' line contains the string 'v2.1'. If it does, go ahead.
On an Acer laptop there isn't a need for that! So, why it should be different on Lenovo? At the time I bought my Acer 4752, it came with Windows 7 32 bit and I changed to use an retail Windows 7 64bit, both Home Premium and use the Acer PKey for activation, worked with no problems, not extra Cert etc. needed!
Al right....!!! I tried calling Lenovo and MS but they are closed today. Will call up them on monday and update here what they say on this.
Lenovo, OK, I also believe they're closed! MS will have the activation centers open 24/7! And they should also be able to give you the answers you're need!
Maybe what OP has is an old 16 bit application, which will run on 32 bit Windows, but not on 64 bit Windows.
You can download the Windows 7 Pro 32 bit from MSDN and use your OEM:COA Sticker. Don't know why you people are misleading to something which he is not aware or not required. Thanks
As nearly as I can tell by going through this thread, everyone has already told OP that the COA key from the sticker would work fine. There is no difference between downloading from MSDN or using a retail disk.