win10 not free for oem machines

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  1. Posts : 19
    win10
    Thread Starter
       #41

    Activation


    Hi all, my 'new' win7 has activated - which leaves me in a similar position to when this long, time waste of a saga started. To recap, I initially did a fresh load of win10 using the MS provided ISO (not knowing I should have upgraded first and then used the ISO if wanted); during the installation it asked for a licence key and rejected my win7 oem key. I hope you understand my reluctance to do the same thing again (win10 iso) and hope for a different result .....

    Does anyone know of a link where I can 'reserve' win10 for this laptop?
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 191
    Windows 10 Home 64 bit
       #42

    NavyLCDR said:
    That is incorrect. Windows 8.1 will install from the ISO and use the Windows 8 product key stored in bios or entered manually.
    Download Windows 8.1 Retail and OEM .iso | The Unofficial Windows 10 Reinstallation Guide

    I've got a vanilla Windows 8.1 DVD burned from the downloaded ISO and it installs just fine with OEM product keys.



    The Get Windows 10 icon has proven, historically, to be the least reliable method of upgrading to Windows 10.
    If you're installing to the same drive and partition it might work. I have an HP laptop with a pre-installed version of Windows 7. I got a downloaded Win 7 ISO and thought I could use that to do a clean install without all the HP stuff. I tried it in a separate partition as a dual boot. It installed fine but would not accept the OEM product key on the bottom of the computer. I then tried it as a clean install in the primary partition and the same thing happened. It would not accept the key. The only way I could reinstall was by using the HP recovery disks. Also, now, if you try to download a Windows 7 ISO from Microsoft, it asks for a product key. An OEM key will not allow the download. You get the message that it is an OEM key and you will have to get installation media from the manufacturer. I haven't tried it on this computer that came with 8.1 preinstalled as OEM but I'm sure 8.1 would do the same thing. I upgraded this machine to 10 by using the Media Creation tool without any problems but it says Windows 10 is also OEM.

    I do have two 8.1 disks. One from the manufacturer (who don't exist any more), and one from a downloaded ISO. I may play around with them and see if it works.

    Another thing, the key only gets stored in the BIOS if you have a UEFI BIOS. None of my machines do.
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 436
    Windows 10 Pro 64-bit
       #43

    ognik said:
    ... I hope you understand my reluctance to do the same thing again (win10 iso) and hope for a different result .....
    You did it wrong. Do it right, it will work.
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 18,424
    Windows 11 Pro
       #44

    Dch48 said:
    I haven't tried it on this computer that came with 8.1 preinstalled as OEM but I'm sure 8.1 would do the same thing.
    Those of us that have done it with Windows 8.1 will tell you that it does not act like Windows 7 regarding downloads, installation, and OEM product keys. With 8.1 you can download and install an ISO with an OEM key.
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 18,424
    Windows 11 Pro
       #45

    ognik said:
    Does anyone know of a link where I can 'reserve' win10 for this laptop?
    Use the "upgrade this PC now" option of the Media Creation Tool - that takes the human error factor out of getting the wrong version Windows 10:
    Windows 10

    IMPORTANT: To upgrade for free, select Upgrade this PC now in the tool. You should NOT be asked for a product key during the upgrade process. If you create a USB and use it to install, make sure to remove the USB as soon as setup begins. If you don't, you may be prompted for a product key. If this happens, remove the USB and restart your PC to continue with setup.
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 14,046
    Windows 11 Pro X64 22H2 22621.1848
       #46

    I've upgraded several Windows 7 system to Windows 10 using Media Creation Tool using the "upgrade this PC now" option and it's worked well.

    I also used MCT to create an ISO that I then used to create a flash drive to install with using Rufus, that also worked well.

    Upgrade using the right ISO or "upgrade this PC now" option and you should be okay.

    Make sure you have an image backup of your current OS just in case something does go wrong.
      My Computers


 

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