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Question about selling an OEM Windows 8 key without activating the computer and installing Windows 7 instead

Discussion in 'Windows OS and Software' started by Loney111111, Jun 10, 2013.

Loney111111 Notebook Deity

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I will buy a laptop somewhere between this summer and the Christmas break. Obviously all of the laptops will have Windows 8, but I don't like the UI, and I have a spare Windows 7 retail key.

I plan on swapping the laptop's hard drive with an empty one BEFORE ever turning on the laptop, and install Windows 7 Professional onto the empty hard drive.

The question is, would the OEM key be already activated before the laptop ever reached my doorstep? Or would it be legal for me to sell the OEM Windows 8 key?

Loney111111, Jun 10, 2013

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tijo Sacred Blame

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Yes, it will already be activated and you can't resell it, even if it wasn't, it wouldn't be allowed to resell it.

tijo, Jun 10, 2013

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TANWare Just This Side of Senile, I think. Super Moderator

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Right, the OEM key for windows 8 is tied to that specific hardware so it can not be resold. Your best bet is to find a windows 8 pro machine. You can downgrade that too windows 7 pro for free and keep the license you have...............

TANWare, Jun 10, 2013

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