Can I sell my copy of Windows 7 (Upgrade)? How?

It seems that I'm about to buy a new laptop with Windows 7. I had a Windows 7 Upgrade which I won't be needing. I read that the license can be transferred but I don't know how. Is there a guide or instructions somewhere?

 

Do you have the upgrade installed in your system or you got the physical disk and the key in a sleeve??

 

The OS is installed in my computer but my computer is completely damaged and it won't turn on. I even had to remove the hard-drive to recover my data. I do have a retail copy with a physical disk and the key in a sleeve, but I don't know if I need to de-activate my copy before I can sell it.
Edit: I like your signature by the way.

 

If the previous Windows 7 installation has been formatted/deleted you can sell it. The buyer might have to call Microsoft and explain what happened to complete the activation.
If they have trouble activating Windows 7 open the Windows Activation Wizard while in Windows 7 to use the phone and activate Windows:
While installing Windows 7 at the enter your product key page, do not enter your key and uncheck "Automatically Activate When Online"
1. When you have reached the desktop, Click Start, then in the Search box type: slui.exe 4
2. Press Enter on your Keyboard
3. Select your Country.
4. Select the Phone Activation option, then call and hold for a real person.

For more details: Activate Windows 7 by Phone - Windows 7 Forums

But make sure it is a retail one but not oem or something.

 

Thank you, I'm sure it's a retail copy. I bought it at Newegg.

 

FYI Newegg sells both Retail and OEM (aka System Builder) versions of Windows. If the box has the word UPGRADE in the upper left corner, it's Retail.

OEM discs are not offered as upgrades but sold as a Full license. Upgrades can be performed with an OEM disc just like a Retail Upgrade or Full Retail disc, however. An upgrade license is a reflection of the lower (vs Full Retail) price point, not the capabilities of the software on the disc - at least as it pertains to Windows.

--L.

 

So why pay more for the Full Retail rather than the System Builder? Other than the fact you have a buy a hardware part along with it at Newegg.

 

The system builder version is not transferrable off the machine, and there's no support attached to it. Full retail lets you resell and get some help directly from MS. The system builder version assumes the user will go to the company/individual who built the computer for help first and no further up the chain.