Windows 7 Install Media / Keys

Planning my escape from the Mac world and wanted to make sure of something.

I have 32- and 64-bit Windows 7 Professional discs I burned myself. The ISOs/licenses were purchased through a Microsoft promotion.

My institution makes Windows 7 Ultimate upgrade CDs available for $15, but you can only purchase a 32-bit disc or a 64-bit disc, not both.

What I'm hoping to verify:

1. Are Windows keys specific to 32-bit or 64-bit versions of the OS? If the Windows 7 Ultimate key was XYZ, wouldn't it work on a 32-bit Windows 7 Ultimate install just as well as a 64-bit Windows 7 Ultimate install?

2. Instead of doing the whole use-upgrade-media-to-clean-install thing, am I correct in assuming I could use my own Win 7 Pro disc to install the OS, and then use the Win 7 Ultimate key to activate, which would make Ultimate-only features (Bitlocker, etc.) available? I feel like I read that install media is the same for all editions, and it's the key that matters.

 

1) With Windows 7 you can use the same key for both 32 and 64 bit. In fact the retail package includes both DVD's. And I bought the Upgrade version of Ultimate.

2) You should just make another ISO that includes all versions, that's what I did. I'm not sure if the Ultimate key you have will be able to do an upgrade from Pro. Someone else can chime in on this to verify.

 

1. The installation keys are specific to the version of Windows. The specific architecture is irrelevant. So you are correct in your assumption. Note that you may have to call Microsoft to complete activation if you use 64-bit in place of 32-bit, but the key is still valid.

2. This typically will not work with a standalone disc. There are, however, utilities available that will enable you to convert an image to a non-version specific installation disc of Windows 7. Alternately, since I am uncertain as to whether such talk is kosher, you can download a legal copy of Windows 7 Ultimate from one of the threads in this forum. Nevertheless, each copy of Windows 7 technically allows for the installation of any of the versions, though may require modification of one of the files to support this endeavor.

 

Come to think of it... you guys are talking about something like what's described here, aren't you. Thanks for the heads-up; guess the simplest approach is to snag one of those upgrade discs for $15 just for the key, download Win 7 with a "fixed" ei.cfg, and install from that with an Ultimate key since I assume the key is specific only to edition, not retail vs. upgrade. That would be identical to an install from a Win 7 Ultimate retail DVD, wouldn't it?

 

Yup that's what we were talking about. If you can get a legal key for $15, do it.

But stay away from ebay keys

 

Perfectly legal. Thanks for the help!