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I'm going to reinstall my Windows 7, but when I bought this PC it came with Windows 7 preinstalled and the product key is on a sticker on the PC's case. I have downloaded a Windows 7 Home Premium ISO file from here and I do believe that this download is legal as I found it from superuser.com a while ago. What I'm asking is: will I be able to use my OEM key to install Windows 7 from this ISO file?

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Yes, it will work as long as you are installing the edition you have the key for. For example, if you have the key for Windows 7 Home Premium it will work if the downloaded image is of Windows 7 Home Premium. Service Pack doesn't matter.

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    I have to note that they won't work if the builds don't match, e.g. Home Premium VL and Home Premium MSDN can't share keys.
    – arielnmz
    Jun 28, 2014 at 20:22
  • I read from somewhere that if i use an OEM key on a non OEM install disc i would need to call Microsoft for activation. Is this correct? Jun 28, 2014 at 20:25
  • @user1365830 Here is what Microsoft forums say: answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/…
    – Cornelius
    Jun 28, 2014 at 20:26
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    @arielnmz Home Premium does not have a VL version.
    – kinokijuf
    Jun 28, 2014 at 20:54
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    @user1365830 Vista and above do not have separate OEM discs.
    – kinokijuf
    Jun 28, 2014 at 21:04
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Contrary to the accepted answer: maybe.

It all depends on the ei.cfg file found within the Windows ISO which will state whether or not the image is treated as an OEM version or a full retail version.

If you try to use an OEM licence key with a retail version then it will install, but won't register and activate - and vice versa.

However all is not lost, you can change an ISO between the two types by using the information posted at Reinstall Windows 7: OEM or Standard?

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