Windows Keys and Region

[TheGhzGuy]

Hello all!

My friend of mine (in Italy) is building a PC (No I do not need a parts list), however, he only has a copy of Windows 7 32-Bit. I was planning to go to a computer scrapyard to build a computer for F@H and I know certain desktops had the key right on the case. My question, I guess, is two things. 1. Can I take a key from a pre-built computer and put it onto a different computer (different motherboard and all) 2. Are those keys region locked?

 

Thank you!

[Princess Luna]

Just now, TheGhzGuy said:

Hello all!

My friend of mine (in Italy) is building a PC (No I do not need a parts list), however, he only has a copy of Windows 7 32-Bit. I was planning to go to a computer scrapyard to build a computer for F@H and I know certain desktops had the key right on the case. My question, I guess, is two things. 1. Can I take a key from a pre-built computer and put it onto a different computer (different motherboard and all) 2. Are those keys region locked?

 

Thank you!

They aren't region locked but the keys that come on pre-builds are usually locked to the motherboard of the prebuild which would render fruitless to try using it on another system.

[TheGhzGuy]

Just now, Princess Cadence said:

They aren't region locked but the keys that come on pre-builds are usually locked to the motherboard of the prebuild which would render fruitless to try using it on another system.

 

That's exactly what I expected. Maybe I'll find two keys and try to install one of the keys onto another system just to see what happens.

[tim0901]

Depending on whether the key was an OEM or user installed key, you might be able to call up Microsoft and ask them to reset the key. However given that it is Windows 7, that's quite unlikely. I'd search for the motherboard + cpu you're after in some sort of pre-built system with a license key pre-attached if you're that desperate for win 7, as keys for it are quite expensive, and then just upgrade as necessary. Can turn out cheaper as well especially with pre-owned gear. 

[manikyath]

afaik, they are usually not region locked, but (sometimes) you can only activate a system set to the language the key was sold in. (which you can change after the fact either way.)

[Princess Luna]

1 minute ago, manikyath said:

afaik, they are usually not region locked, but (sometimes) you can only activate a system set to the language the key was sold in. (which you can change after the fact either way.)

I did see this happen with a Vista key once, a friend from USA sent me and install it straight in Portuguese wouldn't work, however install in English and later change the language pack worked fine.

[TheGhzGuy]

1 minute ago, Princess Cadence said:

I did see this happen with a Vista key once, a friend from USA sent me and install it straight in Portuguese wouldn't work, however install in English and later change the language pack worked fine.

 

 

 

4 minutes ago, manikyath said:

afaik, they are usually not region locked, but (sometimes) you can only activate a system set to the language the key was sold in. (which you can change after the fact either way.)

 

Interesting. I'll have to test this some time.

[jools]

recently bought from ebay for £10 win 7 OA x64 sp1 with key

 

input key during install then had to phone MS phone activation (automated service) and quote that huge number but worked ...w7 activated

 

not locked to country