Install Windows on laptop using HP-provided License Key

I have an HP (dv6 6119tx) laptop which came with Windows 7 Home Premium (64Bit) pre-installed, I have a factory provided recovery partition (13GB) which recovers Windows, drivers and crapware I don't need. I have a label (sort of sticker) attached at the bottom of my laptop which has License key for Windows 7 Home Premium imprint on it.

Now, I don't want to keep that recovery partition so that I can use those precious 13 GB for my data, so can I use Windows Install (official Microsoft provided ISO) disk to install Win7 Home Premium (32 or 64 bit) using that license key on sticker (I'm aware of the facts like I can't use that license on more than 1 computer, etc. etc.)?

Kushal

Posted 2012-01-24T10:57:57.220

Reputation: 865

Answers

I believe you can - with earlier versions, you'd have to have the specific SKU (so an OEM disk for OEM - i frequently use sticker keys off white box systems and do clean installs with systembuilder OEM disks), but with windows 7 apparently all discs are the same other than the ei.cfg file, which merely determines the version. Its also hinted that phone activation may be needed here.

Journeyman Geek

Posted 2012-01-24T10:57:57.220

Reputation: 119 122

+1 Did this on an HP desktop and had no issue. Did same on a dell and I had to call MS but no real issue – Dave M – 2012-01-24T16:22:00.787