installation key

About this tag
Discussions about installation keys on WindowsForum.com cover scenarios where users have a valid product key but lack the original installation media. Common topics include upgrading from Windows Home Premium to Professional using a full install key without performing a clean install, performing a clean install of Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit when the installation disc is lost but the key is retrievable, and using standard installation CDs with their keys to install older operating systems like Windows 98SE or 2000 in virtual machines. These threads focus on practical workarounds and guidance for installing or upgrading Windows when the key is available but the media is missing or inconvenient to use.
  1. T

    Windows 7 Upgrade with full install key

    is there a work around to update windows home premium to windows professional. We have a full install key and would prefer not to do a clean install as we don't want to lose all of our programs.

  2. Windows 7 Clean Install Windows 7 Ultimate 64 Bit without Disc

    I have windows 7 ultimate 64 bit and I ran into some problems while upgrading the HDD. At this point I think it would be best to just start over and clean install. I feel like my OS was starting to get gunked up anyway. So, I made a list of all my software and know where to get it all again...
    • tcm5025
    • Thread
    • 64-bit clean install fresh start hdd upgrade installation key operating system software reinstallation tech support ultimate windows 7
    • Replies: 6
    • Forum: Windows Help and Support

  3. Windows 7 Using Standard Installation CDs for Virtualizing Windows 98SE and 2000 OSs

    Can a standard installation CD (with installation key) be used to install a virtual OS with Virtual PC or VM Ware Player to a Windows XP or Windows 7 computer, or is a virtual appliance a special version of an application and necessary for a virtual machine? I want to install a Windows 98SE, or...
    • john3347
    • Thread
    • installation installation key virtual machine virtualization vmware windows 2000 windows 7 windows 98 windows xp
    • Replies: 3
    • Forum: Virtualization