A system comes up with the message that this version of W7 is not genuine ........ I want that N version to accept a genuine key from a non-N version. I know the N version will not ordinarily accept the non-N key (and vice versa, presumably). So can I "repair" the installation using the non-N DVD, so I do not have to reinstall all the programmes etc from scratch - then give it a genuine W7 Professional Full non-N key ?

Dude, the N version is exactly the same as the non-N version. The N just doesn't include Windows Media Player. So, I don't see what the problem is? Are you completely locked out of the system??? If so, you'll always be able to enter the correct product key, and activate Windows, without re-installing. Each copy of Windows 7, non-N and N, has their own product key. You will not be able to switch between two different copies. The product key cannot be changed. And if you have two separate versions, why not just install the one you need. Or install both?? And no you cannot "repair" the installation. If you have a legit copy, I'm not saying you don't, it should accept your key. But sometimes it will only work with the over-the-phone option. I had to use the phone option for one of my OS'es. If it still won't accept it, then I would recommend calling a Microsoft representative to explain the situation.

What you want is not possible. N and non-N have different product keys."A programmer is just a tool which converts caffeine into code" CLIP- Stellvertreter http://www.winvistaside.de/

@Andre I know they have different product keys - hence the question ......... @Jeffrey I really do not mind which version is on the machine .... except that the N version is already installed and up & running I will see exactly what I get in the post in a few days from Amazon. It will probably be the N version ... If it is the N version, then I shall just enter the key. If it is not the N version, then ..............

Why go thru all of that rigamarole, when you can simply install what's missing? It's available as the Media Feature Pack for Windows 7. HTH, Chris[If this post helps to resolve your issue, please click the "Mark as Answer" or "Helpful" button at the top of this message. By marking a post as Answered, or Helpful you help others find the answer faster.]

Exactly!!!

@Chris & @Jeffrey It already has "what is missing". That is not the problem. The point is, the key which was used to register W7 has suddenly appeared not to be genuine. So a genuine key will have to be entered. If the genuine key is specifically for an N version, then I will just enter it and it should be happy. The question is how to cope with a genuine key which is NOT from an N version (because I know the keys are different) .........

To the best of my knowledge, you'll need to do a clean installation (since you're changing the product type.) Of course, you can always try doing an in-place upgrade (from N to non-N), and see what happens. Let us know - it would be useful knowledge for the memory banks. ;) -Chris[If this post helps to resolve your issue, please click the "Mark as Answer" or "Helpful" button at the top of this message. By marking a post as Answered, or Helpful you help others find the answer faster.]

Hi There is No "copping" mechanism. If the installation is N you need N key. AFAIK, if you have a legal None-N key you need to obtain None -N media from the vendor that sold you the key and reinstall the OS.Jack, MVP - Networking.

Hi, There is no in-place upgrade path from N to non-N system, you should follow the clean installation with data migration guidance below: 1. Backup any critical data. 2. Use Windows Easy Transfer from the Windows 7 DVD to create a migration store containing your files and settings in the N full system. Use the “Old Computer” path. 3. Install the new Windows 7 as a clean installation on the computer. 4. Run Windows Easy Transfer again to transfer in your files and settings. Use the “New Computer” path. 5. Reinstall your programs.Magon Liu - MSFT

Yes, Yes and Yes - to the last 3 - you are all correct. W7 gives no opportunity to repair from the N to non-N. Amazon sent out the non-N even though I am in the EU ....... So I have almost reinstalled everything. It is 2 days work to get it all back as it was. It is not W7 - that's the easy bit ..... it is everything else that takes the time. A different set of key for the N versions is a real pain - and I can't see why it is necesary.

One more thing ...... when the Microsoft website makes a "discounted" offer to "get genuine" I cannot tell exactly what they are offering. If I have a FULL version, is that what they are offering ? Or are they offering a single DVD, only ever allowed on one PC ? The text does not make it clear .......

There is a discount for Vista users who want to upgrade to Windows 7. They will receive an upgrade disc. The full version don't have discount except for students, militery, government etc. Once the license that came with the DVD been activated successfully on one PC, you can not use it to install on another PC as genuine.Magon Liu - MSFT