How to convert a retail product key to a VL key

[BrianB]

We just receive some volume license keys for Windows 7 (I'd ask this on a
Win 7 NG but I can't find any). Due to a delay in receiving them, I had to
install Win 7 Pro on one PC using a spare retail DVD and product key. Is
there a way to convert this retail installation to use the Volume License
product key without having to reinstall everything using the VL DVD and key?

Brian

 

[DL]

http://social.answers.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/w7install/threads

 

[Peter Foldes]

Brian.

There is no route to convert to a VL license aside from a clean install. This goes
for the OS and Office or any Server based system

If you try you will get a warning that the key you used is not a valid key

 

[Al]

Right click "My Computer" > select properties > select "Change
product key".

 

[BrianB]

http://social.answers.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/w7install/threads

Thank you, DL, for the link to the Win 7 forum. According to the forum you
cannot use the "Change Product Key" function for a volume license. That does
fit my experience. However they also state that you do not need to do a
clean install. You can do an in-place upgrade from Win 7 Pro (retail or OEM)
to Win 7 Pro (VL). I'll give that a try.

Brian