Windows 10: EULA; UEFI; Product Keys and reverting....

I'm interested in this issue as well as I Clone often (and full-HDD Image less frequently).

I'm interested in upgrading with the free Win 10 version down the road as I see how the general release progresses and how one can (or can't?) roll back to Win 7 (or 8.1) using independent HDD's.

For example, I have a Win 7 Home Premium (genuine) OEM version Desktop PC with 2 SATA Hot-Swap Trays installed in the tower.

I'd like to upgrade to 10 with, say, HDD #1 (after Cloning Win 7 prior to the upgrade to HDD #2), and run on HDD #1 to get familiar with 10 while having the option to shut down the PC (no dual-booting, my MoBo will never see Win 7 & 10 HDD's simultaneously), removing the Win 10 HDD, installing the Win 7 HDD and booting to Win 7 (and vice versa).

From what I'm reading here so far, it should work. The question I have is regarding the Win 10 "embedding the Prod Key" into firmware (CMOS chip, etc).

Since I'm running a non-UEFI BIOS MoBo, I'm thinking that this issue doesn't apply to my MoBo and I should be able to run on Win 7 and 10 separately on my Desktop PC.

Also, since (this is my understanding, perhaps in error?) Win 7 stores the Prod Key in its Registry (vs firmware), I should be ok with what I'm wanting to do with my PC.

Has anyone here installed a Win 10 build onto one HDD while keeping their previous Win OS on another HDD and done what I'm interesting in doing?

I know I can use the Image-restore path to revert to Win 7 but I'm interested in the Cloning path using 2 separate HDD's to revert/swap out between 7 and 10.

I've been reading the Retail license W10 upgrade permanent? thread and admit I'm a little confused about my independent HDD question.

 

Yes, Windows 7 does not store the product code in the BIOS. There is OEM activation info in the SLIC table but no product code is stored there. And only motherboards with a custom factory flashed OEM BIOS will have a SLIC table. The product code stored in the registry is useless without the custom matching branded OEM install media. Just so you know. If you reinstall with a regular DVD you will have to use the code on the COA sticker.

 

↑ Thanks for the info *Smile.

I have my Prod Key and COA info available so a clean install w/DVD should be ok.

Would the Cloning idea work for me? (running Win 7 on one HDD and 10 on another independently with the PC never seeing both HDD's simultaneously)

 

a clean install with the code on the COA sticker is doable. You may have to do the phone activation. I've had to in the past doing it that way. No big deal though, just takes a little time. it's all automated with voice recognition etc.

Dual booting should work. I dual booted 8.1 and 10 on separate hard drives. Windows 10 will install in legacy mode on non UEFI motherboards no problem.

 

If that will work on my PC, it's one of my significant "should I upgrade to 10" questions answered.

I'll watch the forum and see how the 10 rollout goes.