Windows key from dead laptop for BootCamp

[Cooee!]

I have a dead windows 7 pc, and wondering if I can use its windows key for bootcamp?

 

[blueroom]

Only if it's not an OEM key.

 

[Cooee!]

Only if it's not an OEM key.

My windows laptop came with windows 7 pre-installed, so should it work? I'm still confused about the meaning of OEM.

 

[Asuriyan]

My windows laptop came with windows 7 pre-installed, so should it work? I'm still confused about the meaning of OEM.

OEM = Original Equipment Manufacturer. The product key stamped to the bottom of an off-the-shelf PC isn't a real product key, per se- it's a certificate of authenticity indicating that the copy of Windows running on the system is a legitimately purchased one. It can't be used with any installer. You'll need a retail key of some kind.