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    Does formating a hard drive gives your windows licence back?

    Discussion in 'Windows OS and Software' started by frank633, Jul 27, 2009.

  1. frank633

    frank633 Notebook Consultant

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    I was just wondering... if i format my HD, will I be able to use my licence key on another windows install (let's say I had vista 32 bits and I wanted to install 64 bits) ?

    Cause If I remember well, I could use my key on many computers, as long as they are mine and that i have 1 legal key... in comparison with music cd's for exemple, I can make as many copy as I want, as long as I keep them for myself... and i have the original CD.

    Thank you
    frank633
     
    frank633, Jul 27, 2009
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  2. Saisei

    Saisei Notebook Deity

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    I reformated my HD and my vista disk still work.
     
    Saisei, Jul 27, 2009
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  3. frank633

    frank633 Notebook Consultant

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    Ok, cause i was planning to order vista 64 bits install cd(without licence so it's not too expansive), then remove my vista 32 bits, install my vista 64 bits but with the licence that came with the computer. You think that this could work?
     
    frank633, Jul 27, 2009
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  4. Saisei

    Saisei Notebook Deity

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    Your better off waiting for win7 RTM to be released then buy 64bit vista, trust me you'll like 7 once you try it.
     
    Saisei, Jul 27, 2009
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  5. Mastershroom

    Mastershroom wat

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    I replaced Vista 32 bit with 64 bit, using the license key that came with my laptop. Works just fine.
     
    Mastershroom, Jul 27, 2009
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  6. CooLMinE

    CooLMinE Notebook Deity

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    Yeap, its possible to install the 64bit version of your OS (assuming its the same version) using your 32bit key. But do you really want to format your pc again in 3 months ? Assuming you are going to install windows 7 that is.
     
    CooLMinE, Jul 27, 2009
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  7. garetjax

    garetjax NBR Freelance Reviewer NBR Reviewer

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    Yes you can, but there is a catch. Microsoft only allows a certain number of license registrations to take place via Microsoft Update before your OS license installations will be "used up". After that, you'll have to call Microsoft and manually authenticate your license through them in order to download service packs, updates, and patches from their site.

    No, you cannot use one license key and legally share it among many computers, regardless if they are all yours or not. Microsoft is very clear on this point: one license per computer at one time.

     
    garetjax, Jul 27, 2009
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  8. frank633

    frank633 Notebook Consultant

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    Ok, thank you, but i wont buy vista off course^^ it'll come in my laptop, I just want to change the 32 bits OS for a 64 bits using the same licence key, assuming that the 32 bits version won't be used on any other computer. And I qualify for the free upgrade to win 7 so no i won't buy vista to buy 7 a month after ;)
     
    frank633, Jul 27, 2009
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