Quick Question About Windows on Multiple Computers

Hi,

I have a retail copy (not OEM) of Windows 7 Home Premium. It is my understanding that you can only install and activate Windows on one computer with that product key. Would this mean that activations can only not coexist with each other, and I cannot use that same activation key on two active formats?

In other words, I used my Windows 7 product key to activate Windows on an old notebook a while ago, and that format no longer exists, and the activated key is "no longer in use" so to speak. Would I be able to use that same disc and product key now on a new PC and activate Windows properly - or is it technically in use/has been activated?

Thank you.

 

Should be fine as long as that old activation computer is not used. You can activate it 5 times I think on 5 different machines, but if one mahcine figures out its been activated elsewhere it might deactivate I think. Basically your situation you can activate on another computer I think.

 

There may have time it glitches and you will need to call them. Call them call them call them solve everything ~~

 

Typically, you should be able to reinstall your copy of Windows onto the same computer. I believe when you initialize activation, it references the registry, and then information regarding your system build is used to determine if the key is being re-activated or not.

Occasionally, the activation process may experience a hiccup, in which case, you can call Microsoft to have a representative take care of it (assuming it's valid and not in use).

 

Actually if you bought 1 license that is only good for one computer not 5 machine. They will blacklist that key if you do so. You will have to buy a multiple license I see on newegg you can buy 3 license windows 7 for 3 different computers otherwise want more computers with windows 7 you will have have to contact M$ and see what packages they offer if you bought multiple licenses. So don't think they won't catch a License used on more then one computer you will find that out when it does a auto windows update and you will get the message the license you have has been blacklisted and not legit anymore and your computer will go into limited mode.

 

I know that, but the OP says that they will be basically migrating the key from one computer to the other, basically the other computer wont be used, so I am pretty sure it is allowed?

 

Correct. Alt., buy a new key. If you want to migrate (deactivate > reactivate), some good info > Product Key Number - Uninstall and Deactivate in Windows - Windows 7 Forums

 

Well they better wipe the other computer clean...windows update will tell M$ that there is another computer using the same activation key and you will be blocked even if you don't use the other computer but if auto update is ever detected two keys blacklisting will happen it's not that it won't trust me it will happen. And No, it isn't allowed to be installed on more then one computer the big SECRET from M$ is the windows will tell M$ here my activation key and if another computer pops up with the message during windows update they will be "Nope not allowed" blacklisted. I don't know where you got your info but keys will move with the O/S but not if you use it on more then one computer eventually you will have to update that computer and M$ again will catch duplicate activation being used aka "Blacklisted". The O/S is their cash "COW" and they aren't to just give it for free. And "bascially the other computer won't be used" vague in itself doesn't tell us much or how would you think the rest of us will determine that when were not M$....

So let's agree to disagree.....

You can't use the same Activation key on more then one computer if your the license is for one computer unless you want to be BLACKLISTED. And if you want it on multiple computers you best bet is to buy multiple user or multiple licenses to avoid your single license from being blacklisted. Windows update to most users surprise will report your activation key to M$ whether you believe it or not how else would you think they can detected someone using a single license on multiple computers in hopes to avoid buying more then one license.