Windows 7 Licensing

The parts for my new desktop are coming tomorrow.

I currently have a Dell (in sig) with Windows 7. What I would like to do, if possible, is completely wipe my Dell and install Ubuntu on it, and then install Windows 7 on my new desktop using the same key that's tied to Windows 7 on my Dell.

NOTE: The copy of Windows on my Dell is NOT an OEM version and wasn't shipped with my Dell. It is a retail copy I bought after the fact.

NOTE 2: The end goal is this: Dell - Ubuntu 11.04. Desktop - Windows 7 (using key that was on the Dell). I DO NOT wish to have Windows 7 on both machines, only the desktop.

I just want to be clear in my intentions.

Is this possible? Will I need to call Microsoft to re-activate Windows on the new desktop?

 

Yes, it works. You don't even have to enter a key for 30 days (or more), meaning that you don't have to do the transition in a specific order.

Why don't you activate online?

You've got W7 with SP1 integrated in my sig.

 

Yes, Retail or versions will activate for an indefinite amount of times on the same hardware, up to 3 times on 3 different hardware/PC, then you would need to call MS and get it activated manually.

If you change the motherboard it is considered a different PC when activating.

 

This is good news. I've only installed it on my laptop. And I've done number re-installs on it as well.

So the key should work on my new desktop as well? It will no longer be in use on my laptop.

 

This is true. Retail product keys are not tied to the hardware installed.

I like to use the analogy of a Book. It can be moved from home to home.

Now lets say you bought a book that was actually a trilogy (3 books in 1). This is akin to the OEM licenses, eg OS that comes installed on your hardware. Breaking the OS from the installed hardware is like ripping pages out of that book and trying to sell it.

Possible. Yes.

Legal? . . .

 

Luckily mine is a retail copy.

 

UPDATE: Worked like a charm, thanks guy!

+rep to all of you.