Windows 7 Questions: Key and Re-Install

Hi Folks

I`m considering purchasing a retail copy of Windows 7 for my Laptop. I have never purchased a copy of any OS before seeing how all my computers came equipped with a working copy of Windows already installed. I run into the habit of re-installing Windows every 6-8 months with official recovery disks that come along with my computer.

My question is if I was to to Re-Install Windows 7 on my machine, how many times can I do it with the same Key?

If for example I wanted to upgrade my Hardware and use Windows 7 on that machine would I be able to do that without any trouble?

And finally how many computers can I install Windows 7 on with the same Key?

Thanks
Jimmy

 

These are some great questions, I'm actually wondering the same thing. I'm tired of using manufacture's recovery discs that includes all that bloatware.

I recall hearing, however, that it might be possible to download a legit Windows 7 version from MS that matches the preloaded OS and then use the laptop's key for installation. Can anyone confirm this? If so how would be go about doing this?

 

Hey, answers to these kind of questions cost real money. Just kidding

As many times as you wish. At some point you may have to do a telephone activation though if the frequency is very high.

Yes. Just as above, at some point you may have to do a telephone activation though if you change enough components. You simply explain what you did in simple terms and the operator will give you an activation code.

Your kidding right ONE

Your Welcome!

Yes, you can download it here: http://forum.notebookreview.com/win...-7-download-links-just-like-vista-before.html Make it easy on yourself though, go to the bottom of the first post and use "Method 2", the ISO download.

You may have to perform a phone activation after the install, tell MS what you did and they will give you an activation code. People on this forum have done it.

 

With a retail license you can install it on ONE computer as many times as you ever need to. Changing hardware is no problem, nor is transferring the license to a new computer in the future so long as you uninstall that copy on the old one.

You might have to at some point call MS to activate the license but in general they are pretty quick with this.

 

deeastman: Thanks again
Just sent you 3$ for your answers. 1$ for each answer, Log into paypal to accept payment.

And you too Greg

Cheers

 

You can probably even use the activation backup/restore program to back up your current OEM activation and restore it on your new installation, no phone call required.

 

Yes, good call 'Syberia' forgot about that one. As Syberia indicated you can backup your current OEM activation with 'ABR' (preferably to a flash drive). It will backup the CERT and OEM serial number which can be used to activate a retail Windows 7 install on the system which Windows 7 came pre-installed. 'ABR' can be found here: ABR (Activation Backup and Restore) | directedge.us. You can read more about clean installs here: http://forum.notebookreview.com/hp-compaq-voodoo-pc/120228-clean-vista-install-no-activation.html (although for Vista, Windows 7 is mostly identical).

 

Another question regarding re-installing Windows.

Lets say I get myself an OEM copy of Windows. Would I be able to re-install and use the same key with no troubles at all?

Also would I be able to transfer it to another PC if I decide to upgrade? (I've read it can only be installed on one PC only, where as the retail version can be transferred. Just asking to confirm)

Thanks

 

Reinstall on same system, no problemo.

Transfer to another system, no-no. The activation follows the motherboard, so you can technically upgrade all other parts but replacing motherboard counts as a new computer. Only exception is when you replace a broken motherboard with a new one.

 

KFL thanks for the info