Microsoft Windows: what would happen?

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SuperCell

Limp Gawd
Joined
Sep 24, 2005
Messages
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Sorry I know this is a dumb question. Not planning to do anything illegal; I'm just curious what would happen.

Lets say you have a copy of windows on a disk as well as the key#

What happens if you install this on a PC using key#, and then try to install it again on another PC?
 
SuperCell said:
Sorry I know this is a dumb question. Not planning to do anything illegal; I'm just curious what would happen.

Lets say you have a copy of windows on a disk as well as the key#

What happens if you install this on a PC using key#, and then try to install it again on another PC?
Click to expand...

The second copy of Windows will not activate.
 
Veilrap said:
The second copy of Windows will not activate.
Click to expand...

Depends. Sometimes it will just fine. Other times, it will require a telephone call to the automated line. After a while, you will have to talk to a rep.

A lot of people install then have to format or HDD dies, etc.. and have to reinstall.

It is against the EULA, for sure. One install on one PC.
 
How does microsoft know the difference between a reformat and a fresh install?
 
how come when i swapped motherboards and reinstalled.... my key no longer worked


even when i switched back to my old one



really fed up with microsuck
 
The activation process uses specific hardware to generate a unique code. So if hardware is dramatically changed it will require re-activating, which can be limited per product key. If it want's a call to Microsoft explain to a rep you have reinstalled after upgrading hardware and you shouldn't have a problem. Baring in mind there are a couple of different models such as retail, KMS and MAK for product keys and activation.

You can also use a peace of software (cannot recall the name) to backup the activation information, so after a reinstall you can restore it and avoid any calls to Microsoft.
 
Most retail software OS purchases allow 2-4 different system installs. Read the licensing information.
 
Retail licenses usually allow for multiple installs as long as there are not two active at the same time. While OEM license or system building license tie to the hardware installed and is when you run into problems if you run into a significant upgrade or a major part dies example MB.
 
with OEM's you might run into some hang ups .. I fixed an HP laptop that was AMD/Nvidia based and swapped out to an Intel/Nvidia motherboard that fit that particular model as well .. reinstalled Vista and the key no longer worked, nor could I just simply call in to reactivate. Interestingly enough, I used the Vista key off of my own AMD/Nvidia HP laptop (running Win8 90 day trial) and it worked fine on that laptop.
 
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