Will OEM key work more than once?

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arkham23426

arkham23426

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Dec 15, 2013
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Okay so I know if you go to the store and buy windows 7 with the key you can install it on a machine and activate it with the key. Now let's say the hard drive crashes and I need to install windows onto that hdd again, can I use that same key or will I need to buy a new one? Is the key locked or something after you activate it.
 
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arkham23426

arkham23426

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Dec 15, 2013
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Why does it have to be the same hardware? Let's say I got a new hdd to replace the crashed one could I do that?
 
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ex_bubblehead

ex_bubblehead

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Aug 24, 2012
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You can replace all but the motherboard without having to purchase a new license. However, if the motherboard should fail, you can replace with the same make/model. The license is tied to the motherboard (MS considers the motherboard to be the computer), not any other piece of hardware. You can replace/upgrade everything but the motherboard. The one exception to the motherboard rule is in the case where the same make/model is no longer available, you may replace with a comparable board. Upgrading a P4 to an i7 (as an extreme case) is not comparable. While Microsoft does let some slip by they are by no means obligated to allow you to use an already activated key on a new PC.
 
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arkham23426

arkham23426

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Dec 15, 2013
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so i could have windows installed from that oem key on a hdd in my desktop and lets say for some reason i want another hard drive in that desktop with the same motherboard, i could install windows 7 on the second hdd using the same key just as long as it has the same motherboard?
 
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