Microsoft Windows Operating System

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FrancisVTalan

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May 20, 2014
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Sorry just a noob question, i was planning to buy another original Operating System which is Windows 8.1 Pro. Question when i install it and thinking to reformat, does it mean i need to buy another one again or i can use the same CD Key or CD. How does it recognize that its the same device that i installed it for the first time allowing me to reformat and be genuine again.
 
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Ijack
Don't worry about how the key is validated or where, or whether, it is stored on the computer. That is Microsoft's problem and they are very good at ensuring that their licence terms are complied with.

The simple fact is that you can install the OS on only one computer at a time but you are free to move it to a new computer if you remove it from the original one. In the scenario that you want to change the motherboard - no problem. It may require reactivation but the same key will suffice.
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jnewegger23

jnewegger23

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What are you trying to do because your question isn't very clear. The cd is just an image that puts the os on. You are basically paying for the key. So in theory you can make your own cd for free but your copy of windows won't be activated and legit to stay updated with protection without a valid key. So, if I am reading your question correctly you can simply reinstall the os and if you reformat the old drive it will basically "clean out" the old data and install everything like it was brand new. You re-use the old key and it's like when you first got it. It doesn't matter then if it recognizes it as an old or a new drive but keep in mind that all of your old data will be lost unless you have it backed up somewhere.

So if I am understanding correctly that's what you mean then simply put, yes, you can use the same cd key and cd.

Think of it this way, if your old hard drive died and the rest of your computer was still working and you bought a brand new drive and installed using the same cd and key it will work. It doesn't care to recognize if it's the same hard drive or a new one. The new hard drive of course will not have any of your old data. When you reformat it's basically making your drive like new. (There are ways to retrieve data after format soon after with certain software if you don't use swiper programs but that's beyond your question in case any one chimes in on that I'm lightly addressing that here). Anyhow, I hope this helps and if any part doesn't make sense please clarify what you actually want to know and I will do my best to help!

Thanks,

Justin S.
 
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Outlander_04

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If you build your own computer and buy oem Win 8 you install it under a "home user license " . You can install it on one computer at a time , but you can re-use it on other hardware .
[ I believe the original copies said 3 activations , but now there does not seem to be that restriction ]
Windows Activation takes care of deciding if your license is legitimate . Generally you do not have to do anything except install , connect to the internet and allow the activation .

Advice about a windows OS being locked to a mb applied to Win 7 and earlier versions of the oem software , but is not relevant any more
 
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jnewegger23

jnewegger23

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Also, if this is a factory computer and not custom you may simply try doing a factory refresh. For example with hp, I believe hit f12 at boot up and it will give you the option and you may need your disc ready but just follow prompts and it may do a factory reset/refresh returning your system to it's out of the box state. Just look up the specific key to hit at boot up to select this option for your particular factory build.
 
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FrancisVTalan

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I see so it saves the OS in the BIOS of the motherboard. so meaning if a bought a legitimate OS lets say Win 8.1 it saves the key in my BIOS. So if i changed my motherboard to a new one.. the CD-Key of the legit OS would not work anymore?
 
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Outlander_04

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as I mentioned earlier this is NOT what happens with Win 8
 
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Ijack

Ijack

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Don't worry about how the key is validated or where, or whether, it is stored on the computer. That is Microsoft's problem and they are very good at ensuring that their licence terms are complied with.

The simple fact is that you can install the OS on only one computer at a time but you are free to move it to a new computer if you remove it from the original one. In the scenario that you want to change the motherboard - no problem. It may require reactivation but the same key will suffice.
 
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