Using windows 7 key on more than one computer

[jonathanclee]

I bought the Windows 7 upgrade and used the 32 bit to upgrade my laptop. My question is can I now use the same key to upgrade my desktop to the 64 bit version that also came with the upgrade.

 

[Hawkeye22]

No. The license key is good for one install. If it's a retail copy, you can use it to upgrade another (or same) computer if the hard drive dies and needs replaced or you're migrating to a new computer (old one will no longer be used or restored to the old OS).

 

[Brett928S2]

Hi

No ..2 dvds but you can ONLY LEGALLY use one dvd/key

All the best Brett

 

[jonathanclee]

so just to check it out, I upgraded my desktop with 32 bit and it worked, I also used the 32 bit on my laptop. So are we sure it wont work for the 64 bit as well?

 

[nbelote]

Well, if the desktop has Windows 7 32-bit then yes you can use the DISC to REINSTALL the 64-bit version onto your desktop with whatever key you used for the 32-bit (or if that's OEM then you can use the key from the OEM sticker on the desktop). You will, however, lose all your settings unless you back them up first and you will lose all of your current programs. Think of it as a clean install (which is what it is).

 

[jonathanclee]

ah I see, only legally, so thats why it worked on both. was thinking of selling the 64 bit now since I found out it wont work on my desktop(not set up for 64 bit) but will the key work, legally or not? Or am I asking for the Gates squad to show up at my door?

 

[nbelote]

so just to check it out, I upgraded my desktop with 32 bit and it worked, I also used the 32 bit on my laptop. So are we sure it wont work for the 64 bit as well?

It can install and upgrade, sure, but can both of them be activated simultaneously? The answer is: Legally, no. That is against Microsoft's Licensing Agreement for you to install it on more than one computer per retail license UNLESS you uninstall it from the old one completely first.

OEM's, on the other hand, are bound to that one particular computer for life.

 

[mbarnes86]

Hi

There is a difference in Windows activation appearing to Work twice and it being legal.
You may get away with it or one will may get a notification that it is a pirate copy

The only exception is the family pack of 3 upgrades to Windows 7 home premium which were ( maybe still) on the market

regards
Mike Barnes

 

[nbelote]

It might be fair to note: they give you both discs, 32 and 64-bit, so you can have your choice on which to install based on what kind of computer you own (because they don't know). It doesn't cost them any more to include both, it would cost them a ton more to sell each one individually (packaging for both, maybe not selling more of one than they wanted, etc).

 

[nbelote]

Hi

There is a difference in Windows activation appearing to Work twice and it being legal.
You may get away with it or one will may get a notification that it is a pirate copy

The only exception is the family pack of 3 upgrades to Windows 7 home premium which were ( maybe still) on the market

regards
Mike Barnes

You can find these still on Amazon for $150 or so: here

 

[foscooter]

Bottom Line:

1 package = 1 license (or key) = 1 PC

So NO, you can NOT (legally) install the 64-bit on another PC, when you've installed the 32-bit on another.

And I agree with the post below by clarkjd, not alienisgod (still a violation)!

 

[clarkjd]

If you installed the 32-bit version on Computer A, Then you could install the 64-bit version on Computer A(assuming computer A will support 64-bit) and use the same key.

 

[AlienIsGOD]

It might be fair to note: they give you both discs, 32 and 64-bit, so you can have your choice on which to install based on what kind of computer you own (because they don't know). It doesn't cost them any more to include both, it would cost them a ton more to sell each one individually (packaging for both, maybe not selling more of one than they wanted, etc).

You could even go the route I did, using a friends x64 Win 7 DVD with the 32 bit OEM key.

 

[jonathanclee]

thanks everyone, thats why I love this site, and forum. can always go here for my tech questions!