Aaron
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Registered: 9th Aug 04
Location: Cottingham, East Riding
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Perhaps I could research this on the tinternet, but I thought I’d ask anyway.
If I have an OEM install of Windows 7 (or any other Windows OS for that matter) and I want/need to re-build it...can I? I have the correct media (an OEM disk of the OS), and of course the serial key which is on the genuine sticker on the side of the case.
I suppose my question is more about the activation of Windows, rather then the installation of the OS it’s self. Would it activate after the install?, because, that key will have already been activated with this computer on its initial install of the OS.
I've worked in I.T for near about 10 years, so you'd have thought I’d know the answer to this question 
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Brett
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Registered: 16th Dec 02
Location: Manchester
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I've used the same keys loads of times for XP. I imagine it's the same for 7.
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Aaron
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Registered: 9th Aug 04
Location: Cottingham, East Riding
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quote:
Originally posted by loafofbrett
I've used the same keys loads of times for XP. I imagine it's the same for 7.
On different PC's, or always on the same one? I've read somewhere that as part of the activation process, certain hardware details are uploaded to Microsoft in order to bind that key to your computer (thus meaning that future re-installs on that same computer woil....this could be PISH though.
[Edited on 14-06-2010 by Aaron]
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Brett
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Registered: 16th Dec 02
Location: Manchester
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On different ones. I've got a couple of machines with legit serials on the side and I've used those for several different installs on different machines.
I'm not sure if 7 is the same, but for XP you can literally just ring Microsoft and get one for free anyway.
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Neo
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Registered: 20th Feb 07
Location: Essex
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I've used the same key on 7 machines, wouldn't worry me to be honest.
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John
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Registered: 30th Jun 03
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If you use an OEM disc from that manufacturer you won't have to enter the key and it'll activate itself.
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Aaron
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Registered: 9th Aug 04
Location: Cottingham, East Riding
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quote:
Originally posted by John
If you use an OEM disc from that manufacturer you won't have to enter the key and it'll activate itself.
Its not from the manufacturer of the computer...its just a Windows 7 Professional OEM Disk
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John
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Registered: 30th Jun 03
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Not sure about that then.
At worst you'll need to phone the automated line to activate.
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ed
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Registered: 10th Sep 03
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If it doesn't activate, phone them and tell then you had to replace the HDD.
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VrsTurbo
Premium Member
Registered: 8th Jun 10
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Legal standpoint OEM - stays with the hardware it comes with but you can reinstall and use the same key. You cant use this key on a different machine.
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Rob_Quads
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Registered: 29th Mar 01
Location: southampton
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You will need to phone microsoft and ask them to let you re-activate.
My brother did exactly the same and when you try and re-activate the key it says its already activated against another machine. You then have to ring MS and explain. Its up to them whether they let you or not as 'officially' the license has been used as they are not designed to be moved between machines. The big difference between OEM keys and retail keys
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Aaron
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Registered: 9th Aug 04
Location: Cottingham, East Riding
User status: Offline
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My point was asking if i could re-install and activate the same licence on the same PC tbh
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Rob_Quads
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Registered: 29th Mar 01
Location: southampton
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Its keyed off the motherboard so as long as that remains the same you are fine.
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