Windows 7: is it possible to uninstall windows 7 from old computer so that I can

use the key on a new computer?

I recently did a Ivy Bridge build and went I used my product key to activate this new computer I get



The product key you typed cannot be used to activate Windows on this computer".

Currently the key is used on two computers, can I deactivate one of the computer and use the key on my new computer?

Is the original computer an OEM brand?

no I bought the key separately.

Run this from an elevated cmd prompt on the old PC:

slmgr.vbs /upk

This will de-activate the old version.

If you want to check run:

slmgr.vbs /rearm

When you reboot it will prompt you to reactivate.

You should now be able to install and activate the new Windows 7 install online.
If not just ring the MS toll free number.

hi Nigsy

I got error "access denied; the requested action requires elevated privileges"

Open an elevated command prompt and run the command again.

Ok guys. What is going on???!!!

I uninstalled Windows 7 from my laptop, then tried to activate the product key on my new Ivy build, didn't work. Called M$ who told me that I can activate only one computer and I must uninstall both previous computers. So I did exact that.

Than I was finally able to activate my new computer. So after that I decided to try my luck with the same key on the old computers, and both of them WORKED! Now all three computers are activated on the same product key. And it's not even a family pack. All three systems are activated with unique Product ID.

Am I lucky or is M$ activation system flawed?

The systems not flawed, but when you try to apply updates or need to run the 'Genuine validation thingy' (to give it it's technical name), I think that's when you will run into issues.

You're proclaiming your rather fortuitous situation on a forum that frowns upon any such actions with your product key that is meant to be used specifically on one computer at a time.

That being said, I haven't a clue myself...

well I have uninstalled windows 7 from my other two computers out of my respect for user agreement with MS. But I just find it weird that by changing the order of installations, different outcomes results.