Windows 7: License query

Ive searched around regarding licenses but i dont get it,

here's the problem, i bought windows 7 ultimate full version and installed on home pc. few months later i installed it on my laptop not knowing you need to go through licenses etc as i only ever used xp on multiple pc's and thought they had the same old rule 12 installs a year.

Now when i try to activate my laptop it is saying that this key is already activated or something and i can buy another license online etc and some other options.

My worry is, can i buy another license and activate the same install or do i have to buy a whole new windows 7 ultimate and reformat and reactivate with a fresh copy?

I have already loaded everything onto my laptop, now i cant be bothered formatting/or re installing windows 7 anyway and going thru all that crap again just to activate..

Can this be activated just as simple as buying a license without a whole new windows 7 ultimate, what are my options??

regards

Moe

Just buy an ultimate DVD with license and use that number, you will be all set.

If you know of a way to buy a legit license without the DVD, that will work, also.

Bottom line, you just need a valid license.

Is there a way to buy a license without the dvd?

If i was to buy the Home premium 3 license family pack that is out on offer can i use those licenses on the ultimate i have installed to activate it?? Is that do-able?

Or does it have to be off a Ultimate version?

If you have ulitmate installed and you want to keep Ultimate, you must get the ultimate license.

When you buy the license and the DVD, you are bascially paying for the license. What is the cost of the DVD, just nomina

That was never the case, to be honest. The only XP license allowed to be installed on multiple systems was a volume license, which you would only have if your computers were owned by a large company. Aside from the VLK, one license was for one computer at a time.
If you buy a license for Windows 7 Ultimate, through any legit source, you only need to pop your key into the existing install. You could even buy one from eBay, and ask the seller to e-mail you the license key, if you wanted it right away.

This is a simple route, however, be careful to buy a legitimate license, don't fall for something extremely cheap. If someone sells that license for 5 bucks, chances are, you won't be able to use it.

I should have mentioned that. Ask if they would scan and e-mail the COA sticker to you upon payment. This way, you can use the key immediately, and in the mail you'll get your proof of validity. If it doesn't come with a COA, don't buy.

Deacon and Uni, good advice. Everyone looking for a bargain should remember, If it seems to good to be true it probalby is.

You could always try purchasing on-line through MS.
I think they offer a way of doing that after installing if you don't already have a license.
I don't know for sure, but you could check when you go to activate, does it give you an option to purchase through MS?

you need to buy the license for the exact same version (ultimate for ultimate etc.). It doesn't matter if it is 64 or 32 bit (since the is the same price)