Windows 7: Reuse product key after reinstall?

Hi,
Is it possible, to use the product key twice, so if i need to reinstall 7, and i have activated it, can i use the product key again on the reinstalled system?
-Hamish

As long as you are using a full version disk for the reinstall and you are reinstalling to the same computer you will be able to do so. If for some reason you cannot use the product key, you can call Microsoft to activate: Activate Windows 7 by Phone.

Cheers,
Cassandra
Microsoft Windows Outreach

If the OS can preinstalled on your computer when purchased, it is probably an OEM, and can be installed only on the original computer.


With a little planning that reinstalling scenario will never be necessary. Install your OS, when running just the way you want, make a system image and save on a separate hard drive. If you ever run into major problems, no need to reinstall, just use the image.

Thankyou both, i got the student download, and its not been very reliable, but this try has been and im about to put in the key, and just wanted to check that first.
Thanks again,
-Hamish

Glad that we were able to help.

I second this. I use Acronis True Image to make the image. I also burn one or more DVDs with the image file as additional backup. Actually, I make several Acronis backups during the initial installation so that I can restore to any point in the process. This is nice if you no long wish to use a particular application, you can just restore from a point prior to that install. Works great!
Pete

Greetings,

Just wondering if you gents would be able to help me out with my scenerio. I have Windows 7 Pro installed on my custom computer. However, I bought a new ssd drive so i'd like to set that as the boot drive and install Windows 7 onto that and use the previous harddrive as storage/backup. Question is, would I be able to use the product key again? Its on the same computer, just different harddrive.

Cheers.

You shouldn't have any problems, so long as its not an OEM version of Windows...Then you might have to make a robo call for activation...

Hi there
I have often re-activated a product on a NEW computer -- no problem but you'll normally have to do it by phone --just say you've got a NEW computer and you need to transfer your OS to your new machine since you don't have the old one anymore.

You will need a FULL product not a Windows OEM version as Tews and others have said.

Cheers
jimbo

Thank you so much for your timely responses.