Windows 7: question regarding license restrictions

I have a non-OEM copy of Windows 7. I have a half dozen computers. I'm thinking of putting this on my work provided laptop. I remember hearing some complaints at the time Vista was released about problems people had when they replaced or upgraded hardware.



In the instance that I get a new laptop from my employer, am I prohibited from erasing that HDD and installing it on the new machine? If I determine that there are incompatibilities with my work applications, am I allowed to remove it and install it on another one of my computers.

I've got a mediaserver/transcoder that is working perfectly using XP. I'd like to upgrade it to 7 so that I can take advantage of the Homegroups, but in my testing I've been having issues getting the codecs working 100% with the transcoding apps. I don't want to burn the license on that machine unless I know that the applications are going to operate properly.

So the question becomes:

Is the single license restriction one time use or one use at a time? In the event that I have to call the activation center, what are the actual expectations? Is this going to be like calling the cable company or will it be a less unpleasant experience?

Hello bnut,

Welcome to 7 Forums.

Since you have a non-OEM copy, you are allowed to use it on another comp as long as you remove it from the first. I had to do a phone activation once with Vista and it was relatively painless.

Hope this helps.

Gary

Edit: More info here if needed. Activate Windows 7 by Phone

Hi

Check with your employer.

garysgold,
Thanks for the welcome and thanks for the response. That information is reassuring.

theog, I'm not sure what you mean. I don't *work* for Microsoft. Checking with my employer is not going to provide the answer to my question. I'm really not sure why you even bothered to respond since a useful answer had already been provided unless you're just padding your postcount, in which case I'd suggest you do it in a more appropriate forum. Perhaps here.

By not checking with employer, I hope you do not lose job.

As you state the laptop is owned by employer.