Windows 7: Question about license keys:

Hi,

Im planning to freshly install a copy of Windows 7 due to some unsolvable errors, when i do uninstall this Windows 7 does it deactivate the license keys used on the computer? so i can use them on the new installation?

If you're using it on the same computer you won't have a problem re-activating Windows

If you are installing them on the same machine there will be no problem with the licence key.

If it's a new system only a retail copy of Windows 7 can be used and should be removed from the old machine.

You cannot install OEM windows on a new machine unless your are re-using the motherboard.

EDIT:

Lol you beat me tw33k

Thank you both for clearing this about the windows license, but what about license keys for software? will it apply to them aswell?

A retail Windows product key can be transferred to another computer if the operating system is removed from the old computer.

You will need to re-activate Windows and your best bet is to use the automated telephone system.

If you have an OEM copy of Windows it is tied to your old computer and cannot be transferred.

The same provisos apply to other Windows software such as Microsoft Office.

If you have any online games installed that use an activation when you first use them. You should check for the option to "De-authorise this computer" before removing windows. Otherwise when you try to play you will the message that this license key is already in use.

Some other software is registered with a hardware ID but in general you can re-use most of your serial numbers.

If you are using Adobe products such as CS4/5 you'll definitely want to de-activate them on the old computer before you install the software on your new computer.

I have successfully uninstalled Microsoft Office 2010 from one computer and installed it on another, but I did have to use the automated telephone activation wizard to activate it on the new machine.

When you install the software on the new computer a new Installation ID is generated, which is keyed in using your telephone touchpad and if genuine returns a new Activation ID, which you have to enter to activate your software.

Tips to get a perfect reinstall of factory OEM: Reinstalling Windows 7