Activating a retail copy of Windows 7 on a second computer.

DrStabPhD · 18 May 2012

The computer it is currently installed on doesn't work anymore. (I couldn't fit that in the title. I know that retail licenses only permit for the copy of Windows 7 to be activated/genuine on one computer.)

I have a retail copy of Windows 7. It was used to upgrade a laptop from Windows XP to Windows 7. I still have that laptop. That laptop, however, is broken (motherboard problem). I'm aware that there is a way to deactivate Windows 7 via cmd, but I can't do that on a computer that can't turn on. Is there a way to use this retail copy of Windows 7 on my new computer without deactivating it on the old one? Or am I screwed, and need to buy a new copy?

pparks1 · 18 May 2012

No, it should work. As long as you have activated on another computer recently, and that old computer doesn't come back on and start checking in, you shouldn't have any issues.

NoelDP · 18 May 2012

Simply install the copy of WIndows on the second computer - this automatically disqualifes the older installation which will then fail validation if it's attempted.

There is no need, or way, to 'de-activate' a computer, as far as Windows activation servers are concerned.
The de-activation you've seen is only a local one, to allow another license Key to be input on that machine, and does not get passed through to the activation servers.

DrStabPhD · 18 May 2012

All right, good to hear. Thanks for the help.

NoelDP · 19 May 2012

You're welcome - good luck!