I have an MSDN windows 7 key on my computer, how long will it last? And if I buy Windows 7 and I activate the key through the change product key would that render it done? Or could I have that as an active backup key?
Thank you in advance
Hello hollyoaks,
MSDN keys do not expire.
Product Keys and Activation -- MSDN Subscriptions
Hope this helps, :)
Shawn
I have just read that you get 10 activations with an MSDN key and only one with a genuine windows key you buy for yourself surely you get all the activations you want as the key is for life?
MSDN Keys operate under special rules - which can change from time to time.
MSDN Keys allow 10 simultaneous activations, in contrast to the single activation allowed under Retail rules, but MS reserves the right to terminate the license at any time (although they haven't exercised that right, with the exception of abused keys, so far as I know).
TechNet had similar rights - but they are now subscription licenses, and have to be renewed annually. I don't know if MSDN either have, or are planning on going the same route.
I see so if I buy a genuine Microsoft windows 7 key today, not an MSDN one there is unlimited activations with it correct? It all sounds to good to be true for the price, is there anywhere you can check if the key is genuine? Or do you have to install it first? Also as my MSDN key is all right and genuine will it last me for a lot more years as when I got it, it wasn't the rules you are talking about with always having to have a subscription to them.
An MSDN Key, like a Retail one, has unlimited activations on the same hardware.
Unlike a Retail Key, MSDN licenses are restricted to use in a non-production environment.
It is not possible to buy 'a key' for any version of Windows - you MUST buy the complete package, or you can guarantee that it's counterfeit.
You need to check the License terms that came with your MSDN package for the precise terms, but my understanding is that any Key retrieved before at least July 2012 is perpetual - certainly mine from 2004-ish are still working fine (my subs expired in 2007) :)
The only reason I put that date in, is because it was the cut-off date for TechNet perpetual licenses.
As far as checking the genuine-ness of Keys is concerned:-
The best check is to be certain of your source - do NOT buy on eBay, Craig'sList, or similar flea-markets, as they are almost certainly going to be counterfeits.
Once you get the package, if it's not from an impeccable source, check it before opening for the quality of the packaging, and any typos, etc.
Once you open it, check the Disk(s) and make sure that there are no stickers instead of the imprinted hologram.
As far as the Key is concerned, you could ring the Activation Center to check it - but they will/can only give a yes/no response to whether it is currently blocked or not.
If you post an MGADiag report in the forums here, I or someone can give a more log-term view on the probability of it being genuine (and staying that way!). Unless it shows definite signs of being non-genuine, it's impossible to be 100% certain about it, but having read 20,000 or so reports, I've got pretty good at it :)
That's fine - Amazon itself is rock-solid (but the Amazon MarketPlace sellers are not)
Note that it says
Note also the following....Dispatched from and sold by Amazon.
1) It's an OEM license - which means that It cannot be transferred to another machine under any circumstances. The license lives and dies on the first motherboard on which it is activated (with certain strict exceptions) - see the Amazon notes... http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/feature.h...d_i=B004Q0PSMK
2) There's no support from MS (that what the higher-priced Retail version includes)
3) you can just swap the Key into your current install (assuming it's for Win7Pro) and activate it, with no problems, if you need to.
If you want to be able to move the license to another machine, or upgrade the motherboard on that one, then you'd need a full retail license.
Thanks I won't be buying what about this one Microsoft Windows 7 Professional 32bit SP1 Full Program & Product Key | eBay he had 10 an hour ago only 1 left.
The eBay link you provided shows a dell OEM windows 7 . Not what you looking for
Code:OEM Windows 7 Professional 32bit with CoA License Product Key Item Description: This item is an Original DELL Branded OEM Microsoft operating system installation DVD disc containing the full 32bit version of Windows 7 Professional including service pack 1 (SP1). (This is NOT an upgrade version) The software is new and has never been installed on any computer. The software is supplied with a genuine and unregistered product key. The software will install on any PC desktop or laptop/notebook computer which is capable of installing and running 32bit Windows 7. (Please check your system is capable of running 32bit version) Will install on self/custom built and other non-branded machines. Will install on new machines or machines that have a new hard drive and/or no operating system. Boot from CD and follow on screen instructions Once installed and activated you will be able to receive full updates and support for your operating system The item comes in sealed sleeve with the CoA sticker attached to front as per the second image in the gallery. Retail packaging is NOT included.
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