Can I activate after upgrading my cpu?

spdracer · 17 Dec 2009

I've activated the 32 bit version,then I installed and activated the 64 bit version,I would like to upgrade to a quad core and would like to know if I could activate Windows seven after doing so. I'm assuming I would have to re-install after this upgrade.

bigmck · 17 Dec 2009

spdracer said:

I've activated the 32 bit version,then I installed and activated the 64 bit version,I would like to upgrade to a quad core and would like to know if I could activate Windows seven after doing so. I'm assuming I would have to re-install after this upgrade.

There shouldn't be a problem there. It sounds like you have the retail version of Win7. You can install that on different computers but not on two at the same time. In your case it is the same computer, but even if MS thinks it is different ones you are still covered.

richc46 · 17 Dec 2009

bigmck said:

spdracer said:

I've activated the 32 bit version,then I installed and activated the 64 bit version,I would like to upgrade to a quad core and would like to know if I could activate Windows seven after doing so. I'm assuming I would have to re-install after this upgrade.

There shouldn't be a problem there. It sounds like you have the retail version of Win7. You can install that on different computers but not on two at the same time. In your case it is the same computer, but even if MS thinks it is different ones you are still covered.

When installing, you wil be asked for your key, do not give it. Continue with the installation. When you are done and satisfied, give the key number. If accepted, just enjoy. If not you will be given the opportunity to use a touch tone phone to input your number. If not sucessful a technician, will get on the phone, give him the facts and he will activate you. Even the worst case scenario, just described, it is still and easy process.

Activate Windows 7 by Phone

spdracer · 17 Dec 2009

richc46 said:

bigmck said:

spdracer said:

I've activated the 32 bit version,then I installed and activated the 64 bit version,I would like to upgrade to a quad core and would like to know if I could activate Windows seven after doing so. I'm assuming I would have to re-install after this upgrade.

There shouldn't be a problem there. It sounds like you have the retail version of Win7. You can install that on different computers but not on two at the same time. In your case it is the same computer, but even if MS thinks it is different ones you are still covered.

When installing, you wil be asked for your key, do not give it. Continue with the installation. When you are done and satisfied, give the key number. If accepted, just enjoy. If not you will be given the opportunity to use a touch tone phone to input your number. If not sucessful a technician, will get on the phone, give him the facts and he will activate you. Even the worst case scenario, just described, it is still and easy process.

Activate Windows 7 by Phone

Can you continue the install without entering the key?

richc46 · 17 Dec 2009

spdracer said:

richc46 said:

bigmck said:

There shouldn't be a problem there. It sounds like you have the retail version of Win7. You can install that on different computers but not on two at the same time. In your case it is the same computer, but even if MS thinks it is different ones you are still covered.

When installing, you wil be asked for your key, do not give it. Continue with the installation. When you are done and satisfied, give the key number. If accepted, just enjoy. If not you will be given the opportunity to use a touch tone phone to input your number. If not sucessful a technician, will get on the phone, give him the facts and he will activate you. Even the worst case scenario, just described, it is still and easy process.

Activate Windows 7 by Phone

Can you continue the install without entering the key?

Yes, MS, actually gives you 30 days to give the key. There is also a 60 day extension. But bottom line, you do not have to give it when asked.

TheTeZ · 17 Dec 2009

Yes you can. But lets say you installed using the key. And you had recieved the "windows thinks you changed too much stuff to activate thing... try activating" if it givves you the error, and does not let you activate it you call them up, and they say "Hi how many computers is this installed on" you tell them just the one, you changed your cpu and it wont let ou activate. they say how many computuers is this on? you say just the one. Then once again they ask you in the indian accent "how many computers do you currently have this installed on" and once again you say just the one. They will give you a new activation code, and all will be good since the key is actually only in use on the 1 computer.

richc46 · 17 Dec 2009

richc46 said:

spdracer said:

richc46 said:

When installing, you wil be asked for your key, do not give it. Continue with the installation. When you are done and satisfied, give the key number. If accepted, just enjoy. If not you will be given the opportunity to use a touch tone phone to input your number. If not sucessful a technician, will get on the phone, give him the facts and he will activate you. Even the worst case scenario, just described, it is still and easy process.

Activate Windows 7 by Phone

Can you continue the install without entering the key?

Yes, MS, actually gives you 30 days to give the key. There is also a 60 day extension. But bottom line, you do not have to give it when asked.

I like to wait before giving the key. Gives me time to make sure all is well. If not I can install again, without having to activate. I like to activate, when I am sure that it is working, have all my programs installed, then activate, finally make a system image and put it in a safe place.

Cato · 17 Dec 2009

I may not be following the original question but:

I just upgraded from an E8500 Duo to a Q9550 and there was no difference than installing another hard drive, DVD, etc. The "Found New Hardware" popped up showing 4 cores in the CPU and that was it. No questions asked, no re-install required.

Maybe I got lost from the OP's question. That's been know to happen.