Can You Use the Upgrade Disk Again

[Shine]

Alright here is the situation. I bought two Windows 7 upgrade disks and upgraded both of my computers to Windows 7 (one from the RC and one from XP).

One of the computers is a new home built i7 rig and everything runs great and it has no problems. The older one seems to be having some problems with some failing hardware and is really in need of big update.

So I was thinking of building another computer instead of replacing a bunch of parts on it. If I go this route and build another computer will I be able to use my upgrade disk again or will I have to buy another one since it was already activated?

Thanks

 

[zigzag3143]

Alright here is the situation. I bought two Windows 7 upgrade disks and upgraded both of my computers to Windows 7 (one from the RC and one from XP).

One of the computers is a new home built i7 rig and everything runs great and it has no problems. The older one seems to be having some problems with some failing hardware and is really in need of big update.

So I was thinking of building another computer instead of replacing a bunch of parts on it. If I go this route and build another computer will I be able to use my upgrade disk again or will I have to buy another one since it was already activated?

Thanks

Hi shine and welcome

you can use the current disk but it may not activate online and may require a phone call to MS.

Good luck

Ken J+

 

[richc46]

Alright here is the situation. I bought two Windows 7 upgrade disks and upgraded both of my computers to Windows 7 (one from the RC and one from XP).

One of the computers is a new home built i7 rig and everything runs great and it has no problems. The older one seems to be having some problems with some failing hardware and is really in need of big update.

So I was thinking of building another computer instead of replacing a bunch of parts on it. If I go this route and build another computer will I be able to use my upgrade disk again or will I have to buy another one since it was already activated?

Thanks

You will be able to use it, but, under no circumstances, on more than one computer at a time. When you install on the new computer, do not give your key, when asked, wait for the installation process to complete, before supplying the number. Use it for a while and make sure it is working before giving the number.

My apologies to Ken, apparently we were typing at the same time, but you type just a bit faster.

 

[Shine]

Thanks for the fast responses guys. Rich I'm aware that I can't use the disk on more than one computer at a time and that is why I was wondering if I could use it at all. Even if I completely wipe 7 from the old computer before installing it on the new one, I get the feeling that I may have to do what Ken suggested and call Microsoft. As far as I know there is no way for Microsoft to know that I have wiped 7 off of the old computer. I'm guessing they would feel the serial number has been activated and is in use.

 

[richc46]

Thanks for the fast responses guys. Rich I'm aware that I can't use the disk on more than one computer at a time and that is why I was wondering if I could use it at all. Even if I completely wipe 7 from the old computer before installing it on the new one, I get the feeling that I may have to do what Ken suggested and call Microsoft. As far as I know there is no way for Microsoft to know that I have wiped 7 off of the old computer. I'm guessing they would feel the serial number has been activated and is in use.

Hi Shine,

This has been done and proven to work. You can read more about this in our tutorials on installation.

If you wiped your drive clean. Just put your DVD in the drive. JUst follow the instructrions. When you get to the screen asking for your Key, do not give it. At the end, after up and working, give your number. If it works you are good, enjoy. If it does not work you will be given the option to use a dial tone phone to activate. IF that does not work, you will speak to a person that will activagte you. I think what is not said, by Ken, is to wait to give your number, until you are fully installed. Not when asked the first time. Bottom, line you can Format and install on a new computer. Last thing, not in our manuals or in the MS EULA, enjoy the greateste OS, to date.

MS has made an upgrade disc, not much different from the full retail version, but You are on the honor system. You can use your disc on your new computer.
Richard

 

[jimbo45]

Hi all
Microsoft are actually pretty reasonable with this sort of stuff - especially as people CAN make mistakes in installing stuff and wiping disks clean.

As others have said you'll probably get a "Human" on the phone - the automated system *might* fail - but you could be lucky.

You will get the "Human" after the automated activation service. Just answer the questions honestly -- they will know B/S when they hear it. Just say you Wiped something by accident, got a new computer or whatever.

MS aren't trying to catch you out -- they are more interested in large scale "Commercial Pirating".

Cheers
jimbo