Can I put Win 7 HDD in anothe PC without licensing/activation problems

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  1. Posts : 31,242
    Windows 11 Pro x64 [Latest Release and Release Preview]
       #11

    It's long been considered without any actual confirmation from Microsoft, (officially), that most removable components are Ok to replace and Keep activation, with the exception of the motherboard.

    This does not mean that when a motherboard is replaced that your key will be blacklisted or any other way of deactivating the licence, what it means is that you will need to talk to someone at Microsoft and explain the situation, if you can persuade the tech that you are replacing the Board due to circumstances beyond your control, (component failure, recall by the manufacturer, Etc), they are likely to either provide a replacement key or Clear your existing key for further use.

    Deciding to upgrade so that your system is more up-to date is not an acceptable reason. also upgrading a system too often will also not be looked on favourably, and probably lead to deactivation.

    Of course this procedure does not apply to Retail licences but only to OEM. Major OEM licenses and their use after replacement of components is not microsoft's concern, but Dell HP etc will have their own methods and rules - EG if you swap out a failed HP motherboard with a working HP motherboard the Key should work correctly but HP may need to confirm this when they supply the board. Fitting a retail board into an OEM system will almost always deactivate the licence
      My Computers


  2. Posts : 1,784
    Linux Mint 18.2 xfce 64-bit (VMWare host) / Windows 8.1 Pro 32-bit (VMWare guest)
       #12

    Thank you for that explanation.
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 31,242
    Windows 11 Pro x64 [Latest Release and Release Preview]
       #13

    One other thing that seems to be a factor in the decision which I understand but do not feel is totally fair is that If you are a business customer off Microsoft you will More often be given the "benefit of the doubt" than if you are a private individual
      My Computers


  4. Posts : 7,100
    W7 home premium 32bit/W7HP 64bit/w10 tp insider ring
       #14

    Hi Barman,

    your quite correct,
    within the activation process the key line is this, you can find it in the Mgadiag tool

    Installation ID: 005673737732079724716895113776368462929001305253566542

    Its basically a parts identifier
    Allthough i have NO idea how its split or how it does it
    One of MS secrets.

    Roy
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 31,242
    Windows 11 Pro x64 [Latest Release and Release Preview]
       #15

    I understand Microsoft's position on the Installation Key and fully support their position in keeping it's structure to themselves - If it was publically known the pirates would rule the world (even More )
      My Computers


  6. Posts : 1,784
    Linux Mint 18.2 xfce 64-bit (VMWare host) / Windows 8.1 Pro 32-bit (VMWare guest)
       #16

    Barman58 said:
    One other thing that seems to be a factor in the decision which I understand but do not feel is totally fair is that If you are a business customer off Microsoft you will More often be given the "benefit of the doubt" than if you are a private individual
    Well, Microsoft wants to keep those business dollars/pounds/euros coming in, so for me it is understandable why they would want to keep on friendly terms with businesses.
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 25,847
    Windows 10 Pro. 64/ version 1709 Windows 7 Pro/64
       #17

    Nigel has hit the nail on the head.

    With a OEM Windows 7, the motherboard is Microsoft's concern. Microsoft doesn't care if you change things like video cards, drives or ram. To Microsoft a new motherboard equals a new computer.
    Their are exceptions. I have RMA a motherboard and got back a different motherboard but the same type in all respects except the serial number. I had to call Microsoft and explain. They okayed things and activated my system. What Microsoft picked up with my motherboard is unknown to me. It took about 5 minutes on the phone and all was good again.

    -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    To all those in wonder world; yes Microsoft is in business to make money. We can't buy Microsoft products if Microsoft isn't in business. So I want Microsoft to stay in business and make a profit.

    I have got about $8000.00 worth of computer hardware in my home which would be useless without proper operating systems to make it all work together. A Microsoft operating system is cheap compared to hardware. Hardware is useless without the operating system. If by chance one has problems with activation and Microsoft is no help; well one just has to buy a new operating system. Or one can use one of the Linux operating systems which are free.

    Jack
      My Computer


 
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