Buying Windows 7 - Cheapest option?

[imacken]

Thanks for all that guys.
I'm still not clear though. If I want to install Windows 7 on more than one PC, do I use the same product key (up to 10 times) or use a different one each time.

 

[severedsolo]

use a different product key for each machine,

example: machine 1 has windows 7 ultimate on it, so you use ultimatre key 1, machine 2 has ultimate on it also so you use ultimate key 2, if however machine 1 crashes and needs to be reinstalled, then reuse key 1 to activate it

 

[imacken]

So each key is linked to particular hardware?

 

[severedsolo]

once activated, its linked to your motherboard, unless you uninstall from the original machine,

in the example above: machine 1 has a hard drive failure, and you go out and buy a brand new pc to replace it, you can install key 1 back onto this new machine because you only have 1 pc running on this key

 

[imacken]

once activated, its linked to your motherboard, unless you uninstall from the original machine,

So this is different to the 'normal' situation then? Normally, as far as I understand it, you can't 'uninstall' a Windows product key. Each key is linked to particular hardware, and if that hardware changes by too much, then a phone call to MS is required.
I don't see how you could 'uninstall'.

 

[tweetiepooh]

If you have school age children then you can get special prices for MS Software.

Win 7 Ultimate £58

 

[severedsolo]

once activated, its linked to your motherboard, unless you uninstall from the original machine,

So this is different to the 'normal' situation then? Normally, as far as I understand it, you can't 'uninstall' a Windows product key. Each key is linked to particular hardware, and if that hardware changes by too much, then a phone call to MS is required.
I don't see how you could 'uninstall'.

sorry i didnt make myself clear there, that is actually what i meant, but MS define a "new computer" as a new motherboard, however if the key was no longer being used on said machine, you could reactivate it on a new one, with a call to MS,

OEM keys on the other hand, are tied to the machine for life and are non transferrable

 

[imacken]

I think it's a little more complex than just a new motherboard. Changes of HDDs can cause a new activation as well.
Anyway, you may be interested in this from a MS Technet forum:
'Each product key appears to be valid for upto 10 activations. You can use one product key on as many computers you yourself personally run. Technet product keys are not for use by other users, and are licensed solely for your own personal use. If, for example, you have a desktop at home, a desktop at the office, and a laptop that you use exclusively, then by rights (for testing purposes) you can install a copy of the software on all 3 of these machines using the same product key. Once you have exceeded the maximum activation count for a key, you will need to request another key to continue installing and activating your software.'

 

[pparks1]

I would not worry about the # of installs and activations that you are going to get. I can pretty much assure you that for your own personal use...you are not going to run out. I've never heard of instances were Technet users simply ran out of keys and activations with their subscriptions.

 

[imacken]

OK. Thanks guys. I've officially stopped worrying!!!
Thanks for all your help.

 

[chrysalis]

1 - use diff key for each machine, there is enough keys for this and you reduce the likelyhood of needing to ring microsoft.
2 - technically technet is only for testing and cannot be used for productivity use, realistically microsoft wont care as long as you dont get silly and start doing things like leaking/selling the keys. end of the day this is better for them than you pirating it. I expect you can get away with giving a key to a couple of family members but just be aware it is breaching the t&c.
3 - the keys still work after the subscription expires.
4 - some versions you only get one key, these are typically the VLK versions, I would stick to just using the retail versions.
5 - total keys is actually near 100 I think, you have the normal 4 editions, then repeat for N/E edition. Of course I expect you wont use anywhere near this amount.

 

[Zepher]

5 - total keys is actually near 100 I think, you have the normal 4 editions, then repeat for N/E edition. Of course I expect you wont use anywhere near this amount.

It is 40 keys for 7, the N and K versions for Professional and Ultimate use the Regular keys, while Home Premium has a separate key set for N.

EDIT: I just glanced at mine and it was Vista that had quite a bit N & K & Retail overlapping. There are a total of 91 Windows 7 keys.

70 Retail Keys
Windows 7 Ultimate and Ultimate K
Windows 7 Ultimate N and KN
Windows 7 Home Basic
Windows 7 Home Premium and Home Premium K
Windows 7 Home Premium N and KN
Windows 7 Professional and Professional K
Windows 7 Professional N and KN

20 OEM Keys
Windows 7 Starter and Starter K
Windows 7 Starter N and KN

1 Volume Key
Windows 7 Enterprise, N, K, and KN