Can I install Windows 7 on more than one computer?

[Alexander Moore]

Just wondering what the licensing restrictions and all are. My girlfriend has a laptop that's still running on XP and I'd like to help her by upgrading it to my Win7 Ultimate x64. Just wondering if jusy using my installation disc for Win7 will cause any issues in the long term.

Also, would installing English Windows 7 on what was originally a Chinese system cause any issues? She's basically using a Chinese netbook (that's riddled with viruses and crap I'm going to clean out and advise her against downloading so much junk before knowing what exactly it is she's downloading). My system (which the Win7 came with) is an American gaming laptop.

I basically just want to redo her system. It's full of garbage. Would like to do a total restore to Win7 defaults and update all of her drivers.

Edit: Actually, I'll just make three different topics.

 

[VistaKing]

Hi Alexander Moore

You would need to purchase a new Windows 7 DvD .

 

[Alexander Moore]

Really? I read this on Microsoft Answers, but wanted to come here to verify.

For the lazy (or can't access the site/you're reading this in the future and the question has been taken down):

Question : "I love this OS and would like to install on all of my computers (many).
Can I use same serial number for ultiple computers?"

Answer (from a "Support Engineer" ranked member): "Hello owonhee,
Thank you for using Microsoft Answers forum. Your product key will work for up to three separate computers, so if you want to install the the RC on another PC, you can re-use the same key."

By what I'm understanding from MS Answers, I can install up to three copies if I have the full software. Users that got their OS via Upgrade are only licensed for one.

TL;DR : I'm getting conflicting answers.

 

[VistaKing]

Yes that is if you have Windows 7 Home Premium Family Pack .

One key per Windows 7 version . Doesn't matter if its 64-bit or 32-bit one key per version . If you purchase a Windows 7 retail DVD it will come with both 32-bit and 64-bit disc but one product key that you could use for operating system .

 

[Alexander Moore]

Well crap. That includes Ultimate?

What happens if you install it on another computer anyway? It'll refuse to update or something?

Surely it won't refuse to install altogether. It wouldn't make much sense because what if someone removed Windows from their system and then reinstalled? Also, how would anyone install Windows without being connected to a network?

Basically, what are the consequences of going through with this?

 

[VistaKing]

That goes with any version of windows 7 . If you uninstall windows 7 then she can use your key but you can't use it again while Windows is installed on her PC . It's better if you purchase a new product key (legit) . The product key from your girlfriend's laptop will not work cause its a key for Windows XP .

 

[Alexander Moore]

What happens if I shutdown my system and install it on her's though? It won't allow updates or what?

Haha, getting legit Windows in China is a chore. There's close to no legit software here, unfortunately. Most software are pirated copies. That includes movies and games.

Legit game consoles aren't even officially sold in China due to piracy (and political reasons). So, they just import consoles from Japan (sometimes Hong Kong) and mod them to run copy games.

 

[VistaKing]

Lol I guess you could say Welcome to China ( just kidding ) . You shutting down the computer won't help you. One product key per PC .

 

[Alexander Moore]

I have no idea how they run all these pirated versions of Windows then. I think it just disables their updates. I might try some tricks but one thing is for sure - I won't use my own serial key.

I think it can be installed, but these forums don't want to be associated with illegal stuff so a straight answer on that won't be given. That's cool.

Yeah, just about everything can be copied here. Even the alcohol in the bars is often knock-off crap and you actually have to look for legit kinds.

Their websites are all lame knock-offs of foreign websites as well. They just create something similar and then the government blocks the foreign competition (because they don't want websites beyond their control being popular among Chinese people, and they want only their own economy to profit from anything).

The sad thing is that I really want to support software developers but it's really difficult given where I'm currently living blah.

I love China, but software and gaming here is crappy. Unless you prioritize cheapness over quality, then it's awesome. I have a book full of knockoff Blu-Rays, though now I get Cinavia copyright problems when running them on modern American Blu-Ray software.

It's much cheaper to live here financially speaking, but there's definitely things I miss. One of those things are good internet and legitimacy of products.

 

[VistaKing]

I don't advice you use pirated software . See if you could purchase an English version from Amazon .

 

[Alexander Moore]

How much does it usually cost? As I'm basically a minor, I don't have much to work with.

I need some toolkits anyway, though. I hate it when machines use star and triangle screws. Would love it if everything was just phillips. Would make it so much less complicated.

 

[VistaKing]

$219-309 windows 7 Ultimate retail box

What do you need a toolkit for

 

[Lady Fitzgerald]

I don't advice you use pirated software . See if you could purchase an English version from Amazon .

Do NOT buy software from Amazon. Amazon often gets their software from dodgy suppliers and there have been reports of counterfeit software having been sold. The same goes for flash memory, such as thumb drives and camera cards. Their Marketplace vendors are often even worse.

 

[VistaKing]

A lot of people buy legit software from Amazon .

 

[Lady Fitzgerald]

A lot of people buy legit software from Amazon .

And a lot get burned. I've seen enough bad reviews to be leery of them for software.

 

[Britton30]

A lot of people buy legit software from Amazon .

I'm one happy customer. I do recommend only buy those items that say, "Sold by Amazon" or "Fulfilled by Amazon". they are many times a download, so free shipping.

eBay however is a no-no for software and PC parts.

 

[z3r010]

A lot of people buy legit software from Amazon .

I'm one happy customer. I do recommend only buy those items that say, "Sold by Amazon" or "Fulfilled by Amazon". they are many times a download, so free shipping.

eBay however is a no-no for software and PC parts.

 

[Lady Fitzgerald]

A lot of people buy legit software from Amazon .

I'm one happy customer. I do recommend only buy those items that say, "Sold by Amazon" or "Fulfilled by Amazon". they are many times a download, so free shipping.

eBay however is a no-no for software and PC parts.

For most things, your advice for buying only those items that say, "Sold by Amazon" or "Fulfilled by Amazon" ant never buy from FleaBay is spot on but, as I said, I've seen too many reviews from people who got burned buying software from Amazon (not one of their Marketplace vendors) for me to ever buy software from them or recommend it to others.

I will buy on occasion from a Marketplace vendor if the vendor reviews are favorable (you have to read the reviews, not go by the ratings, since there many people who do not know the difference between a vendor review and a product review), the item is a low enough price to be worth gambling on, or I really need the item and can't find it anywhere else. Amazon has a horrible track record for standing behind their Marketplace vendors.

 

[jimbo45]

What happens if I shutdown my system and install it on her's though? It won't allow updates or what?

Haha, getting legit Windows in China is a chore. There's close to no legit software here, unfortunately. Most software are pirated copies. That includes movies and games.

Legit game consoles aren't even officially sold in China due to piracy (and political reasons). So, they just import consoles from Japan (sometimes Hong Kong) and mod them to run copy games.

Hi there
I've been a few times to Shanghai -- and within about 3 mins in the "French Concession" area of the city -- great place BTW -- was offered more cheap software and movies barely out of the cinema than I could probably ever use in a million years -- even English versions.

However LEGALLY -- ONE License per Windows system. Windows 7 will allow 30 days before activation -- then it will work in "reduced" -- or extremely hobbled mode. - If you are prepared to re-install every 30 days then OK -- but it's not worth it.

If you use torrents -- well it's your risk.

I actually didn't find too many problems sourcing LEGIT Windows in Shanghai -- don't know other areas of China though. Actually you can get heavily discounted versions too -- but I wouldn't rely on the provenance of those "Cheap copies" as being genuine.

If you DO want one of those cheap copies -- take your PC with you and get the "seller" to install it and then check that the Windows version has activated. This isn't 100% safe but you can always scan for viruses later on. My experience with places like Shanghai is that everyone is ALWAYS ready to do business and make deals -- makes the USA seem possibly staid when it come to "Business" these days. !!! -- Mind you being a rather tall large Blonde Guy - I did tend to stand out in China - but loved some of the more "Sleazier" drinking establishments -- could get absolutely plastered for the equivalent of around 5 EUR !!!!!.

(Map of the area enc).

Don't though use ebay for software -- agree absolutely with all the other posters.

Cheers
jimbo