Can i use my msdn/technet win7 key to reinstall?

[Nitrius]

If i remember right, keys from msdn/technet got 10 activations or something? So am wondering if i want to reinstall windows 7 with the same key, on the same hardware, will i use up another activation on that?

 

[stormy13]

MSDN/Technet keys are the same as retail keys. Doesn't matter if you use up the activations (however many it may be); if Windows won't activate automatically you just select the phone method and call up Microsoft (usually takes 5 minutes or less).

 

[Bare Foot Kid]

Hello Nitrius.



You have a total of 10 keys per each specific title, each key has unlimited re-install potential.

 

[Nitrius]

Ah, so i can install Win 7 on 10 different computers with the same key, and reinstall windows on those however many times i want with the same key?

But lets say i change some hardware, like the motherboard or the OS hdd/sdd? Then it will probably fail? But then i can just use the phone options as mentioned above and explain the situation? Or will it count as a "new" computer and use one more of the 10 activations?

 

[Bare Foot Kid]

No, you get 10 keys for Windows 7 Ultimate (for example, only 10 keys) only 10; each key can be unlimitedly re-installed.


Windows 7 Pro = 10 keys

MS Office = 10 keys

Windows Vista Ultimate = 10 keys

 

[Nitrius]

Oh, so you get 10 different keys, and each key can only be used on one computer at a time? But you can use it to reinstall as many times as you like. Did i get it right this time? Or am i still off? Hehe.

 

[Bare Foot Kid]

You got it exactly right this time!

 

[Nitrius]

Another question, are you sure that a single key can only be used at a single computer at a time? That you can't use the same key on say 2 different computers at the same time?

 

[Tews]

One key, one computer... thats why they give you 10...

 

[electrotune1200]

Another question, are you sure that a single key can only be used at a single computer at a time? That you can't use the same key on say 2 different computers at the same time?

Don't be getting all greedy now.

 

[Zepher]

Actually, this is how it works,
You get 10 keys and each key gets 10 activations. when you run out of keys and activations you can request more keys, if your Technet Subscription is still active.

If i remember right, keys from msdn/technet got 10 activations or something? So am wondering if i want to reinstall windows 7 with the same key, on the same hardware, will i use up another activation on that?

Yes, you will use another activation.

Here is from the FAQ:

Q: Can I determine how many activations are remaining for my keys, if activation is required?

A: No. When a Microsoft product requires activation (such as Windows Vista), the product keys provided with your subscription allow a limited number of activations. The product keys available through your subscription can have one or more activations per product key. Multiple Activation Keys for older products typically are 10 activation keys. As subscribers often have legitimate needs to install and reinstall software more often, we are working to increase activations available for keys, or to enable issuance of additional keys. Going forward we plan to continue to support this business need and increase the number of activations for subscribers, or enable multiple keys to be claimed.

IMPORTANT - If you use products that require activation, many allow up to 30 days usage without activating. If you re-image your computers more frequently than every 30 days, you may want to consider NOT activating them if you have that option based on the product you are installing.

If you deplete activations for a key, you may be able to claim additional keys for that product. Additional keys would have their own set of activations.
If you are unable to claim additional keys and you have depleted all activations on ALL keys claimed, you can request additional keys by contacting your local Customer Service Center (click the Support tab above). A Customer Service Representative will validate your request and will submit the request to have additional keys provisioned for you. The additional keys will be claimable from the site.

 

[Bare Foot Kid]

I don't know about MSDN but the keys I acquire from my TechNet subscription are listed as 'Retail' and my understanding of 'Retail' is that re-installs are unlimited.

 

[pparks1]

I think the key type is dependent upon product. For example, in my MSDN account I see retail keys for Windows 7....but I see a MAK key for Windows Server 2008.

 

[Zepher]

I don't know about MSDN but the keys I acquire from my TechNet subscription are listed as 'Retail' and my understanding of 'Retail' is that re-installs are unlimited.

They are Retail Keys but they have activation limits. These are not the same Retail Keys that you buy individually, which have unlimited activations.