Can you reformat a HD and reinstall Windows 7 using the same key?

[crashjesse]

Hello,
I have Windows 7 installed and it's starting to run slow after using it for a year. I would like to reformat the drive it is installed on and reinstall it fresh. Can I activate it using the same key since it's the same drive, or would I have to buy a new key?

I want to do this because I feel that it's easier to reinstall and the software I use than it would be to try to determine and fix what is slowing down my computer.

 

[ie9]

As Joules said, the answer is yes.

Follow this tutorial to make it good as new: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/1649-clean-install-windows-7-a.html

 

[gregrocker]

Tips for getting a purrfect reinstall, based on hundreds done here: http://www.sevenforums.com/installation-setup/125874-re-install-windows-7-a.html#post1086729

 

[whs]

Easiest is to reinstall from the recovery partition - if you have one. That will automatically assume your key.

 

[Here To Help]

Yes, however you are limited to 6 activations per key by the internet. After that you will have to call microsofts automated phone system (pain in the A** but works quite well).

 

[Bare Foot Kid]

Hello crashjesse, welcome to Seven Forums!



If there's nothing on the Hard Disk Drive that you need to save and you want the best possible space to clean install Windows 7 to, have a look at this tutorial at the link below and be sure to post back with any further questions you may have and to keep us informed.

SSD / HDD : Optimize for Windows Reinstallation



There is no limit to the number of times a retail Windows 7 can be reinstalled and activated.