Is Windows 7 retail copy really for up to 3 computers?

[WiL11o6]

I know this has been asked a lot, and I have googled a lot trying to find a real answer to this. I have the retail Windows 7 Home, and I have done numerous reformatting on my computer until I bought a new computer. I tried to use the same CD-Key, but it says it is an invalid product key.

I was thinking, maybe it's up to 3 installs no matter what computer, however, I have done more than 3 installs on my same computer with no problems with the product key. I have read that it's good for up to 3 computers, not 3 installs.

I'm just irritated that I spent $100 on a Windows 7, and I'm locked down to one computer, that I'm not even going to use anymore. I have my new computer built, it's just sitting here, but I have no OS to install it on since my CD key isn't valid.

Is there something I need to do to re-validate the product key?

Thanks.

 

[OldMX]

No, its for one computer "at the time", install it as many times as you want.

About the invalid product key on the new computer, call the activation center 01800etc and explain the situation, they'll generate a new hardware string code for you.

 

[WiL11o6]

Thanks, for the quick response, but I don't quite understand.

So what you're saying is, I need to get a new Windows 7 for my new computer? Or rather, I need to get Windows 7 off my old computer? When I tried to install on my new computer, my old computer was not on.

 

[pparks1]

It's 1 copy of Windows 7 per computer. So, if you buy 3 computers and want to run 3 computers at the same time...yes...you need 3 copies and 3 licenses.

When you install multiple times to the same hardware, the activation usually works as the machine hardware hash matches. If you try a new computer a long time after loading to the first computer, it will usually work just fine. It a short while, MS will deactivate that first machine if it's still running. IF however you load to Computer1 on Monday and then 2 days later try to load to Machine 2, it will fail. If PC1 blew up and you had to get a new PC, you end up having to call MS and explain the situation over the phone and they will activate it over the phone for you.


Since you are "retiring" the old computer and won't continue to use it, MS should activate your new computer over the phone for you. You don't need to purchase a new copy of Windows7 or a new Windows 7 license.

 

[WiL11o6]

I see....thanks. Man these Windows 7 forums are super active, I get instant replies. Thanks! Now it looks like I need to buy another copy. =(


It's also misleading when people say, good for up to 3 computers....but not at the same time.

 

[Brink]

Hello Wil1106, and welcome to Seven Forums.

If you purchased a Windows 7 Family Pack copy, then it could have it's product key (license) activated on up to 3 computers at the same time.

Otherwise, a retail copy can only have it's product key number activated on 1 computer. If you wanted to activate that number on another computer, then it will have to be uninstalled from any previous computer first as per the EULA agreement.

Hope this helps,
Shawn

 

[zigzag3143]

I know this has been asked a lot, and I have googled a lot trying to find a real answer to this. I have the retail Windows 7 Home, and I have done numerous reformatting on my computer until I bought a new computer. I tried to use the same CD-Key, but it says it is an invalid product key.

I was thinking, maybe it's up to 3 installs no matter what computer, however, I have done more than 3 installs on my same computer with no problems with the product key. I have read that it's good for up to 3 computers, not 3 installs.

I'm just irritated that I spent $100 on a Windows 7, and I'm locked down to one computer, that I'm not even going to use anymore. I have my new computer built, it's just sitting here, but I have no OS to install it on since my CD key isn't valid.

Is there something I need to do to re-validate the product key?

Thanks.

At worst it may require a call to MS phone activation.

If it says invalid key, it may be the version is wrong, (ie an OEM key and a retail version of the OS).

North America : (800) 936-5800 (MS phone support)

 

[seavixen32]

No, just install it on your new computer and use the automated telephone activation wizard thus:

Click the Start button and type slui.exe 4 in the Search field then press Enter to bring up the Activation Wizard.

Use the drop-down list to choose your location then click Next.

Call the free telephone number and follow the automated instructions.

You'll be asked whether you are a home or business computer user and how many computers you have installed Windows on - one is the answer required.

You'll be asked to key in the Installation ID using your telephone touchpad, after which you'll be informed your request is accepted and the new Activation ID will be read back to you.

At this stage, my advice would be to write down the Activation ID first, and then enter it into the relevant boxes in case you need to activate in the future.

When you've entered the Activation ID into the wizard, click Next and Windows should activate.

 

[WiL11o6]

Thanks for the replies, the problem is not within trying to activate Windows 7. The problem is I cannot even get onto the desktop. I am stuck at the product key page, when I'm trying to setup my account log in name and password. It says invalid product key.

But it's already been answered I guess. I didn't buy the Windows 7 Family Pack, so I am only limited to one computer.

 

[pparks1]

So, you intend to keep running the 1st computer?

 

[Brink]

Thanks for the replies, the problem is not within trying to activate Windows 7. The problem is I cannot even get onto the desktop. I am stuck at the product key page, when I'm trying to setup my account log in name and password. It says invalid product key.

But it's already been answered I guess. I didn't buy the Windows 7 Family Pack, so I am only limited to one computer.

If and only if you have it uninstalled from the 1st computer (and any other computer), then you could try to activate it by phone.

 

[WiL11o6]

Yes

How would I uninstall from 1st computer? Just boot from Windows 7 CD and then format computer? Or is there another way of doing it?

 

[seavixen32]

You can use Diskpart as this tutorial explains.

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/52129-disk-clean-clean-all-diskpart-command.html

 

[bobkn]

I know this has been asked a lot, and I have googled a lot trying to find a real answer to this. I have the retail Windows 7 Home, and I have done numerous reformatting on my computer until I bought a new computer. I tried to use the same CD-Key, but it says it is an invalid product key.

I was thinking, maybe it's up to 3 installs no matter what computer, however, I have done more than 3 installs on my same computer with no problems with the product key. I have read that it's good for up to 3 computers, not 3 installs.

I'm just irritated that I spent $100 on a Windows 7, and I'm locked down to one computer, that I'm not even going to use anymore. I have my new computer built, it's just sitting here, but I have no OS to install it on since my CD key isn't valid.

Is there something I need to do to re-validate the product key?

Thanks.

A bit late to enter this discussion, but some points of clarification:

The Windows 7 family pack is an upgrade license which can be used to activate 3 PCs. That's the only retail Win7 version that I know of that permits it.

Microsoft Office 2010 Home & Student can be activated on 3 PCs, but that has nothing to do with Windows, other than being an application suite that runs under Windows.

A retail Windows 7 license is transferrable to a new computer. (An OEM or System Builder version is not supposed to be transferrable.) You are supposed to remove it fromt the old PC, but as far as I know, it's on the honor system. I have read claims that Microsoft will deactivate Windows on the old PC if it is connected to the Internet while activated with the key, but I find that hard to believe. Failing WGA (Windows Genuine Advantage) seems likelier.