OEM Windows 7 Ultimate Activation Question

[MikehW]

Hey All,

Wasn't too sure if this had been asked before but I couldnt find anything so....

I have an OEM Copy of Windows 7 Ultimate and was wondering how many times I can reinstall it without worrying about Not being able to re-activate it.

I have installed it once, then had to reinstall due to a faulty motherboard, which propmted me to call a number and do the long digit entry and since then I have had to format again and when I reinstalled it was fine, didnt have any problems with activating.

Im not looking to change hardware soon, so I was just wondering how many more times on the current pc build i have I can reinstall without having to buy another copy?

So to Clarify

First Install - Activated
Second Install - Automated Phone Activation
Third (Current) Install - Activated over Internet with no problems.

Many Thanks!

Ohhh also, if I was to update my CPU, would that warrant another phone call?

 

[Jonathan_King]

You can install as many times as you need, but the license is tied to the motherboard.

I'm not going to judge for replacing your motherboard and reactivating, because you are not abusing the spirit of the law.

Just note that that is technically breaking the rules.

 

[pparks1]

You should be able to install it as many times as you want onto the same system.

I'd say to help provide some piece of mind that you install it, patch it, activate it and then make an image. Going forward, you can simply restore your image and it's already activated. Software like Macrium Reflect does a great job with this and is free. And there are tutorials on this site which explain how you use it.

 

[MikehW]

Ahh Ok,

The only reason I had to change the motherboard was because when I first installed Windows 7, it didnt pick up that I had 4 gig of ram, so I updated the BIOS and then the motherboard didnt even see I had any ram. So I had kind of screwed myself over before I had even begun!

But as long as your all pretty much sure it wont tell me I can no longer Activate it then I'm fine!

Also, If I change the CPU would that cause a re-activation?


Many Thanks Peeps!

 

[Tews]

You would probably have to phone MS to re-activate it...

 

[richc46]

You are not alone with your concerns. I have read many posts from members in a smiliar situation. They all came back with their OS Activated and with comments about the professional, helpful attitude of the rep they had to deal with.

Call the activation number, if needed. You will be given the opportunity to supply your key with a touch tone phone. If that fails you will be automatically elevated to a rep. MS,is a company that wants to sell their OS, but must protect their investment. They know that this situation is not desired by users. They know that they must give the caller the most professional and pleasant experience possible.

Give them a call and you will be very surprised.

 

[Jo6Pak]

Going forward, you can simply restore your image and it's already activated. Software like Macrium Reflect does a great job with this and is free. And there are tutorials on this site which explain how you use it.

Not meaning to hijack, but do you recommend Macrium over creating a system image via the Windows 7 Backup & Restore method?

I used this tutorial, but if Macrium is 'better', I will try that as well:

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/663-backup-complete-computer-create-image-backup.html?ltr=B

Thanks...

 

[zigzag3143]

Hey All,

Wasn't too sure if this had been asked before but I couldnt find anything so....

I have an OEM Copy of Windows 7 Ultimate and was wondering how many times I can reinstall it without worrying about Not being able to re-activate it.

I have installed it once, then had to reinstall due to a faulty motherboard, which propmted me to call a number and do the long digit entry and since then I have had to format again and when I reinstalled it was fine, didnt have any problems with activating.

Im not looking to change hardware soon, so I was just wondering how many more times on the current pc build i have I can reinstall without having to buy another copy?

So to Clarify

First Install - Activated
Second Install - Automated Phone Activation
Third (Current) Install - Activated over Internet with no problems.

Many Thanks!

Ohhh also, if I was to update my CPU, would that warrant another phone call?

I dont think there is a finite limit. The worst case is the phone call. If you change cpu it will ask you to call.


Ken

 

[richc46]

As usual Ken is correct, but do not be concerned about the possible call. All comments in this area have mentioned how cooperative and professional the reps have been.

 

[stevethenerd]

Officially, OEM is activated to a specific hardware set... but there is technically no limit to the number of times you can activate/re-activate.

I know individuals who Wipe and Reload every 6 months.