Question about Windows 7 RTM key got from MSDNAA

[pkgx89]

Hi all,

I've been reading documentation and FAQ's from my university, Microsoft, and the web in general, and can't find a definitive answer to the following question:

Is a Windows 7 RTM key issued by MSDNAA valid per computer (you can reinstall and reactivate windows as many times you want with the same key as long as it is always on the same computer) or per installation (only one activation, and no reinstall/reactivation possible afterwards)?

If the answer is the latter, is it ok to make a partition image with a program like clonezilla to back up an activated windows system?

Thank you

 

[Lordbob75]

The keys are linked to the computer, and in general, they are linked to the motherboard. Basically, you can reinstall it as many times as you want on the one computer, but if you change enough hardware (usually the motherboard), then it will decide it is a new computer. Then you have to call MS and tell them that.

I don't know how many computers it can be activated on, but if it is like TechNet, then it is 10.

~Lordbob

 

[armyslowrdr]

Over on overclock.net it is stated repeatedly it is good for ONE install. What peeps are doing is "purchasing" both 32 bit and 64 bit in both English and French versions, thus providing 3 more keys--for a total of 4 installations.

All in all a great deal for 19 bucks--considering there's other software you can get too for no mo $$--such as Front Page.

 

[harpua]

Fwimbw, I just had my system board replaced. Before the board was replaced, I had activated W7 ultimate rtm with a key obtained from Technet on the previous/old motherboard. When I started that system up with the new system board installed, W7 continued to report that it was activated without my having to re-enter any keys or do anything.

Also, clones of that hard drive also continue to report they are activated when I swap them in.

 

[pkgx89]

I think I figured it out for those who are interested. MSDNAA keys work as follow:

1-A key is valid only for one machine (not 10 like those from TechNet)
2-You can do more than one install (and reactivate), as long as it is always on the same computer
3-32 and 64 bits keys are interchangeable

This is what I did:

I installed and activated win 7 64 on a notebook (PC1). After using it for a very short time, PC1 suffered a hardware failure and I bought another notebook (PC2). I installed win 7 64 on PC2 and tried to activate it, but it didn't work (and also had driver problems). I then "ordered" a win 7 32 disk from MSDNAA, which came with a different key. I installed win 7 32 on PC2 and activated it. Then I discovered how to fix my driver problems, so I reinstalled win 7 64 and activated it with the already used win 7 32 key. It worked.

 

[brayway]

i noticed for MSDNAA with Vista it works on lots of dif comps it is just like a normal vista key where u can use it like 3 times i think then u call o get it re activated. but i only just got my Seven key so haven't been able to try it with it yet.