Reactivating Windows 7 with fresh install

[kapok]

I installed Windows 7 Home Premium over Vista Business on a PC to see if it would run and tested it out for a few days. I used my installation CD that was good for only one PC. So to activate Win 7 on that 2nd PC I need to buy another copy of the OS. Can I just reinstall over the current version of Win7, or so I need to wipe the drive and install fresh?

 

[Kaktussoft]

You just want to reactivate an already activated win7 installation?

 

[windude99]

I installed Windows 7 Home Premium over Vista Business on a PC to see if it would run and tested it out for a few days. I used my installation CD that was good for only one PC. So to activate Win 7 on that 2nd PC I need to buy another copy of the OS. Can I just reinstall over the current version of Win7, or so I need to wipe the drive and install fresh?

Since you can only use one installation at a time, you need to choose which pc you want Windows 7 on. The other is going to have to run another os unless you buy another copy of Windows 7.

 

[kapok]

Not exactly... I installed Windows 7 on two PCs using a CD that was licensed for only one PC. So now I need to buy another license and install it on the second PC. So can I just insert the CD and reinstall on the 2nd PC, or do I need to erase the HDD and reinstall fresh?

You just want to reactivate an already activated win7 installation?

 

[Kaktussoft]

no reinstall needed!! just change the product key in system ->properties on botttom of page

 

[kapok]

Awesome! Where do I find the System>Properties screen?

no reinstall needed!! just change the product key in system ->properties on botttom of page

 

[kapok]

Awesome! I see the System Properties > Windows activation information on my current PC. On the unactivated one I assume I'll be able to change that (Not in front of that PC at the moment).

 

[kapok]

So to follow up, two PCs have the same copy of Windows 7 Home installed. I need to install another OS on one of them. So can I:
1. Upgrade PC#1 from Windows 7 Home to Professional via an upgrade
2. Then use my original Windows 7 key with PC#2?

 

[windude99]

So to follow up, two PCs have the same copy of Windows 7 Home installed. I need to install another OS on one of them. So can I:
1. Upgrade PC#1 from Windows 7 Home to Professional via an upgrade
2. Then use my original Windows 7 key with PC#2?

No, because Windows anytime upgrade requires your pc be activated before you upgrade. Even after you upgrade, your pc will still be activated with the Windows 7 Home Premium product key along with the new Windows 7 Professional key. I know about this because I use Windows anytine upgrade on one of my computers.

 

[kapok]

Well, shoot. Any suggestions?

 

[windude99]

Well, shoot. Any suggestions?

You will need to buy another copy of Windows 7 for the other computer.

 

[gregrocker]

Did you save a backup image of Vista, or save the Vista Recovery partition and will it still run from the hotkey given at boot?

If not your options if it's factory preinstalled are to order Recovery disks from OEM or find a Vista installation DVD to clean reinstall with Product Key on COA sticker using these same steps: Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7

Or you can buy Win7 upgrade version.

 

[kapok]

Alas, I deleted my windows.old directory.

 

[mee]

Alas, I deleted my windows.old directory.

windows.old is no good anyway to use.
As a general rule any upgraded version of windows becomes INVALID ( and is supposed to become blocked) once the activation occur.

 

[gregrocker]

Alas, I deleted my windows.old directory.

windows.old is no good anyway to use.
As a general rule any upgraded version of windows becomes INVALID ( and is supposed to become blocked) once the activation occur.

The Product Key for the qualifying OS remains valid for the life of the OS.

However under the EULA you should not use it during the time it is being used to qualify for Upgrade version.