Same key for double installation on same computer

[konstheo]

Hello folks,

Is it legal to have two simultaneous installations of Win 7 (on the same computer) using the same key?

The reason is that I'll be reinstalling Win 7 on a new hard disk and I'd like to be able to boot my old installation for a while (rather than make a backup) before completely migrating to the new one.

Thank you all

 

[Bill2]

I suppose this is a retail copy of win7. Installing on a 2nd hard drive may give you activation headaches because of the previous install. Why dont you just run win7 on the new hard disk without activating? You can do that upto 120 days, thats sufficient time to test.

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/875-activation-trial-period-extend-up-120-days.html

 

[marco23p]

Microsoft supports if you have to reinstall what I would do is install it but dont activate it

copy you're stuff and delete the old windows install

now activate it, if it gives you're trouble contact microsoft they will help

 

[konstheo]

I won't be able to use Windows Update in that case, will I?

Normally, I would follow your suggestion but if the above is the case then there will be a problem.

Of course I can always disable my LAN card in the old installation to prevent Win from accessing the net and then activate the new Win installation with the (old) key.

In that way I'll be able to boot both installations and use Win Update on the new one without having any issues. But I'd be glad if there were an easy and straightforward way because disabling the LAN card to achieve this, is somewhat... sneaky!

 

[Bill2]

Yes, you can use windows updates in trial period.

 

[konstheo]

marco23p I didn't see your reply the first time so the last of my post referred to the other friend.

Actually I need to boot both installations for a while. The reason is that my old one contains a lot of programs set up in a particular way that suits me. This would take A LOT of time to be repeated in the new installation. During this time I need to run those programs in case I need them. So I can't just backup data and remove the old installation. If I were to "install-on-demand" programs on the new Win, well that could be a solution, but not reliable enough because it involves dealing with last minute problems that may eat precious time that I need (I've had such issues in the past)

 

[konstheo]

Yes, you can use windows updates in trial period.

Oh great then this is what I'll do!!

Thank you both for your suggestions!

 

[theog]

Make sure you remove the old Hd before installing to new HD.

 

[Bare Foot Kid]

Make sure you remove the old Hd before installing to new HD.

Hello konstheo.


Power down and disconnect the data cable from the motherboard of the original HDD leaving only the 'new' HDD connected for the installation, this way the 2 OSs won't be tied together using the Windows managed dual boot method.

Power down and reconnect the 'old' HDD and set the Windows OS/HDD you want as default in the BIOS then you can use the BIOS one-time boot menu to choose which OS/HDD to start using the specific hot-key for your mobo.

• Asus - F8
• HP/Compaq - Esc
• Sony - F2
• Acer – F12
• Gateway - F10
• eMachnes - F10
• Toshiba - F12
• Dell - F12
• IBM/Lenovo - the blue Thinkvantage button