Upgrade, Clean install from old computer to new computer!

[in2tech]

So I purchased an HP latop right when Windows 7 was coming out and the HP laptop had Windows Vista when I bought it but I was sent a free upgrade to Windows 7 Ultimate by HP during the time when they were selling laptops with Vista and sending free upgrades.

So what I want to know since the fan stopped working some time ago, (cooling it with a small fan from Walmart sending air around and inside it somewhat) on the HP laptop I purchased and recieved the free upgrade. If I return the HP laptop to factory settings (did a complete backup when purchased) and put Vista back on it, can I use my Windows 7 Ultimate disk in a newly purchased laptop since it will still only be on one laptop since I am returning the old one to Vista?

And do I have to uninstall Windows 7 Ultimate with the Upgrade disk so it knows it's no longer on that computer. In other words are they linked by some type of serial number on my HP laptop that only allows me to install the Windows Upgrade disk on that specific machine?

Hope I made sense out of that situation

Thanks!

 

[gregrocker]

I believe the Upgrade Kit DVD's MS provided to manufacturers under this program were retail Builder's OEM so that manufacturer's could not interfere with users getting a Clean Install as they are obsessed with doing.

So it is likely locked to the first mobo installed upon.

We've received reports over the years that these disks have been used on other computers but I doubt you could move it once it's installed.

I would replace the fan, either to keep or sell the laptop as more than junk: How To Dismantle, Clean and Repair an HP Laptop - Tim Trott