New
#11
So hypothetically I could move my retail license off this machine onto a new one at some point in the future? That would be more than handy.
@gregrocker.... Just to clear up a point ... you may have paid for it, but you do not own it, you are leasing it... I aint sayin... Im just sayin..
Windows 7 is designed that when you install it on your PC it will log or "remember" your system's hardware setup (i.e. RAM, Motherboard, Processor, Video Card). This is achieved thru the part's "PID"
So lets say your just reinstalling your Win7 OS co'z your system crashed, unless you've made any modifications like changing graphic cards or upgrading your RAM, the installation will not ask for verification.
Actually there is a 20% threshold on the modifications.
Like if your just changing your monitor or keyboard that wont make a difference. But if your changing your RAM that's 5% each - HDD is around 5% - Processors 30% - Motherboard 30% - VGA is 10%
I need to confirm the exact % but the ones above can give you a rough idea
A clean install is ok as long as you don't change anything with your hardware setup that exceeds the 20% threshold
I am not disputing that you'll need to reactivate when the hardware changes.
What I am trying to point out is that you would need to reactivate even when the hardware doesn't change. i.e. when you clean install Windows on the same computer.
I agree. but that is not really the point I was arguing.
Yes you will still need to activate even when the hardware doesn't change - but reactivation is much easier with the same hardware.
Even this can be difficult. Certain licences and keys will activate up to so many times on the same hardware and then require either a call to MS, or the automatic key retrieval thing, to activate from then on.
So long as your genuine - you shouldn't have a problem