Is A Retail Upgrade Disc Tied to One Computer?

Years ago, I purchased a Windows 7 upgrade DVD at Walmart, to be used on my Gateway computer, which came with Vista. I paid 120.00 for it. My understanding is that I can only use this disc/license on the Vista computer. When I reinstall W7 on this computer, I first have to install Vista, then W7 over it.

My question is, could I use this license on another computer? It is a retail license, for which I paid full price, so shouldn't I be able to use it where I want? If not, it seems like a real ripoff. I mean, people are out there using keys from places like [REMOVED] and apparently getting away with it, and I have this valid retail W7 retail disc, and I can't use it except on the computer that came with Vista? Just doesn't seem right.

If you have a true 'Retail Windows COA key' you can install it on different computers but only have it on one computer at a time.

Jack

Hi,
Yes but installing it clean you'd need to use this reg file before using the upgrade key so you'd skip activation until you use option 3
Clean Install with a Upgrade Windows 7 Version - Windows 7 Help Forums

Updating a clean install follow post #2 here,
windows update - Windows 7 Help Forums

To the best of my knowledge all Upgrades are Retail.

So if you Upgrade from Vista to Windows 7 using the proper Microsoft method you now have a Retail Windows 7 installation.

Jack

Just be sure you copy the COA key and save it in a safe place.

Jack

Should be no problem, other Operating systems going EOL have retained a licensing department, although this may reduce in size over time,

you may find that the need to actually speak to an operator to explain the facts of the reason for needing to upgrade with changed hardware may increase