OEM Windows 7 Ultimate Activation Question


  1. MikehW
    Posts : 7
    Windows 7
       New #1

    OEM Windows 7 Ultimate Activation Question


    Hey All,

    Wasn't too sure if this had been asked before but I couldnt find anything so....

    I have an OEM Copy of Windows 7 Ultimate and was wondering how many times I can reinstall it without worrying about Not being able to re-activate it.

    I have installed it once, then had to reinstall due to a faulty motherboard, which propmted me to call a number and do the long digit entry and since then I have had to format again and when I reinstalled it was fine, didnt have any problems with activating.

    Im not looking to change hardware soon, so I was just wondering how many more times on the current pc build i have I can reinstall without having to buy another copy?

    So to Clarify

    First Install - Activated
    Second Install - Automated Phone Activation
    Third (Current) Install - Activated over Internet with no problems.

    Many Thanks!

    Ohhh also, if I was to update my CPU, would that warrant another phone call?
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  3. Jonathan_King
    Posts : 13,354
    Windows 7 Professional x64
       New #2

    You can install as many times as you need, but the license is tied to the motherboard.

    I'm not going to judge for replacing your motherboard and reactivating, because you are not abusing the spirit of the law.

    Just note that that is technically breaking the rules.
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  4. pparks1
    Posts : 7,878
    Windows 7 Ultimate x64
       New #3

    You should be able to install it as many times as you want onto the same system.

    I'd say to help provide some piece of mind that you install it, patch it, activate it and then make an image. Going forward, you can simply restore your image and it's already activated. Software like Macrium Reflect does a great job with this and is free. And there are tutorials on this site which explain how you use it.
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  6. MikehW
    Posts : 7
    Windows 7
    Thread Starter
       New #4

    Ahh Ok,

    The only reason I had to change the motherboard was because when I first installed Windows 7, it didnt pick up that I had 4 gig of ram, so I updated the BIOS and then the motherboard didnt even see I had any ram. So I had kind of screwed myself over before I had even begun!

    But as long as your all pretty much sure it wont tell me I can no longer Activate it then I'm fine! :)

    Also, If I change the CPU would that cause a re-activation?


    Many Thanks Peeps!
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  7. Tews
    Posts : 11,840
    64-bit Windows 8.1 Pro
       New #5

    You would probably have to phone MS to re-activate it...
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  8. richc46
    Posts : 17,796
    Windows 10, Home Clean Install
       New #6

    You are not alone with your concerns. I have read many posts from members in a smiliar situation. They all came back with their OS Activated and with comments about the professional, helpful attitude of the rep they had to deal with.

    Call the activation number, if needed. You will be given the opportunity to supply your key with a touch tone phone. If that fails you will be automatically elevated to a rep. MS,is a company that wants to sell their OS, but must protect their investment. They know that this situation is not desired by users. They know that they must give the caller the most professional and pleasant experience possible.

    Give them a call and you will be very surprised.
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  10. Jo6Pak
    Posts : 38
    7 Ultimate
       New #7

    pparks1 said:
    Going forward, you can simply restore your image and it's already activated. Software like Macrium Reflect does a great job with this and is free. And there are tutorials on this site which explain how you use it.
    Not meaning to hijack, but do you recommend Macrium over creating a system image via the Windows 7 Backup & Restore method?

    I used this tutorial, but if Macrium is 'better', I will try that as well:

    Backup Complete Computer - Create an Image Backup

    Thanks...
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  11. zigzag3143
    Posts : 28,845
    Win 8 Release candidate 8400
       New #8

    MikehW said:
    Hey All,

    Wasn't too sure if this had been asked before but I couldnt find anything so....

    I have an OEM Copy of Windows 7 Ultimate and was wondering how many times I can reinstall it without worrying about Not being able to re-activate it.

    I have installed it once, then had to reinstall due to a faulty motherboard, which propmted me to call a number and do the long digit entry and since then I have had to format again and when I reinstalled it was fine, didnt have any problems with activating.

    Im not looking to change hardware soon, so I was just wondering how many more times on the current pc build i have I can reinstall without having to buy another copy?

    So to Clarify

    First Install - Activated
    Second Install - Automated Phone Activation
    Third (Current) Install - Activated over Internet with no problems.

    Many Thanks!

    Ohhh also, if I was to update my CPU, would that warrant another phone call?
    I dont think there is a finite limit. The worst case is the phone call. If you change cpu it will ask you to call.


    Ken
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  12. richc46
    Posts : 17,796
    Windows 10, Home Clean Install
       New #9

    As usual Ken is correct, but do not be concerned about the possible call. All comments in this area have mentioned how cooperative and professional the reps have been.
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  13. stevethenerd
    Posts : 11
    Windows 7, Windows 7 and Windows XP
       New #10

    Officially, OEM is activated to a specific hardware set... but there is technically no limit to the number of times you can activate/re-activate.

    I know individuals who Wipe and Reload every 6 months.
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