I just bought Windows 7 copy in Office Depot

By acido00
in The Fast Ring (Insider Previews)

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Darconf

Posted
Posted
I just got Windows 7 copy in Office Depot

can I use this copy to install in my 2 PCs?

it is Windows 7 Ultimate edition

Thanks in advance.

1 package 1 computer. unless you buy the family pack, and its home premium. that will work on 3 pc's

Grand Master

trag3dy

Posted
Posted
where can I found the family pack?

I couldn't see it in Office DEpot :(

Upgrade version, I'm not sure if it comes in a full edition but I don't think so, $134.99, $15 cheaper than Walmart:

http://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-Windows-Pr...6007&sr=8-1

Proficient

chevyordeath

Posted
Posted

Yeah, m.keeley that was a bit un-called for. That rating has nothing to do with a person's knowledge of a specific topic. All the rating is for, is how active some one is in our community here. I can't believe some of the comments made around here some times.

And to the OP; As far as I know, one liscense is for one PC, and must be de-activated on a PC before (legally) moving it to another. So you will either have to buy more copies, or get a the family pack.

Experienced

Omen1393

Posted
Posted

How does Microsoft check on whether or not more than 2 PCs are activated? What would happen if I install Windows 7 on one of my PCs and then it died tomorrow. Can I still install Windows 7 on another PC since I can't use the computer that I first activated it on?

Grand Master

JustGeorge

Posted
Posted
How does Microsoft check on whether or not more than 2 PCs are activated? What would happen if I install Windows 7 on one of my PCs and then it died tomorrow. Can I still install Windows 7 on another PC since I can't use the computer that I first activated it on?

When you start the activation process, you computer phones home to Microsoft's servers and validates the installation. If you attempt another activation using the same key on a different computer, then their servers will detect it and deny the activation, prompting you to call them most likely. If you buy a retail copy, you may have it installed on any one PC at anytime but only one with the exception of the Family Pack which permits 3 installs at any one time.

Proficient

chevyordeath

Posted
Posted

I am guessing at this, but I think your copy goes out to a server periodicaly and "checks in". If it hasn't been seen in a while, and you isntall it some where else, I think it assumes the other PC is no longer in service. I think that as long as there aren't 2 PC's trying to "check in" with the same key, then it's good. All that is pure speculation, and I have no proof.

However, I do know that it is possible to put your copy on another PC. And if activation doesn't go through, you've gotta call MS. I have had to do this before, all I did was call them up, and explain my situation. They give me a number that I type into the activation, and viola, everything is cool.

Mentor

acido00

Posted
  • Author
Posted
How does Microsoft check on whether or not more than 2 PCs are activated? What would happen if I install Windows 7 on one of my PCs and then it died tomorrow. Can I still install Windows 7 on another PC since I can't use the computer that I first activated it on?

good question.

Grand Master

*RedBull*

Posted
Posted
Was the misinformation that you couldn't install it on more than one PC (whether laptop or not)? Because I got 7 at the Efficiency event and had another coming in with the launch party pack. Since I couldn't wait I installed it on both my PC and laptop thinking I'd change the key when I got it. Result: PC activated and laptop wouldn't.

If that's not it, I'd be curious to know what the misinformation was.

I'm surprised you had issues. Vista didn't provide me any problems in that regard. PM me and I'll let you know how it goes down the line. There is still a way to do it without violating any user agreement.

Collaborator

Mega Goatlord

Posted
Posted
I'm surprised you had issues. Vista didn't provide me any problems in that regard. PM me and I'll let you know how it goes down the line. There is still a way to do it without violating any user agreement.

You sure that's not just for Office products? I've never heard of the desktop/laptop clause for Windows. If it's true, that'd be...interesting.

Proficient

TokiToki

Posted
Posted
How does Microsoft check on whether or not more than 2 PCs are activated? What would happen if I install Windows 7 on one of my PCs and then it died tomorrow. Can I still install Windows 7 on another PC since I can't use the computer that I first activated it on?

When you first activate, information about your hardware is tied to the key. If you try to reactivate it on another PC, it will fail. If you have a non-OEM copy, your license is transferable to another computer and the activation program on the new computer will have you call Microsoft to explain your situation and they will activate your copy.

Grand Master

zhangm Supervisor

Posted
  • Supervisor
Posted
I'm surprised you had issues. Vista didn't provide me any problems in that regard. PM me and I'll let you know how it goes down the line. There is still a way to do it without violating any user agreement.

If you really believe this is legal, why not post it here so that everyone can benefit?

Grand Master

Panacik

Posted
Posted
I'm surprised you had issues. Vista didn't provide me any problems in that regard. PM me and I'll let you know how it goes down the line. There is still a way to do it without violating any user agreement.

I have never heard of such a thing. If that was the case, then everyone would be doing it and MS would be seen as super cool for allowing it.

You know that's a very good idea. :geek:

I'll have to follow up on that.

Well...?

Community Regular

Deacon Brown

Posted
Posted

Ok guys

I have 2 PC and 2 laptops

I want to install W7 on all of them what would be the cheapest way to do this?

And what differences are there in the packages out there?

I believe there are 3 for commercial users and 3 for businesses.

Or have I got that completely wrong?

Grand Master

*RedBull*

Posted
Posted

If all things were equal, then what I was saying would be true. Now I understand, Win7 licensing is a bitch, IMO, compared to previous editions. I retract my input. Yup buy the family pack if you want legal copies on your PC. (Y)

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