Windows 7 deactivation?

Fire_fly · 11 May 2012 at 12:06

I'm about to upgrade my PC with an new Mobo, CPU, and GPU ect. Is there anything I need to do to windows 7 to deactivate it before I install in on the new computer? I have a retail version that was originally installed over Vista on my current PC.

Orcvader · 11 May 2012 at 12:07

If you have a retail version then you don't need to deactivate. Just format the drive, install windows, activate it and you're ready to go.

Fire_fly · 11 May 2012 at 12:16

Ok, I will be keeping the HDD so I will format it when I reinstall windows.

J.B · 11 May 2012 at 12:24

Don't forget to backup your data!

J.B · 11 May 2012 at 12:28

oops, wrong thread!

Fire_fly · 11 May 2012 at 12:45

Have done all of that.

Burnsy2023 · 11 May 2012 at 12:49

Who here has actually "deactivated" Windows?

El_Watcher · 11 May 2012 at 15:00

Fire_fly said:
I have a retail version that was originally installed over Vista on my current PC.

Was the original copy of Vista a retail or OEM version and is 7 an upgrade or full version?
If it is a repair over an OEM version, you will still technical not be licence legal even if activation works.
If Vista is retail, or 7 is a full version, then you are good to go.

Orcvader · 11 May 2012 at 15:11

Burnsy2023 said:
Who here has actually "deactivated" Windows?

Is it even possible to "deactivate"?

Burnsy2023 · 11 May 2012 at 15:30

Orcvader said:
Is it even possible to "deactivate"?

No, which is why I ask because people keep mentioning it.

Dr_B · 11 May 2012 at 16:08

There are a limited number of activations per key tho right? Then you have to call up or something?

nightmare99 · 11 May 2012 at 20:13

There are a limited number of activations per key tho right? Then you have to call up or something?

No not really, there is a set of rules that are processed that decide id aphone activation is triggered. Things like how long it has been since the last activation attempt can be a factor.