Windows 7 install on desktop and laptop

ScarySquirrel · 31 Jan 2013 at 16:18

Hi all,

I currently have a desktop with Windows 7 installed.

I am going to be moving over to a laptop and selling my desktop; can I install Windows 7 using the same key on the laptop, on the basis that when I have set it up and moved my files across, I will be uninstalling Windows on my desktop?

Am I right in thinking it won't let me activate on the laptop until I've removed Windows from my desktop?

Thanks

sbridle1989 · 31 Jan 2013 at 20:54

It does not work that way i am afraid once the key is registered to that hdd for instance it cannot be tranferred you have to get a new key.

Edit: thank you for the correction orcvader i thought it was to the hdd not motherboard my mistake.

RJC · 31 Jan 2013 at 20:55

Is the software Retail or OEM?

Tomtom3989 · 31 Jan 2013 at 21:01

one key - one user
I like everyone else upgrade my components all the time hdd, motherboard, cpu, gpu etc.. essentially a new pc and you can do a fresh install but only one instance can be active at a time otherwise (i think windows will prob say illegitimate copy of windows and close down every hour and you'll have limited access or something like that.
so you can put your copy of windows 7 on your laptop you might need to use the automated phone service, on screen instructions when you try to activate to fresh install, really easy.
but make sure you delete contents of the hard drive on your desktop first (backup any media, documents if nessessary)
hope that helps
edit- to above i didn't think about OEM or retail, i know its irrelevant for windows 8
what you got then?
if its retail disc it'll defiantly work I've reformatted countless times
and if it is you can download a iso of windows 7 with sp1 on it to save time

ScarySquirrel · 1 Feb 2013 at 14:07

It's a retail copy.

How will Microsoft know that I've deleted my OS install though? Is there a way of deactivating my Windows or do I simply format the drive?

linktoinsanity · 2 Feb 2013 at 00:43

ScarySquirrel said:
Hi all,

I currently have a desktop with Windows 7 installed.

I am going to be moving over to a laptop and selling my desktop; can I install Windows 7 using the same key on the laptop, on the basis that when I have set it up and moved my files across, I will be uninstalling Windows on my desktop?

Am I right in thinking it won't let me activate on the laptop until I've removed Windows from my desktop?

Thanks

It's a retail copy.

How will Microsoft know that I've deleted my OS install though? Is there a way of deactivating my Windows or do I simply format the drive?

It will be fine. Retail copies will allow activation on multiple hardware. Though legally you need to remove it from your desktop first (though it'll probably be fine to transfer files, just don't activate the laptop before you've done it), however you may need to use phone activation.

sbridle1989 said:
It does not work that way i am afraid once the key is registered to that hdd for instance it cannot be tranferred you have to get a new key.

Errrr...no. :confused:

d_brennen · 2 Feb 2013 at 00:45

sbridle1989 said:
It does not work that way i am afraid once the key is registered to that hdd for instance it cannot be tranferred you have to get a new key.

Gotta love misinformation

Idleman · 2 Feb 2013 at 12:35

Just install OS on your laptop, transfer files and then insert key. No phone calls necessary.

Orcvader · 2 Feb 2013 at 13:07

ScarySquirrel said:
It's a retail copy.

How will Microsoft know that I've deleted my OS install though? Is there a way of deactivating my Windows or do I simply format the drive?

Retail means you can use the key over and over again with any system. But you must remove the old install first (wiping the drive will do, there's no deactivating steps). It's only OEM that it gets locked to the motherboard (NOT the HDD as sbridle1989 stated).

sbridle1989 · 25 Feb 2013 at 10:11

d_brennen said:
Gotta love misinformation

Well when i have reinstalled windows 7 using a disk i got from a shop after the 2nd time i reinstalled onto a new laptop my copy would not update and saying it was not registered it not misinformation if its my own personal experience and if your going to comment with misinformation why dont you correct me instead of just posting that, if i am wrong then tell me so but please tell me why so i can correct this in the future.

tribz · 25 Feb 2013 at 12:07

sbridle1989 said:
Well when i have reinstalled windows 7 using a disk i got from a shop after the 2nd time i reinstalled onto a new laptop my copy would not update and saying it was not registered it not misinformation if its my own personal experience and if your going to comment with misinformation why dont you correct me instead of just posting that, if i am wrong then tell me so but please tell me why so i can correct this in the future.

Not having a go bud but I think you should have put 'In my experience' as your post came over as a statement of fact which could have confused the OP.

Its perfectly possible to do and at worst involves a call to Microsoft's automated activation line.

sbridle1989 · 25 Feb 2013 at 15:45

tribz said:
Not having a go bud but I think you should have put 'In my experience' as your post came over as a statement of fact which could have confused the OP.

Its perfectly possible to do and at worst involves a call to Microsoft's automated activation line.

Sorry about that i will put that when i next post and will keep in mind for next time and not have to pay for a new copy cheers.