Windows licencing question

[Tom B]

I'm not sure the best way of going about this.

I had 1 pc, installed Windows 7 ultimate (retail not OEM) on it.


I now have a new pc but my old PC is going to still be used so I bought a copy of Windows 7 home (OEM).


So I have a few questions:

-Is there any way to downgrade the old PC to home premium (using the CD key i guess)

-I can install home on old the new PC if I need to but how do microsoft know the copy of ultimate is no longer being used so that I can use it on my new pc?

Cheers!

 

[stoofa]

No way to downgrade an installation of Windows - so its start again time I'm afraid.
The Ultimate Retail copy can be moved from machine to machine as often as you like.
Microsoft don't really track this.
They can keep count on how often a particular key has asked for activation.
However if this is only your second activation it isn't going to set off any alarm bells and will activate just fine online.