A laptop was left in our tech shop for over 3 months, thus becoming our
property. We salvaged it for parts, and we thinking, since the key is still
valid, if we should use it on another machine (which we think won't pass
activation) or the better idea, or returning the key for destruction and
recieving a replacement. We just don't know what channels to go through

Matt M wrote:
> A laptop was left in our tech shop for over 3 months, thus becoming our
> property. We salvaged it for parts, and we thinking, since the key is still
> valid, if we should use it on another machine (which we think won't pass
> activation) or the better idea, or returning the key for destruction and
> recieving a replacement. We just don't know what channels to go through


If the Product Key is for an OEM license (is the Product Key on a CoA
label affixed to the bottom of the laptop?), then it cannot be re-used,
transferred, sold, or traded. An OEM license lives and dies with the
computer on which it was first installed. If the Product Key is for a
retail license, and you also possess the CoA and the original
installation media, then you can re-use the license, and there are no
"channels" to go through; you simply install and activate.

If you, as an employee of a "tech shop" do not know this, you should
immediately seek another line of work, before you get your employer in
deep legal trouble for pirating software.


--

Bruce Chambers

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