Do I need to move License/Product Keys to a new computer?

[Teesang]

Hello all.

I hope someone can help me understand restrictions (if any) I need to
consider before purchasing my new computer and moving Vista over to it.

I've searched the Internet and I can't seem to find a solid answer on this
issue.

I purchased Vista Ultimate a couple of months ago. Recently, I've decided
it's time for a new computer system. I do not purchase name brand computers.
I custom make mine. So basically I will be buying a new motherboard, case,
video card etc etc and building a new machine.

My concern is how to transfer my product key or license, or if I even need
to do so?

Can I just build the new computer and then insert my Vista Ultimate DVD and
install as normal? Or do I need to "remove" or "deactivate" the
license/product key from my old computer first? I just don't want to run
into issues when installing or activating Vista on the new machine.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

 

[Alias]

First is your copy OEM or RETAIL, It matters!

If he upgrades his present computer, it doesn't matter. Keep the case,
for example. Or the floppy drive. Not sure the mouse would be enough,
though <eg>

When prompted to phone activate, say, I upgraded my computer and
reinstalled Vista. What you did to upgrade your computer is none of MS'
business.

Now, if the OP plans to keep both computers running, it does make a
difference and only a Retail copy may be moved and phone activated. The
old computer should have its copy of Vista removed.

Alias

 

[Ken Blake, MVP]

I purchased Vista Ultimate a couple of months ago. Recently, I've decided
it's time for a new computer system. I do not purchase name brand computers.
I custom make mine. So basically I will be buying a new motherboard, case,
video card etc etc and building a new machine.

My concern is how to transfer my product key or license, or if I even need
to do so?

Can I just build the new computer and then insert my Vista Ultimate DVD and
install as normal? Or do I need to "remove" or "deactivate" the
license/product key from my old computer first?

There is no such thing as "deactivation," nor is there any need to do
so. The answer to your question depends on whether you bought a retail
copy of Vista or an OEM one. If it's a retail one, there is no
problem--just install and activate normally (worst case, you might be
prompted to activate by a quick and easy voice call to an 800 number).

But if you bought one of the cheaper OEM versions, you may *not* do
this at all. An OEM version comes with several disadvantages (that's
why it's cheaper), the most severe of which is that its license ties
it permanently to the first computer it's installed on. It can never
legally be moved to another computer, sold, or given away.

It's for that reason that I almost always recommend against buying an
OEM version.

 

[Teesang]

Hi Ken, thanks for that answer.

I purchased a retail version of Vista Ultimate. So my new computer will
keep pretty much nothing form my old computer except the monitors. If I
understand correctly, I should be able to install without problems, and when
activating, I may just need to call a 1-800 number. That sounds simple
enough.

 

[Brian W]

If it's OEM, it's not possible to transfer it to a new build, as it's
tied that particular machine.

Generic OEM licences cannot be transferred, but the original machine can be
'upgraded' as you see fit without breaching the EULA.

 

[Ken Blake, MVP]

Hi Ken, thanks for that answer.

You're welcome. Glad to help.

I purchased a retail version of Vista Ultimate.

Good!


So my new computer will
keep pretty much nothing form my old computer except the monitors. If I
understand correctly, I should be able to install without problems, and when
activating, I may just need to call a 1-800 number. That sounds simple
enough.

Yes, you understand correctly.