How many times can I use my product key?

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G

Guest

Hello, I plan on upgrading to Vista and I have a question. Can I use my
product key an unlimited amount of times for activating WIndows Vista? I do
not plan on using the key on multiple computers, I am against software piracy
like that. The reason I ask is because every years or so, I like to
re-format my computer because I get junk build-ups, so I like to clean
everything out. Is there a limit on how many times it can be re-used? Will
it not allow me to reactivate the same key if I change hardware? Also, I
plan on getting a full install non-OEM version. Is that bootable from the
computers main DOS screen? Usually when I install XP, I use several boot
disks to do it, and its a pain in the arse.
 
Greg said:
Also, I
plan on getting a full install non-OEM version. Is that bootable from the
computers main DOS screen? Usually when I install XP, I use several boot
disks to do it, and its a pain in the arse.
Click to expand...

Let me correct that, I plan on getting a home premium upgrade non-OEM
version. I have Win XP Pro 32 bit edition. Will there be any problems
upgrading?
 
Hello Greg,

If your license is legal shouldn't be a problem to use more than one time,
even if you change your hardware and you have to reactivate. If not via Internet
you maybe have to phone MS for activation, but they help you.

For checking if your machine/software is compatible look here:
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/...FamilyID=42b5ac83-c24f-4863-a389-3ffc194924f8

Best regards

Myweb
Disclaimer: This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers
no rights.
 
Hi Greg,

XP Pro only upgrades to Vista Ultimate or Business, not Home Premium.

The product key for a retail full version of Vista can be used as often as
you deem necessary, regardless of the number of hardware changes. Be aware
that at some point the activation may need to be done by phone rather than
the automated sequence, but it is allowed none the less.

The full retail version is bootable and requires no other disks provided
your system's BIOS allows booting from an optical (DVD) drive.

--
Best of Luck,

Rick Rogers, aka "Nutcase" - Microsoft MVP

Windows help - www.rickrogers.org
My thoughts http://rick-mvp.blogspot.com
 
The retail "upgrade" version of Vista can also be installed as many times as
you wish on the same machine. It is also bootable from your DVD drive. Many
people (including some at Microsoft) will tell you that the "upgrade" retail
version is not bootable from a DVD drive and that you cannot do a clean
install from an "upgrade" version. This is NOT TRUE. They are not giving you
the correct information. In any case I would always do a CLEAN install as
opposed to an upgrade overlay. Have a nice day.
 
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