Can i re-use a product key?

[InfinityRider]

My HDD for my Lenovo G780 is on the verge of death, so i'm getting a new HDD. Can i use the windows 8 key thats being used on the laptop to install it on the new HDD?

 

[Xyos]

You can but might have to do an activation by phone.

 

[Yimman]

InfinityRider,

The Windows 8 CD key is a single use key, unless otherwise stated on the CD or packaging. It may be worth the time to call Microsoft and see whether or not they will let you reuse the key, before you buy another copy of Windows.

If you do not want to buy a new copy of Windows, then you can perform a Disk Clone. There are several reputatable, free cloning software available. You will need a way to connect both HDD to your computer, though.

Yimman

 

[jafrankl]

My HDD for my Lenovo G780 is on the verge of death, so i'm getting a new HDD. Can i use the windows 8 key thats being used on the laptop to install it on the new HDD?

InfinityRider,

The Windows 8 CD key is a single use key, unless otherwise stated on the CD or packaging. It may be worth the time to call Microsoft and see whether or not they will let you reuse the key, before you buy another copy of Windows.

If you do not want to buy a new copy of Windows, then you can perform a Disk Clone. There are several reputatable, free cloning software available. You will need a way to connect both HDD to your computer, though.

Yimman

Typically if you bought a CD, it will have 3-5 uses for keys... moving a CD key from a pre-installed laptop to a desktop is much different; that key is registered to that laptop, and is single use from the laptop's OEM. You can reuse that key, but there is a lot of contacting Microsoft.

 

[USAFRet]

The main question...was this preinstalled or a Win8 license that you bought and installed?

@Yimman - With Win8, is it not a 'one time'. You can reinstall as needed, only one PC at a time. If it was preinstalled, you can only use it with that same original motherboard.

@jafrankl - There is no "3-5 uses". One PC at a time. With a Windows 8 license that you bought, you can reinstall everyday for a year if you want. At most, you'd have to call and go through the phone robot to reactivate. Takes about 3 minutes.