Simple windows install question

[Maxarini]

I have two pc's. I have two windows 8 license keys. I have one installation disk.

Can I use the same disk to install windows on two PC's if I use a different windows licence key each time?

THANKS!

 

[techgeek]

The key isn't tied to the install media. You can use the same install disk for both, just use the keys you have on each computer. In fact you could have downloaded the ISO off of the internet and installed from a USB key. As long as you have the keys you're good.

As long as the key version matches the install media of course. A straight Windows 8 key has to be installed with Windows 8 install media, Windows 8 Pro key needs Windows 8 Pro install media.

 

[thenewnumber2]

Yes.

 

[Maxarini]

Can I use the keys even though the computers already had windows installed on them? You see the windows files on the hard drive were corrupted so I need to erase the drive and reinstall windows to it.

Will it work even though the key was already used on that pc?

 

[calinpuscas]

The keys must be for the same same version as your disc, never mind is just one... on the disk you have the "physical" stuff... this works only with a key, but it must be different on different PC (notebook, desktop)... so you can erase any drive and any Windows as long you have the disk and keys (as many times you want)

 

[techgeek]

Can I use the keys even though the computers already had windows installed on them? You see the windows files on the hard drive were corrupted so I need to erase the drive and reinstall windows to it.

Will it work even though the key was already used on that pc?

When a computer activates a key for the first time, the installer creates a unique hash code based on something like 10 pieces of hardware that it finds (chipset, CPU, yadda, yadda, yadda). This code is uploaded to MicroSoft's activation server along with the product key. From that point on, that code is associated with the product key. So if you activate it again on the same computer, it checks the hash code produced during the install against the one that was given to the server the first time the computer was activated with Windows. As long as the two codes match, you're good.

That's why you'll hear in some cases where someone has changed enough devices on their computer that it forces a re-activation. To go further, a motherboard swap may actually require you to buy a new key (if MicroSoft is being picky) if Microsoft is strictly following the EULA. In this case it will often fail to activate online, in which case, you can call MicroSoft and explain what it is your trying to do. If they are being nice (and believe your story) they will give you a 25 digit code to enter and it will activate it. I've had to go through this a few times on Windows XP.

So as long as you use the product key that matches the machine it was first installed on, you'll be fine. Just don't mix then up.

 

[Maxarini]

I can't thank you enough!

 

[techgeek]

No problem. Windows activation is a little mysterious to some people. You wouldn't believe how many people are worried about re-installing there OS and thinking they might have to pay for another product key.

 

[Maxarini]

I know I already chose the best answer but there's one more thing: I noticed that when I try to download the windows 7 iso from http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-recovery, It wont let me download it unless I give it the product key.

I have a laptop and a desktop. If I gave it the laptops product key, would I still be able to use the iso file it would give me for my desktop? Or would I need another flash drive for it?

 

[techgeek]

I know I already chose the best answer but there's one more thing: I noticed that when I try to download the windows 7 iso from http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-recovery, It wont let me download it unless I give it the product key.

I have a laptop and a desktop. If I gave it the laptops product key, would I still be able to use the iso file it would give me for my desktop? Or would I need another flash drive for it?

As long as it's the same version and type of Windows, you just need one install media. So if you have Windows 7 Home Premium 64 bit on both, then your good. If they are different such as 64 vs 32 bit or Home Premium and Pro, then you need separate media.