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Old 02-17-2008   #7 (permalink)
Ken Blake, MVP


 
 

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

On Sun, 17 Feb 2008 12:59:02 -0800, Teesang
<Teesang@xxxxxx> wrote:
Quote:

> Hi Ken, thanks for that answer.

You're welcome. Glad to help.

Quote:

> I purchased a retail version of Vista Ultimate.

Good!

Quote:

> 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.


Quote:

> "Ken Blake, MVP" wrote:
>
Quote:

> > On Sun, 17 Feb 2008 10:43:00 -0800, Teesang
> > <Teesang@xxxxxx> wrote:
> >
Quote:

> > > 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.
> >
> > --
> > Ken Blake, Microsoft MVP - Windows Desktop Experience
> > Please Reply to the Newsgroup
> >
--
Ken Blake, Microsoft MVP - Windows Desktop Experience
Please Reply to the Newsgroup
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