vista activation

[kev s148]

hi
can you only use a windows vista product key once the only reason i ask is i have build 2 computers 1 for me and the other for my wife
mine has beenruning fo about 16 weeks now
my wifes has been runing for about 8 weeks and today it has poped up asking for a product key even thought it activated on the first day

thank you in advance

 

[patio]

You cannot install it on 2 machines if i understand you correctly.
You need a valid copy for each machine.

 

[kev s148]

You cannot install it on 2 machines if i understand you correctly.
You need a valid copy for each machine.

thats what i thought the strange thing is that i manged to activate the second machine and it has been runing fine untill today
looks like i will have to buy another disc

thank you any way

 

[Dwarf]

Hi Kev,

A Vista Product Key can only be used on ONE system at a time. Although you can use the same physical media to install Vista on different systems, EACH system requires its own unique Product Key. This Key needs to match the type of media - OEM, Retail (Full) and Retail (Upgrade). It also needs to be for the correct version of Vista.
Vista periodically validates its activation status and if you have used the same product key on more than one system and both systems have been operational and online then you run the risk of the Key being classed as Invalid. This means that the Key will no longer work, even if you subsequently try to use that Key on just one system having reinstalled Vista on the other system(s) with individual unique Keys.