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Key, Serial, & Activation


asnbd
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I'm just curious and confused.

BTW, I have a leaglly bought Windows 7 Ultimate Retail.

Can I install the software on my "Two" computers(one for laptop and one for desktop)?

How about buying a "Key or Serial" or what ever on ebay? Is it leagle? Will it work?

Thanks.

Ed

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Windows Product Keys are for one machine only. You cannot use the same key for more machines*. If your version is full retail you can transfer the key to another machine provided the software is removed from the first machine and then re-activated.

Do not buy Product Keys from eBay - there is a very good chance they will be fake - as they will be from most other places other than MS approved dealers. Safest bet is to buy another genuine disk.

*Unless you have special corporate editions.

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Serial numbers are normally used to identify individual items of hardware and software for warranty purposes.

Windows versions that are not activated only function for 30 days after installation after which their usefulness gradually diminishes until they fail to have any useful function at all.

Activation records the Product Key at Microsoft and thus permits a check to be made that the software is genuine and is eligible to receive the advantages of updates, service packs and suchlike. Un-activated software does not have this.

There are no personal details recorded during activation. All that is done is to match the product key with the computer it is loaded on by noting the serial numbers of the motherboard and possibly other vital items such as hard drives.

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