Win7 upgrade disc came with refurbished PC about 3yrs ago. I put it in another PC with just a blank HDD and it installed W7 and works.
Because a Windows upgrade disc is no different than full versions, it's the key that defines what can be installed from a disc.
Thanks, I understand that but I have it installed on one PC and when I tried to install it on the other it said invalid key but continued the install anyway.
I should kick you in 30 days time, unless you transfer the key by then, if I understand correctly. I've just installed Win7, and haven't got a key....yet. Still running. Maybe I'll reinstall on a SSD, no use in wasting the key before that.
go into system in control panel (if it's in small items) and it should tell you at the bottom of that window what the current licensing status is - I would of thought it's installed you a 30 day trial.
Installed it 02.11.14. It said invalid key then after installing required activation. Used the same key and it activated successfully. No messages since. In control panel it says "Windows is activated" no mention of a trial period. It has also installed all the updates. Time will tell but to me it seems OK.
You got an invalid key message because you were using an upgrade key to perform a clean install. So when you installed it you installed it without a key. You later on then used the upgrade key to activate Windows. At that point there's no check to verify your current install came from an upgrade or was a clean install (It's perfectly okay to perform a clean install). Windows activated it as you had a legit install of Windows and a legit key. So you're okay. But... If it's an OEM key from a previous system, or an upgrade key when you don't have, or haven't retired the previous OS version then you are in breech of the terms of the licence. So you can't buy an OEM version and keep moving it from system to system (Although many do) and you can't buy an upgrade and use it on PC 'B', while using, selling or passing PC 'A' with the old OS still installed. MS doesn't do to many checks on upgrades as (quite rightly) they are more concerned with those who don't have any licence at all than they are with those who may be fudging the licensing a little.
Well you can if you live in Germany or Austria. Need to retire the first one though, no two systems at one time, but as many reinstalls on new systems as you like, you can even sell the used liscense here, as long as you don't use it anymore That also counts here.
