Ask a Question
or
Create a Poll
  1. Home /
  2. Questions /
  3. Computers
  4. / Computer Software
  5. / Computer Operating Systems

by RayBaron on April 6th, 2007

RayBaron

Question

Help answer this question below.

I need to reinstall Windows Vista Home Premium on my computer because of numerous problems I am having. Can I reformat, then re-install and Activate and still be legal? I heard that you can only activate a copy ONE TIME on ONE computer. Is this true?

  • Like
  • Report
Share:
Other

Answers. 3 helpful answers below.

  • by scubabob on April 7th, 2007

    scubabob

    You are allowed to have the copy of windows that you purchased on one pc at a time. For example, if you owned two computers and one copy of Vista, you can't install that copy on both machines unless you purchased a multi user license. Only a business would do something like this though, as the multi user licenses are sold in blocks, i.e a 10 user license or 50 user license. Those numbers are just as an example. I don't know what microsft's blocks are currently.
    So, for most home users and that includes your situation with one PC, there's no issue of you breaking the End User Licensing Agreement by re installing your Vista copy on the machine you're taking it off. It's doubtful that you'll have to call in to activate it for the first re install, at least with XP you didn't until the third, I believe. You ought to be able to do it over the net after your fresh installation. The only thing that would change this is if you've radically altered the computer between the time you first activated Vista and now. Any new network cards, new CPU or new motherboard will force a phone call activation. It's no huge issue, just have the number that you see on the screen at the failed activation prompt handy when you call Microsoft so they can issue you a new activation code.

    • Like
    • Report

    1 comment | Post one | Permalink

  • by jae3214 on April 6th, 2007

    jae3214

    Sometimes if you activate Windows too many times you'll be forced to call in every time after to activate... I have to do it every time I format now -- calling and talking to a person in India just so they can give me a new key.

    • Like
    • Report

    1 comment | Post one | Permalink

  • by OEMangel on May 8th, 2011

    OEMangel

    No. You can reinstall unlimited times on your computer with your activation code. Find Windows boot discs here: www.oemsoftwaresource.com

    No comments. Post one | Permalink

Want to attach an image to your answer? Click here.

Did this answer your question? If not, then ask a new question or create a poll.

More Questions. Additional questions in this category.

You're reading I need to reinstall Windows Vista Home Premium on my computer because of numerous problems I am having. Can I reformat, then re-install and Activate and still be legal? I heard that you can only activate a copy ONE TIME on ONE computer. Is this true?

Follow us on Facebook!

Related Ads

Related Questions

Professionally Researched

ANSWERBAG BUZZ

How to reinstall windows vista home premium
Reinstall windows vista home premium
Windows vista home premium reinstall
Windovs vista home premium reinstal
Reinstalling windows vista home premium

Answerbag

a Demand Media company