Transferring Windows 7 to a new PC?

[Odesseiron]

Okay, so I ended up buying all of my PC components today to assemble a custom PC. I did not buy any OS software, as I had a question before I did it.

On my Dell, I had Windows Vista 64 Bit installed on it when I received it. Originally it was Vista 32, but long story short, my first Dell crapped out, they replaced it with a superior PC. The new PC had 64 Bit Vista installed. I did not however get the 64 bit version CD. It was just installed already. I do have the serial key for it on the back of the Dell case.

Next part of the question. I went out and purchased Windows 7 64 Bit Upgrade for the current Dell PC I'm running. It works just fine. When I put my new PC together though, how will this work? Do I just run the Windows 7 disk and use it again? I'm not specifically upgrading, and I know Windows registers a Key to a specific hardware setup. As I don't have the 64 Bit Vista disc, I can't go 64>64.

I'm a bit confused here in what my options are. Do I have to deactivate windows 7 on my Dell, then install it? Or would I have to get a hold of a copy of Vista 64, deactivate that key, then install Vista 64 on my new PC, then upgrade to 7?

Sorry if that last paragraph is a bit confusing, but I thought it was explained as best I could put it.

[Jaregue]

not entirely sure, but looks like you have to install vista 64bit. then upgrade to 7 64bit using the upgrade disc

however i could be wrong, i personally pirated my windows 7 lol

[Rellikard]

You can reuse the key. It may ask you to call Microsoft in which you may be asked if you're installing on the same computer or not. If you say no, you'll be prompted to speak with someone from Microsoft. Just tell them the original computer it was installed on doesn't work anymore then they'll give you a new activation code. Don't use windows updates or Microsoft Security Essentials on the old machine or you may have problems.

[Binkie]

I'll leave these here.

http://forums.mydigitallife.info/thr...s-7-Repository
http://forums.mydigitallife.info/thr...ndows-7-loader

[aalryn]

I bought a copy of windows 7 pro for my computer. I used it on my home theater PC first and when I went to activate it on my main PC it wouldn't let me. I didn't realize there was a 1 computer activation limit as there was none on XP or Vista.

Honestly, I just went online and downloaded an activation hack. File is called: "Windows 7 Activation [For all version] - Its removes Windows Activation Technologies Permanently.zip (yes really)

It really works. My pc's are all running just like I had succeeded in activating for months now. I get updates and everything.

[Pikarya]

I'll leave these here.

http://forums.mydigitallife.info/thr...s-7-Repository
http://forums.mydigitallife.info/thr...ndows-7-loader

This is the correct answer. After the blunder which Vista was, every paying customer is entitled to a free copy of Windows 7.