[SOLVED] Installing Win 7 on multiple Computers

Basic question: I have 2 computers and I have Win 7 upgrade [32 + 64 bit discs] . Can I install on both PC's or do I have to buy another CD key? If not how many installs do I have and If I can only use it on one PC can I install 32 bit over 64 if it [64] doesn't work out for me?

Yep, Basic but long

Dogwart - you may only do one install per key, regardless of whether it's 32 or 64 bit.

2 discs per Upgrade package, one key, one install only.

You can install whichever version you care to run, but remember that to change from 64 to 32 bit or the reverse, you must do a clean install. It cannot be done any other way, unfortunately.

You could buy an OEM edition which is the least expensive way to go to get a second computer up and running. They come in either 32 bit or 64 bit only though.

I don't see why you would want to downgrade to a 32 bit version when the 64 bit is a better, more secure OS. If your CPU, motherboard can handle it then go with the 64 bit. If you'll notice AMD and Intel no longer make 32 bit processors except Intel's Atom which is used in those useless netbooks.

A minimum of 2GB of RAM is necessary to run the x64 OS, but you'll really unleash the power of the system with 4GB. I'm running 6GB right now and my browser is faster than it used to be on 4GB.

You can install on both PC's, but a key will only activate on one computer at a time. You will need a separate key for each computer. Yes, you can install 32 bit over 64 bit if you want, make sure that you format, prior to installing. And if I'm not mistaken, you have 10 activations with a key, then you must call to activate it again.

thanks guys - that is what I wanted to know

You can buy just the key on eBay but it can be risky. If they are legitimate THAT is the cheapest way to go as you only need a key, no software. If you do go that way do not leave feedback right away because just because it works right away doesn't mean Microsoft can't lock it out in the future. It is my understanding, if the eBay seller is selling the same key to several people then Microsoft can detect the multiple computers and lock the product key so they all become invalid. You have up to 45 days to file a dispute so let it set and click the Is My License Valid on day 45 before ever considering leaving feedback..

I don't see anyone legitimately trying to sell only a key on eBay. OEM keys die with the computer they were installed on. Retail keys are usually used up long before anyone even thinks about selling them.

If you do purchase from eBay, make sure your purchase includes authenticity as well as the install DVD's. If you don't get all then chances are you are being screwed.

Think about who sells on eBay and how they would be able to get authentic keys that they themselves don't want to use. Remember one install per key, chances are this one install is already in use for all keys being sold on eBay.

Well software and licenses are being transmitted over the internet more and more. The one I bought included a valid link to Microsofts iso download for 32 & 64bit, both which worked; and since MS is constantly changing these servers I am hoping it is legitimate.

Trurth is Catilley can get keys (I think up to 10) with his MSDN subscription if he knows how.

Some times you have to have a little faith. Of course, I've been screwed over a few times as well, which is why I always pay by credit card. If eBays dispute policy doesn't work well then I have my credit card company to fall back on.

You're correct in what you stated, I can get up to 10 keys for every OS, Server & Office products that MS produced. Even OS's that aren't available for retail, like 7 Starter (OEM) and Home Basic. I have every 7 that's been produced, plus Vista SP2, XP Pro (32 & 64 bit), Office 2010 Pro Plus (a $499 value). Why pay retail for 7 Pro, when for the less than it's price, you can have it all. It's there for anyone who pays for the service, for less than $300 (with discount). Plus, you get three courses per year.

But, Microsoft keeps track of things. If you forget one of your keys, all you need to do is sign in, go to My Product Keys, and every one that has been issued to you is listed. When you join, an "update" is placed on your computer(s) at the first time you use the service with that particular computer. Your IP address is recorded. If these keys that I'm issued ends up being activated on the West Coast, the one who activates the key has no problem. I do. I would never place my membership in jeopardy over selling or giving away keys & discs.

Many eBay sellers buy these memberships to sell the keys, you can get well over a hundred of them, plus discs. That's why in the eBay ads, often you see that a seller has 10 keys for a given product. I've noticed it for years, but only when I became a TechNet member, did I realize why this particular number. Chances are that when you buy a eBay key, you're buying a TechNet issued key. That's how the seller can claim that the keys are issued by Microsoft, because they are. But what they're doing is illegal, they setup an eBay sellers account, join TechNet, and they're selling the crap out of keys, and after they run out (within a matter of a couple of days), they're gone. The reason they usually get away? Debit cards are issued like those throwaway cell phones. The initial card is a temporary one, but the money is made and gone by the time the "real" card comes in.

But any OS's or Office products that I've gotten is on my computer(s). Some are installed within VM's (I have 7 & XP on Mint), I have many combinations of installs. It doesn't matter, they are activated properly, and should MS audit my computer (you give them this right by joining), I'm legal. And intend to stay that way.

Cat

Cat, if they are selling a technet license then the licenses are legal/valid right, they don't expire do they? So couldn't you sell the 10 licenses on eBay for say $40 a pop and it basically pay off your subscription? Is that illegal? If not, you could pay back mom-in-law pretty quick and use everything essentially for FREE

They are legal, but only to the subscription holder. It is clearly stated in the Technet Eula.As Cat correctly infers, it would put his account in jeopardy to mess with the keys. A browse will show instances where this has been the case. You are unlikely to suffer anything worst han a sudden cessation of you licenced priviliges, but the money, and your future chances of re-enlisting, are gone forever. Worst, could be a reexamination of the whole scheme, to the possible loss of some priviliges to other subscription holders. Not forgetting, that Microsoft do have a record of keys supplied with each liceneced member. They would probably take steps to disable those, in the above circumstances.