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Reinstalling windows vista OEM

Discussion in 'Windows OS' started by Technochicken, Jun 10, 2008.

  1. Technochicken TechSpot Paladin Posts: 900

    The hard drive on my computer died, and I was wondering weather or not it is possible to install the same copy of windows on my next hdd. I read somewhere that you can not reuse a OEM copy if your compyter dies, but I'm not sure if that is true.
    Technochicken, Jun 10, 2008
    #1

  2. kimsland Ex-TechSpotter Posts: 18,353

    Yes and No

    Yes you can legally replace the faulty internal HardDrive
    No you cannot legally replace the whole computer, and use the same OEM key
    kimsland, Jun 10, 2008
    #2

  3. hynesy TechSpot Maniac Posts: 445

    Windows Vista OEM allows you to reactivate Windows up to and including 10 hardware changes in the computer, but you must activate through phone support after the installation has finished, takes about 10 minutes. However as kimsland said you cannot legally replace the whole computer and continue to use the same OEM key, though I am sure alot of people would take this approach.
    cheers
    Hynesy
    hynesy, Jun 10, 2008
    #3

  4. Technochicken TechSpot Paladin Posts: 900

    Thanks. I was worried that I would have to spend another 130 bucks fixing my computer.
    Technochicken, Jun 10, 2008
    #4

  5. hynesy TechSpot Maniac Posts: 445

    Though I am sure Microsoft would love for you to spend more money.
    hynesy, Jun 10, 2008
    #5
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