Tuesday 20 September 2011

How does Windows 7 get activated ?

I am planning to purchase Microsoft's latest OS Windows 7. The problem is that i heard that the activation process involves submitting some hardware information about the PC where it is being installed, including the CPU. So what if i wanted to upgrade my system, say install a faster CPU (keeping all other components intact), will this mean that i can no longer use the OS, and that i must purchase a new one? just because i changed the processor?
How does Windows 7 get activated ?
I think that it might just send the hardware information to keep Microsoft up-to-date with how powerful most computers are. It helps them determine how far they can go before they end up making their OS too complex to be used by many computers. So, no, it doesn't mean that you won't be able to use Windows after changing the processor.
How does Windows 7 get activated ?
not quite true, it does register itself to the motherboard, so if you change the motherboard you have to reactivate windows over the phone takes about 5-10mins
Shouldn't be a problem. I'm guessing the you should actually be able to refuse to give microsoft this data. Microsoft probably want's to know your system specs if you encounter problems so they could fix problems. Windows 7 may be officially released but it is far from finished. That's why I'm not upgrading yet. Waiting for some things to be fixed...



Other then that, windows can be registered mutliple times, just so long as there is only one registered computer at a time. I ussed my Windows XP registration key on 2 computers (trashed the old PC since it got old and some components fried)
one or 2 components is not enough to require activation, from a legal point of view Windows can be activated 10 000 times if u have only one copy installed on one computer. What is debatable is the stern and - to some - abusive methods Microsoft make sure you respect their licence. That Microsoft has paid a fortune in out of course settlement is irellevant of course.



RICK
Hello Ahmad,



You are required to activate your Windows 7 within 30 day of installation. You will be able to use the OS if you choose to update your processor. Here is more information about activation: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windo鈥?/a>



Cheers,

Tara

Windows Outreach Team