Windows 7

[Mr. Johnson]

So I install my new computer parts and all is well. I install windows 7 again, all is well. Today, I receive a happy message saying my windows 7 key could not be verified. How odd, I thought, my version is perfectly legal so why is it giving me this message? Nevermind, it's probably just a minor error. I retype the key but to no avail, it's still giving me an error message. I decide to follow their steps to re-activate my account, where you have to call the windows number on screen, punch in a ridiculously long code and then answer the question on how many computers I installed it. Two computers, mine and my parents'. So I press 2. Alas, the robot lady says, your version can not be installed on two systems. What? I didn't know that, and I don't remember anywhere saying that I couldn't. So I go through the lengthy process of dialling in the code again, but now the code can no longer be recognized and I'm pretty much forced to buy a new key or contact the helpline. I'd rather do the first but can't afford it and really shouldn't. I paid for my copy and now I can't use it because I installed on another computer in my own house? Fuck you microsoft, is this the thanks I get for years of loyal support? Just for not reading the small print?

Anyway, did anyone else ever have this problem and know how to fix this? Or should I just call the helpline?

[Mr. Johnson]

Okay, I guess the little rant there was unnecessary, but does anyone know how I can install windows 7 on two computers without bringing out the sweeping broom? I read that it's possible to do this with virtualization technologies, but I don't know how that works. Anyone?

[Thompy]

Retail versions have always been limited to one computer at a time, but it's never clearly stated. OEM versions will be tied a specific computer forever.

You can get locked out just for upgrading a piece of hardware, however MS understand this and the helpline folks give people more activations for their keys all the time so just ring them. You can even get new activations for OEM versions because hardware will die and need replacing, making it think you've changed PC when you haven't. I wouldn't say you had it on two PCs as a mistake or they might tell you to piss off, but I doubt it. Just tell them you changed some hardware. You'll obviously have to stop using it on your parents' PC though.

Couldn't tell you anything about how to get it working on two computers. Anyway you do it I'm sure is illegal and personally I'd not risk that with an OS.

[deject]

Retail versions have always been limited to one computer at a time, but it's never clearly stated.

Windows has always been one license per computer. Windows 7 Home Premium was/is offered in a 3 pack at a very reasonable price for this reason. Outside of trying to circumvent Activation and WGA, your only option is to get another license.

[Mr. Johnson]

Well, I'll give them a call tomorrow and ask for a new key then. Guess ma and pa Johnson will have to do with the version. Which'll be a hassle as usual. God damn it.

[Grimmie]

SILLY BELGIAN PIRATES

[Mr. Johnson]

Poor pirates I can't afford new windows.

[Mr. Johnson]

So I called the helpline again today, but before talking to a human I decided to try the activation code thing again, this time with success. So all the panic was for nothing.

[HereComesPete]

Well I'm glad I could help.

[fabyak]

Me too

[ProfHawking]

My pleasure

[deject]

Well I'm glad I could help.

I'm quite angry about helping. Fuck all this shit!

[Joose]

I'm morose about not having helped.

[fabyak]

I'm morose about not having helped.

Now I feel guilty for having helped