by reinstalling windows, how does microsoft know two computers aren't using the same key?

Question

My computer is really slow, so i'm wiping the drive and reinstalling. Will microsoft think that two different computers are using the same key and think i've pirated it?

Answer 1

No. As part of the install process, the Windows program takes information from your computer's components (hard drive, CPU, motherboard, etc.) and, along with that 25 digit Product Key, creates a unique one of a kind Product Identification number (PID). Each time you use that install disk (and each time you start your computer) an internal check is done to recreate the PID. If the PID matches the one stored in memory, eveyone is happy in Microsoft land. You can see the PID for your computer by clicking on Start, then right clicking on My Computer, then clicking Properties. You'll see a long number on the General tab just below the "registered to" info.

You can even change things about your computer (like memory, adding devices, etc.) and it won't affect the PID. But change something major, like the motherboard, and you might not get a match any more to the orginal PID. In which case you'd have to notify Microsoft tech support so they can help you "validate" your system. The tech support number is: 1-866-234-6020 (just in case.)

Answer 2

I don't know amout Microsoft, but if you use the same registration key with Trend Micro's PCillin, as soon as the second computer connects to the Internet, the program will give you heck and won't let you register for anti-virus updateson that machine.

I wouldn't do it just 'cause it's illegal, but if you really want to break the law, you'll probably run into some complications with Windows Update and other Microsoft stuff.

But if it's only running on one machine, there shouldn't be a problem, even if you re-install it.

Answer 3

If the hardware is unchanged, Microsoft will see it as the same computer. If you run into difficulties with the automatic, Internet-based activation, a quick phone call to Microsoft will resolve the issue. Just explain to them what happened; they'll be understanding of your situation.

Answer 4

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Computer Slow

Download and then run startup.exe at:

http://www.mlin.net/startupcpl.shtml......

Can't live without it and windows...

Then disable and/or uninstall whatever u don't need.

Other things to try:

1 - Disk Cleanup (removal of temp files, cookies, etc.)
2 - Defrag
3 - Registry Cleanup (CAN BE VERY RISKY!)

Joe...

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Computer Virus/Spyware/Adware/Malware/etc

All free...

Download and then run Avira AntiVir Personal Edition Classic at:

http://www.free-av.com/

Download and then run Spybot - Search & Destroy at:

http://www.safer-networking.org/en/download/

Download and then run Ad-Aware SE Personal at:

http://www.lavasoftusa.com/software/adaware/

Joe...

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Answer 5

not unless someone has reported your key missing. which i don't think u reported your key missing.

Answer 6

they check by the registration and now the verification