2007-02-26 04:52:58 · 3 answers · asked by andresalfaro 1 in Computers & Internet ➔ Software
I am testing the Vista Business on a new machine and so far it shows too many incompatabilities with the programs that I use many of which still don't have patches for Vista. My concern is what if I format the machine, go back to XP and later (after six months or so) want to put Vista on again. What happens to the activation key. Will Microsoft let me activate Vista twice automatically or will I have to end up phoning Microsoft for it?
2007-02-26 05:11:19 · update #1
Yes. You will lose all existing data (including any files you created) and start from scratch on a new Vista installation. You will also have to reinstall all your drivers and software. If you have anything important, make sure you back it up first.
As far as the activation goes, you should be OK as long as it's going back on the same PC/hardware when activated the second time. If you have an OEM version, then you can only install it on the same PC again.
2007-02-26 05:02:02 · answer #1 · answered by anonfuture 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you uninstall an re-install later, you'll have to activate again, that's for sure. I've never heard of an activation key expiring, though...
Of course, you never know what they come up with. You should have a look at the EULA. It's there, I think, you'll find out about how often you can use the same key.
2007-02-26 06:36:36 · answer #2 · answered by sigdrifa 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Why on earth would you possibly want to do that?
2007-02-26 04:58:27 · answer #3 · answered by snvffy 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋