Is there any restriction that a computer must be reinstalled only certain times?

Question

It seems someone told that there is restriction of reinstallation of a computer. I thought that I can reinstall my computer as many times as I require. But one of the yahoo answers say that there is restriction. If it is true, can anybody give me the detail.

Answer 1

Yes and no.

If the hardware deosn't break, you can keep using it a million times over. (not very likelyu)

You can install an operating system as many times if you want. Some OS like MS and I guess macOS will hive limiatioons (money making ***) but any linux distro and other OSs can be installed without any restrictions.

So, yes and no.

Answer 2

If you're talking about Microsoft Windows XP or later, then you are limited in the number of times you can install and activate it. They do this to try to prevent theft of their software. It doesn't work. The people who are really into stealing software simply crack the copy protection and go on their merry way. The people who are impacted by this policy are the ones who honestly own a copy of Windows and need to reinstall because they have a new motherboard, hard disk, etc. or simply because Windows seems to "rot" over time and the best way to get it functioning well is to reinstall.

Microsoft will unlock your copy of Windows to allow additional activations. I did this a few years ago before I knew there was a limit on it. I was building a PC and I installed and activated Windows a few times to try to fix a couple of problems. It locked me out and I had to call Microsoft and read them a 50-digit(!) number that Windows generated and then type in the 50-digit number they gave me in response. The lesson there was to ignore the little "Windows will stop working if you don't activate it" pop-up until after you have everything set up the way you want it, then activate Windows only once.

Answer 3

I have re-installed xp home many times.
It has come to the point on several occasions that I have had to phone Microsoft and explain that I had to reinstall due to hardware failure or whatever.
After a little convincing that I am the only user they always validate my copy.

Answer 4

its really not a restriction but a limitation... and its only the OS, not the hardware, that has it... (microsoft windows). you can reinstall as often as you want (but what's the point?) but you cannot activate your windows more than or thrice. reason for this? its money-making business!