How many times can I activate Windows Vista OEM?

Question

Hi,

I have a mac and decided to use the OEM windows vista that came with my desktop computer to use with boot camp. Everything worked perfectly and still does, but my friend (who also has a mac) wanted me to lend it to her to use with boot camp too. I was just wondering how many times i can activate the OEM version?

Thanks in advance

Answer 1

You can activate it an unlimited number of times as long as it's the same computer.  The key can only be used on one computer, and once it's been activated on that computer it's tied to the hardware and will not activate on another machine.

When you activate Vista, it connects to the Microsoft servers and registers itself along with some hardware information, like your CPU serial number.  If you install it on a second machine, when you activate it it will again connect to the MS servers.  It will see that the key is in use and compare the hardware info for the new machine with what's in the database.  If they don't match, it will refuse the activation request.  At this point you have 30 days to obtain a new, legal key.  If you don't, it will go into reduced functionality mode.  It will delete all desktop icons and your start menu, and won't allow you to do anything except connect to the MS store to buy a legal key.

Answer 2

Infinitely. But on only one computer. Vista uses certain information from you computer and assigns it to your Mac. If you lent it to your friend. Microsoft would likely consider your friend's installtion of Vista as a pirated version.

Answer 3

You can activate Vista as many times as you want... legally!

But - once you've activated it a few times, you'll have to phone the Microsoft Activation line to do so.

A retail licence covers you for your PC, plus one laptop which you own.

An OEM licence only allows you to have Vista installed onto the PC or laptop the licence belongs.

You should NEVER install Vista onto unlicenced computers.  Apart from the fact that it's ILLEGAL, it could cause you problems... such as your PC one day deactivating itself cos you've activated another PC with the same key.  Or the inability to activate your copy in the future because the same key has been used on too many different hardware devices.

In short, don't give people your licence key!

Hope this helps.

PS. Your own Mac is NOT covered by your OEM licence key - you will need to buy another copy of Vista from the proper channels to stay legal.

Answer 4

You can use it as many times as you like.I had to reload my computer and i used it on my dads and my cousins too.

    Joshua M

Answer 5

infinite

even if it is original

i have PC

i have installed many times vista

ok