Ask a new question

Can I install 2 copies of Windows 7 on the same PC in a dual-boot setup (using the same license key)?

I just purchased Windows 7 Home Premium Upgrade Family Pack, with 3 upgrade licenses.

I am updating my 3 home PC's from Windows XP to Windows 7.

On 2 of these PCs, I dual boot Windows XP (one for me, one for my wife) on different partitions; both Windows installs activated fine using the same license (probably because they are on the same physical PC with the same hardware, and only 1 instance of Windows XP can be used at a time).

I like to create 2 different partitions, and install Windows on each, and choose which one to start when I boot. This has worked fine in Windows XP. Can I do this with my new Windows 7 Family Pack?

My final configuration would have 1 PC with 1 partition and a new upgrade to Win 7; and 2 PCs each dual booting using the other 2 licenses.

Answer
Answer

Can I do this with my new Windows 7 Family Pack?

The answer is no.

No, the key which can be used with either 32 or 64 bit Windows 7 is only intended for use with 1 of the disk. You cannot use it to install both. 1 license, 1 installation, so choose wisely. If you want to install Windows 7 32 bit on another partition or another computer, you will need to purchase an additional license.

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/buy/default.aspx
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/Get-a-new-Windows-product-key

Teching It Easy: With Windows |ActiveWin |Notebooks | Microsoft MVP
Best,
Andre
twitter/adacosta
groovypost.com

Was this reply helpful?

Sorry this didn't help.

Great! Thanks for your feedback.

How satisfied are you with this reply?

Thanks for your feedback, it helps us improve the site.

How satisfied are you with this reply?

Thanks for your feedback.

Answer
Answer

Please calm down, the whole issue isn't that complicated (if you read the instructions / license agreements first).

1) If you want to undo an upgrade and return to your previous licensed system (XP), you can do that. You can't use XP anymore, if you upgrade; but if you revert that to the original state, you'll have the same license as before.

2) With your Family Pack, you can upgrade 3 pcs to Windows 7. 3 upgrade licenses = 3 upgrade licenses. It's an interesting idea to use this for "5 installs on 5 different partitions" because two of them are "on the same physical PCs"; however, you should know the rule "1 license = 1 pc". Don't use too much hairsplitting here.

"192 GB ought to be enough for anybody." (from the miniseries "Next Generation's Jokes")
MCC 2011

Was this reply helpful?

Sorry this didn't help.

Great! Thanks for your feedback.

How satisfied are you with this reply?

Thanks for your feedback, it helps us improve the site.

How satisfied are you with this reply?

Thanks for your feedback.

 
 

Question Info

Last updated March 17, 2023 Views 17 Applies to: