I'm not that computer savvy, so this is probably a dumb question. As I mentioned in another post, I'm in the market for a new laptop, but I'd prefer to stay with my old Windows 7 if possible. Can I use the Windows 7 disc I already have to install on a new laptop?

Quick answer, yes, sure.

 

However, as this will be a brand new 'latest' model (?) you will have to check that the mainboard supports the drivers needed for windows 7. Apart from that, there shouldn't be any concerns.

17 minutes ago, chrisinth said:

Quick answer, yes, sure.

 

However, as this will be a brand new 'latest' model (?) you will have to check that the mainboard supports the drivers needed for windows 7. Apart from that, there shouldn't be any concerns.

  What's to stop 20 people using the same disc and splitting the cost? Or has the disc been registered to my email address? Not really sure how it works.

1 hour ago, chrisinth said:

Quick answer, yes, sure.

 

However, as this will be a brand new 'latest' model (?) you will have to check that the mainboard supports the drivers needed for windows 7. Apart from that, there shouldn't be any concerns.

I found this online

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.

 

1 hour ago, giddyup said:

  What's to stop 20 people using the same disc and splitting the cost? Or has the disc been registered to my email address? Not really sure how it works.

 

Sorry, i should have stated that you would not be able to use the 'old' laptop with the windows 7 installed if it is the same 25 digit key that you would be installing on the new machine. If you are planning to keep using the old machine, then you will need a new key. With Windows 7 it is not the disc that is important but the key.

 

You may have to contact Microsoft if the activation is not accepted but you will be able to install onto a new PC/laptop. From experience.

OP, if you have a retail Windows 7 install DVD, as Chris mentioned, it entitles you to install, run and have activated the Win 7 software on ONE machine at a time. You can choose whether you want that to be a 32 bit or 64 bit install.

 

If you have used that install/license on an older machine, and then wipe away/erase that install, then you're free to use the Win 7 disk on a new machine. That might require a call to MS in order to inform them that you're no longer using the original install.

 

But if you try to keep the original install and then use the same disk/license code on a second, new machine, it will install on the second machine, but probably will not activate as a valid license via the Windows online license confirmation system.

 

That means the new install basically would work, in unlicensed status, for the first month or so. But after that, the OS will basically start bugging you to get a license and start disabling features, if memory serves.

Thanks for clearing that up for me.