Windows 10 Update Considerations
I haven’t installed Windows 10 (W10) preferring to wait for more stable releases. But whatever you decide I recommend extensive research because W10 may not be what you expect or want. My main conc...
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CA Traveler wrote:docj wrote:OK But I remain skeptical that MS will allow validation of whatever OS is currently being installed while invalidating the prior install. Especially with regards to the free W10 upgrade that uses the existing W7/W8 key. They certainly don't want one key used in 2 computers at the same time.
The product key for many newer computers is embedded in ROM. In those cases you don't need to do anything to get a fully authorized installation regardless of whether you are upgrading or going backward. To check to see if your computer has an embedded product key you can use this tool: NeoSmart
ie I upgrade to the free W10. I then install W7 on the same or different computer. Which one is now validated?
Docj's post is 100% incorrect.
The program Docj linked does not look into the BIOS for the key, it actually looks into WINDOWS that is installed on the PC.
That program is useful ONLY if your COA with the license key is missing or destroyed to the point you can not read it.
That link also states that the COA is not included with new PCs, that is not true either.. That would be a violation of the manufacturers OEM licensing agreement with MS if they do not include the COA sticker on each PC they load Windows..
OEMs like Dell or HP since they do a large volume of PCs are able to setup their PCs as preactivated.. Top do that they must have a special program from MS to generate a special code that is embedded into the BIOS.. This code tells Windows that it is activated and it will not trip the activation prompt.. The OEM then agrees to do ALL the "support" for that copy of Windows.
For Win10 upgrade to work it only NEEDS to find an activated copy of Win7 or Win8.1 (XP and Win 8.0 does not qualify) on your PC..
Not sure as to what happens to your old Win license but I know folks HAVE been able to reinstall their old versions successfully and also folks have successfully loaded Win10 upgrade on a clean install.. I would suggest you do some searching on the internet..
Here is just one of the many sites that you might find helpful in your quest of answers..
DSLREPORTS.COM
Another place I find lots of good PC info is
VIDEOHELP.COM
They have a bunch of Win10 stickies that might be helpful..
