Re-instailing Windows new machine best options

grizzly

What's the best way to do this? Is there a way to deactivate before the new install?

Overheal

dont need to deactivate the license. The license afaik simply phones in to Microsoft when you get your system updates. When multiple PCs start phoning in with the same license thats when Microsoft may flag the license. So far I have never had any problems directly restoring factory settings.

Verres

+1. You should be fine if you're reinstalling the same OS on the same box. I've done it multiple times without an issue.

grizzly

Verres wrote: »

+1. You should be fine if you're reinstalling the same OS on the same box. I've done it multiple times without an issue.

Thanks for the replies. It'll be an all new machine, so the worst that will happen is I'll have to ring them?

dueyfinster

grizzly wrote: »

Thanks for the replies. It'll be an all new machine, so the worst that will happen is I'll have to ring them?

Yes, usually you can ring the MS Robot (freephone on landline) and she'll quote you digits to enter to activate, or let it connect to 'tinternet and it should activate itself.

Verres

If it's a new box it might say that this licence is registered as already installed on another PC. If so, just ring MS and explain that you decommissioned your old box so you only have it installed once. They should be grand with that and they'll either give you a new licence or reset the old one: i.e. delete the entry on their DB against it so it can be used again.