Using a Windows 7 key on another machine, after it has been upgraded to Windows 8

[Grannyville7989]

If I do an in-place upgrade from Windows 7 to Windows 8, does that mean that the product key from the Windows 7 I've upgraded from can be legitimately used on another computer?

 

[Quad5Ny]

Legally? I have no clue.

But technicaly Retail Windows 7 keys can be used on 3 computers before having to call in and reset the activation count.

 

[Kashsystems]

Is the product key an oem sticker attach to the pc? If that is the case usually MS requires a phone call and may or may not activate it. Oem stickers are tied to the machine and the manufacturer legally. Worst case is you can try it and they tell you no.

 

[Grannyville7989]

The key came from my MSNAA account that is associate with my university email address.

 

[Kashsystems]

The key came from my MSNAA account that is associate with my university email address.

Then it should work.

 

[Grannyville7989]

Thank you. I suspect that it would work but I wanted to make sure. I was hoping to give my freed up Windows 7 key to friend a friend who's still on Vista.

 

[lixuelai]

MSDNAA keys you just have to call into their automated system. Technically you can install it on as many computers as you want but that is likely illegal.

 

[Grannyville7989]

I never had a problem with activating Windows with my MSNDAA key online.