Windows 10: The Clean Install Question. Reading Between The Lines.

This really confuses me?

2.) Will we receive a separate License Key for Windows 10, or will it be the same as our Windows 7 / 8 / 8.1 License Key?
By default, Windows 10 builds are pre-keyed, meaning, you do not have to enter a product key and should not be prompted to enter one even after Windows 10 has completed setup.


Yes, the previews are pre keyed, but the final won't be? If they were you'd be using the same key on every PC you installed with that ISO? That's not going to work, activation will fail.

 

This also doesn't make a lot of sense to me?

3.) If using the Windows 7 / 8 / 8.1 License Key, will there be a separate counter for Activations Remaining for Windows 10, or does it share activation count with the earlier OS?

You can rearm it up to 5 times. After the 5th reinstall, reactivation by telephone might be required:
http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/i...f-4b21fbd807a7

That, to me, doesn't sound right? Implies you can install Windows 10 with Windows 7 and 8 keys. I'm not putting to much faith in those answers.

 

It really doesn't seem to matter WHAT Microsoft says, or HOW they say it. People keep looking for hidden meaning in what they don't say vs what they do. "OH MY GOD, they didn't say I could re-install Windows an infinite number of times, that must mean there's a limit and then they're gonna make me pay" or something similar... or "They didn't say I couldn't install during a full moon, so they must be making people pay while installing during a lunar event".

I mean, come on... people just seem to jump to any conclusion they want regardless of how its worded.

Microsoft has released an official statement, but it wasn't good enough for people. They said Windows was free for the life of the device to those that upgrade qualifying versions within the first year. End of story. There are not tricks or gotchas beyond what already exists in Windows licensing (OEM vs Retail, Enterprise, etc..). All these "what if's" are just pointless in my opinion...

 

Microsoft only keeps track of how many times a particular key is activated for a short period of time (I think 6 months). If you re-install on the same hardware, it's not a problem. There are a series of hardware hashes that get generated. They can tell if its the same hardware.

If you install it on different hardware, and it's a retail copy, then after 5 installs within 6 months you may have to call them and use the automated system (or talk to someone if you want). I've never been denied when I've had to do this on the rare occasion, and I have friends that have cheated the system... I won't say what or how much... but lets just say that Unless you posted your key on the internet and had tons of people trying to activate within a short time, you're probably fine.

 

Good question.
Possibly the 7/8.1 key will be assigned a new key for 10 that will be registered to MS system. So, you'll just keep using that same old key. And you will not be able to use the same key on another machine because it is tied to the Windows 10 which is already activated by your old key.

 

Microsoft has never tracked activated status of keys... they can't know whether a key is active or not, since you might have a computer that isn't connected to the net, or it might be offline for a period of time.. they wouldn't know that from one where you deleted the OS.

It's just not logistically feasible.

 

It's probably all the reason for the reservation. It will scan your system (supposedly if your system meets the requirements) and get all the information including the keys if you have a legit system or not. And who has a computer running Windows without an internet these days? *Smile

 

Lots of people have comptuers not running on the internet, or at least not always connected. Laptops, for instance, may only be connected on occasion. Regardless, the reservation is only used for the Windows Update process.... Once again, people who run systems that are not eligible for Windows update upgrades are still eligible for the free upgrade, but they won't be able to "reserve" a copy through the tool.

More than likely, Microsoft will have an online form that you can enter your Windows 7 or 8.x key and get a download link to an ISO file, or call up customer support and have them send you a DVD (for a shipping fee i'm sure).

Regardless, Microsoft can't really track what is and isn't activated in a way that would be accurate.. it might work for 90 or 95% of systems, but not everyone... and if it wouldn't work for everyone, it's basically useless.

 

At least they should have a system to control legit keys. Getting your old key and assigning it with a new one is one method they can control multiple installation/activation using one key. I just don't know how they do it.

 

There are no "legit keys". You just use your existing key. You can activate your Windows 10 copy with your Windows 7 or Windows 8.x key. There will (i'm almost sure, but I could be wrong) be no Windows 10 keys for free-upgrade licenses. You will get a key through the normal means otherwise for non-free-upgrades (by buying a retail copy, MSDN, TechNet, etc..)

 

That's what I've been saying. Old key linked to a new key.

 

So will the upgrade be free?

 

Yes, for 7 and 8.1 the upgrade is free

 

I get the rearm part, just don't get the "If using the Windows 7 / 8 / 8.1 License Key," part. I guess its hard to answer a question, when the question doesn't make much sense?

 

That will cause big issues if they do that. Factory OEM installs of Windows 7 use a common key for that manufacturer. Every Dell with 7 Home premium uses the same product code. One that's easily discoverable in a Google search. They would have to get the code off of the COA sticker. Want to guess how many of those are worn down and unreadable? There is no product code in the BIOS on a Windows 7 PC. Do you have any links to info suggesting Windows 10 will actually accept Windows 7 and 8 keys? I am genuinely interested if that's true, not trying to stir things up, just want more info is all.