The Clean Install Question. Reading Between The Lines.

Mystere said:

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.

Mystere said:

You can activate your Windows 10 copy with your Windows 7 or Windows 8.x key

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

Mystere said:

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.

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?

Mystere said:

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 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.

Clintlgm said:

Reading this thread, it seems were all pretty sure MS is going to release ISO's. I'm really remembering 2012 though 2014 of not being able to get an legal ISO of windows 8 or 8.1. I agree that OEM will get ISO's that doesn't really help us out, we would be just as we were with 8 and 8.1 and as Alpha says how are the Activations going to work

At least this time we have the option to create our own ISO.