I have searched every where and cant find a answer to my question which is. How many times can i use the same key on the same system (with no changes) as i like to format my hard drive on a regular basis and want to know how many time i can use the same key to activate my windows 7 pro ?

I believe you can activate as many times as you like but you may have to do it by phone.

Ok thanks.

Greetings Vernon. I have the same problem, I too like to learn as a result I had to install few times Windows 7 Ultimate as a result, I had to call in to Microsoft. Is there any other way? I own the OS, why can use the key direct into the computer and avoid call Microsoft? Olmo47

The system of activation is setup to help stop piracy. If after activation by internet a number of times, you may have to phone Microsoft. There is no other choice. By the way, you have purchased a licence to use the operating system, Microsoft owns it and this is their activation procedure.

Greetings Lead3 thanks, it makes perfect sens to me and also agree, that because piracy we (like me) have to go to that inconvenient. However thought, can Microsoft (they know what updates you need with out ask as) collect other computer information, so they know that I have a Original Copy? I am sure Microsoft if they want to, can truly see that is the same computer same MAC address even a serial number bla bla? Any who thanks for you time in replaying. Olmo47

The system of activation is setup to help stop piracy. If after activation by internet a number of times, you may have to phone Microsoft. There is no other choice. By the way, you have purchased a licence to use the operating system, Microsoft owns it and this is their activation procedure. let's take this in two pieces, Lead3. you have purchased a licence to use the operating system, Microsoft owns it when you purchase a book, you own the book. the copyright holder owns the content. and this is their activation procedure obviously true. but does it need to be so rude?

I don't think it is rude. The procedure is really simple and although I would like to see it always activate automatically, I have never had a problem with their procedure. You're right, you bought the DVD (and therefore own it) and a license, microsoft owns the content.

I don't think it is rude. The procedure is really simple but you would be outraged if your cellphone, cable, and credit card cut your service until you called home. wouldn't you? excuse me. threaten to cut your service. better?

Yes I would, but that's not the agreement I have with them. It is in the EULA for Windows.

lol! don't worry. soon enough, microsoft will own those services too! the eula says you should expect to reactivate after updating a device driver? where?

Who said anything about a device driver???? Oh in that other tread. Who knows why his system triggered the reactivation. I have updated many drivers and even added and removed hard drives with no requirement to reactivate.

Hey guys "STOP". This is my comments, and as frustrate i feel, is not need to speaks our minds on other people post! I hope that Microsoft (as much money as the make) will be more accommodating to people the buy their product. I too hate that, you buy something, and they (whatever company) claim they own it! that is probably one of the reasons, why is so much piracy. Any who lest be adults, and cordial with one another. This is a good forum, and sometimes comments can discourages others to join or leave.

i was just being supportive of your comment, olmo. i could not help but respond to that brush-off reply you got. when i read reports like this where people get locked-out non-genuine, can't roll-back, can't solve by phone, it makes me worried too.

Thanks "grits n gravy" don't let any one rob you, of their lock of honesty, I understand, some time others (any) can sound not sincerer, or they (who ever) know little more than us, or they have a bad day. thanks for you caring! I call and solve the problem via telephone (I know is time consuming). what I don't understand: the machine (Microsoft) ask if this is the only computer I have install the OS, so if they know! or they can see! why can they aloud it via computer? any who thanks "grit n gravy"