Laptop stolen - are keys traceable?

prowla

My son's laptop was stolen, and we have an insurance claim being progressed.

When we got the laptop, we got it with no OS and software and I supplied and installed Windows 7 Pro 64-bit and MS Office (Home & Student). I still have the keys, which I plan to re-use for the replacement laptop when we get it.

However, it occurs to me that there is someone out there who may be trying to use the laptop with my keys too (if they've got onto it).

My question is, are they traceable, can they be blocked?

If there is a way of either identifying the machine running my keys and/or stopping it working, then that at least would be some comfort.

(Of course, they may be simply going to wipe it and reinstall, in which case the question is irrelevant.)

custardy

I would expect when you contact M$ to transfer your licence,their copy will stop working

GlasgowTech

In short... MS do not offer a tracking service to the public, but im sure they will be able to 'transfer' the code from one laptop to another.

victor2

Interesting question.
I believe Win 7 can't be reinstalled on a different computer without getting MS to allow the activation.
Bit old, but there was a discussion on that topic here:
http://www.techrepublic.com/forums/questions/re-install-software-on-replacement-for-stolen-computer/

If you're claiming for the stolen software as well on the insurance, then at worst, you'll have to buy new copies. You could be in profit though. Should cover your excess.
If your insurers won't pay for the software, then you're at the mercy of MS. Good luck!

Knarf44

When you get the replacement laptop, first thing you should do after setting it up is install something like "Prey" - this is a free security program that once set up and registered will allow you to track and trace up to three items eg laptop, phone and tablet should any of them get stolen.

The program has a good reputation and has assisted the successful recovery of numerous laptops, phones etc. More information is available on their website at: https://www.preyproject.com

Alternatively, there are now other programs that can offer the same recovery assistance, Avast antivirus, Kaspersky Internet Security Suite and others.

Do your research and decide what you think will be the most effective, there is lots of info on the net about protecting your devices.