windows 10 codes

spud17

Jivesinger wrote: »

They did, but I'm not sure that converts the Win 7/8 key into a 'Windows 10 Key' as far as Microsoft and the keyfinding tools are concerned?

There was conflicting advice going around at the time.
I think the intention was to do as you state.
Also Win 7/8 Retail keys would be converted to Win 10 OEM installs.
I've not bothered to check if it's true.
To the OP, if you have a genuine upgrade to Win 10, forget about retrieving codes, just follow post#2.:)

System

Don't need a key. Post #2 is the correct answer. Have re-installed from bare hard drive on quite a few service exchange Win 10 computers and not had to put in a key and they've automatically activated online just fine. Some of them have been ones that were upgraded for free from Windows 7 Pro.

anotheruser

However, a machine "fingerprint" only goes so far.

If you're rebuilding a computer (IE, physically changing the motherboard), you'll need a key.

esuhl

Jivesinger wrote: »

They did, but I'm not sure that converts the Win 7/8 key into a 'Windows 10 Key' as far as Microsoft and the keyfinding tools are concerned?

The Windows 7/8 key isn't converted into a Windows 10 key, the key is updated to include an OEM Windows 10 licence in addition to the original OS licence.

So, essentially, you have one key which is licensed for both OSes.

esuhl

anotheruser wrote: »

However, a machine "fingerprint" only goes so far.

If you're rebuilding a computer (IE, physically changing the motherboard), you'll need a key.

You won't be able to reactivate the "free upgrade" version of Windows 10 if you replace the motherboard. (At least not without MS's intervention and permission.) OEM licences are restricted to one machine. Replace the machine (or mainboard) and you need to buy a new licence.

anotheruser

I've done it before.

Call the MS automated line and enter the hardware ID (that the install should give you). The telephone line then gives you a long code (it's about 10 lots of 4 characters or something) to put in and it'll continue to install fine.

I don't know if there's a limit on how many times you can do this though.

esuhl

anotheruser wrote: »

I've done it before.

Call the MS automated line and enter the hardware ID (that the install should give you). The telephone line then gives you a long code (it's about 10 lots of 4 characters or something) to put in and it'll continue to install fine.

I don't know if there's a limit on how many times you can do this though.

Yeah -- it's a weird grey area with OEM installations. The licence says that it is tied to the machine, so if you replace the machine, you need a new licence.

But, legitimately, the motherboard could fail (making it appear as if you have a completely new PC). I suspect that Microsoft can't legally revoke a licence due to hardware failure, so they have to provide the opportunity to relicense OEM keys to apparently "new" machines.

I remember reading the OEM XP licence which said that, if the motherboard fails and you want to keep the licence, you are required to replace it with an identical model of motherboard... unless that model is no longer available, in which case you are required to replace it with the "nearest comparable" alternative of similar specification.

There's no way Microsoft could keep track of the availability of old motherboards, or waste time debating whether a replacement motherboard is of suitably similar spec.

So... if you ask nicely... it should be easy to transfer an OEM licence to a new machine, even though it's contractually prohibited.