installing Vista multiple times

[WhiteFireDragon]

i decided i'm going to buy a 64bit Vista OS. since i format my computer about once a year (for different reasons), will i be able to use the same the same CD key or is it only a one time thing, meaning i'll have to buy another vista key?

if it's only a once time use, then i have two laptops with the vista serial on the bottom, so can i just use those serial numbers for my fresh install on my desktop?

 

[ikermalli]

If there is a vista business 64-bit, get that, it lets you install it as many times as you want, it hear, or maybe that is just my friends copy.... But I think usually it lets you use the one key twice.

 

[mep916]

i decided i'm going to buy a 64bit Vista OS. since i format my computer about once a year (for different reasons), will i be able to use the same the same CD key or is it only a one time thing, meaning i'll have to buy another vista key?

You can use this key on one computer at a time. You can reuse the key as many times as you'd like, so long as the key is activated on only one computer.

 

[cohen]

Have a look here, maybe that might help.

 

[WhiteFireDragon]

You can use this key on one computer at a time. You can reuse the key as many times as you'd like, so long as the key is activated on only one computer.

how would it know it was activated only on that computer? whenever i find great deals on hardware or just something i really want, i upgrade my computer. i rarely switch PC parts between different PCs it does happen whenever i need to diagnost when something goes wrong. i'm guessing vista somehow uses the mobo or HD's serial number to identify the PC? what if i upgrade the mobo or HD?

Have a look here, maybe that might help.

i've searched before, and like a few responses on here, everyone says something different. has anyone tried formating and installing vista more than twice on either the same or upgraded comuters?