I usually reformat every 2-3 months because the computer either gets slow or I end up having a spyware/virus on my computer. I am a mmorpg gamer and some third party applications usually messes up my computer. My concern is that whenever I format, i need to enter a product key to activate windows. I have only formatted once so far but lets say i format again, will it give problems that the key is already in use or will it be activated once again? Also, is there a limit on how many times you can format and use the key? I also have a dell desktop but whenever i format that, it never asks for product key. Is there a way to embed the key to the motherboard?
Product Key Issue after reformatting
- Thread starter sicdeath
- Start date
The dell comes preactivated when you install the operating system.
When you first activated windows, it gets assigned a hardware key sort of. When you go to reactivate windows again using the same key, if the hardware doesn't match the original activation then it won't activate for you. You would have to call up microsoft and have them activate for you.
When you first activated windows, it gets assigned a hardware key sort of. When you go to reactivate windows again using the same key, if the hardware doesn't match the original activation then it won't activate for you. You would have to call up microsoft and have them activate for you.
linkin
VIP Member
If it doesn't ask for a key I'll assume your using a restore disc? That's why, it comes pre-activated on the disc.
Next time you reformat, install all your software and whatever you need and then make an image of the disc, that way you won't need to re-activate, but you'll need to update most of your software.
Next time you reformat, install all your software and whatever you need and then make an image of the disc, that way you won't need to re-activate, but you'll need to update most of your software.