Windows Vista Launch Key

[TFM]

Hello - i searched and didn't see this answered anywhere - so if it has been i apologize. But i am using the Vista key that came with the Vista launch kit that works as Vista Ultimate if you use a retail disk to install it.

I'm wanting to change my motherboard out, but i'm scared to in case that key is not a retail key, but is an OEM key and can only be used with a particular motherboard. I.e. - if i wipe my hard drive to install with teh new motherboard, am i going to be able to use the Vista key?

Has anyone else already done this and had success?

Thanks!

 

[ViRGE]

This gets asked a lot, so it wouldn't hurt to search. The short answer is that if it's an OEM key, Microsoft is under no obligation to let you move it to another (dissimilar) motherboard and that you should purchase a new copy of Windows. However there's always a chance they'll let you reuse it anyhow.

 

[fr]

I hope they fix the broken search.

 

[RebateMonger]

So those Launch Keys are still functioning OK? That's good news. I have a couple of them, but haven't used 'em yet and wondered if they'd keep functioning.

 

[bruceb]

For the events in 2007 if you were lucky enough
to be at one with Vista it is a regular key. No limits.
Not sure about it being OEM or not .. MS did not say.
I know the Office Key provided was for a full Retail
verison of Office 2007 Pro .. only downside was you
had to download the files from the MS site .. I would
have rather paid $10-20 to get a real cd from MS with
that program

 

[nerp]

Most of the giveaway keys that MS doles out are retail, if my memory serves right. I don't know if this particular key is retail or OEM but many others I've participated in or friends who participated in have recieved retail keys. The PowerTogether promotion that gave out free Vista Business and Office Pro last year (I was one of the lucky ones who got in on time and qualified for both) was retail. I recently transferred by Vista and Office licenses from system #2 to #1 in my sig with no problems at all. Not even a "key already in use" message and a call to the rep. It just activated automatically since I hadn't activated that key on the #2 system for many months.