So I was reading in the "build a computer" fourm and someone couldn't afford a copy of windows so someone commented to use an old laptop product key for windows 7. I myself am trying to build a new computer and I have about $600 but if I have to buy the OS thats going to really hit my budget. I've sense researched this topic and I can't find a strait answer if I build a new PC can I just use my old laptops windows 7 prodcut key?
Yes, you can most of the time. If it wont activate straight up (chances are it wont) it will get you to call up microsoft activation line. Call em up, go through the prompts, when it asks you if you have uninstalled the product (i think its something like that anyway) just say yes. It will then give you the activation code that you have to enter.
There has only been a few instances that Ive seen where the key is locked to the device. You could always go the Linux route... its free and good.
Thanks so much for that information. It's still going to be a month or so before I can build my pc but this help a lot.
I would do Linux but I'm building a pc for gaming and school. I heard it's still possible to use wine (or whatever it's called) for gaming but I feel like it would be a big headache to learn how to use it.