Is it possible to format my computer without using up a windows installation disk

I want to completely format my computer, I've already backed up my files and I'm ready to push "the red button". However, my father would prefer if there was a way to format the computer without using up a windows installation disk which currently can install on two more computers.

So I basically want to delete everything and start fresh without having to "reinstall windows" and use up an installation credit. This is also a home built computer so there is no factory settings button provided by a company like HP nor have I done a system restore or a system image far back enough for count as a full clean wipe. Is there a way around this?

S0RA

Posted 2013-05-31T21:17:36.120

Reputation: 83

You don't re-use a license by re-installing. If you have a valid license, then install. You might have to talk to call Microsoft when you activate the system, but 95% of the time they are understanding. If the hardware is identical you should be fine. Microsoft knows that Windows needs to be re-installed occasionally. They know drives fail. – Zoredache – 2013-06-01T02:35:28.587

Answers

It has nothing to do with the disc, only the license key. If you use a license key too many times, you will have to call the automated phone system to activate Windows. As far as I'm aware, there isn't an activation limit (I've activated the same key via the phone system at least 3 times.)

The "two more computers" part concerns me a little. (Most) licenses are to be used on one computer.

Tanner Faulkner

Posted 2013-05-31T21:17:36.120

Reputation: 11 948

1link This is the installation disk I currently use, my father was telling me that if I Reinstall using this disk on my wiped computer, it count it as having installed windows on 2/3 computers. I will try to get more details from him when he returns home. – S0RA – 2013-05-31T21:26:45.880

Neat! Didn't know there was a Family 3-pack upgrade. Silly question though: Does it come with 3 separate keys or just one? – Tanner Faulkner – 2013-05-31T21:29:10.003

Looking at the box it appears to be just one key, I assume the CD has a way of keeping track of how many installs have been used. – S0RA – 2013-05-31T21:59:11.200

Nope! It's not going to self-destruct after three installations or anything like that. You should be fine doing the install with the disc, it won't "use up" the disc or another license. – Tanner Faulkner – 2013-05-31T22:04:31.197

Some Microsoft forum posts to back that up: http://social.technet.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/w7itproinstall/thread/7df518b9-b2e0-48da-afeb-a27e4c2a39b2/ http://social.technet.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/w7itproinstall/thread/eb973e40-76fc-473e-8656-752d71cc954d/ http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_7-windows_install/windows-7-home-premium-3-licence-family-pack-can-i/771987bc-018c-422f-a58f-1dc8c7d8a725

– Tanner Faulkner – 2013-05-31T22:08:07.270

"As far as I'm aware, there isn't an activation limit" - AFAIK there has always been a per-key activation limit (10 for Win7/8), although people seem to have had varying experiences. Also note that OP is using an Upgrade Family Pack, so 1. A qualifying Windows operating system must be installed, and 2. The qualifying Windows operating system must have a genuine license (product key) and it must be activated. (Source)

– Karan – 2013-06-01T05:53:32.020

This actually did it, I was able to reinstall windows 7 using my disc and I've gotten no such prompt to activate again nor even a prompt to enter my product key again. Once my drivers are finished updating I'll get right on to making a system image for future wipes. Thanks everyone. – S0RA – 2013-06-02T04:21:34.277

You can use Advanced Tokens Manager to back up your existing activation data:

Advanced Tokens Manager is an easy to use application that helps you with Windows and Office activation backup and restore.

(After backing up the Activation Backup button will change to say Restore Activation.)

(Back up this entire folder safely somewhere, preferably on an external drive.)

There's no real need of a tutorial since it's basically obvious how it works, but if you still need one you can check it out here.

Karan

Posted 2013-05-31T21:17:36.120

Reputation: 51 857

You can make separate partition (last on disk, small 4GB, shrinking first other last partition on the disk) with Windows installation files from the ISO image file (or DVD with Windows), set it up like bootable USB pendrive (active partition) and then boot right away from this partition to install the system. But this is the same as booting from external medium. So, be specific, why you can't or don't want to install from external medium.

pbies

Posted 2013-05-31T21:17:36.120

Reputation: 1 633

You can use for all computers the same medium, but licence keys should be different for each computer. And only if the key is for one computer (not sure, but for the same key there is possibility to install Windows legally on two computers - MSDN AA?). – pbies – 2013-05-31T21:27:27.927