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I downloaded Windows 8 from Dreamspark and got a cd key.

I was wondering, does that mean than I can install my Windows just once time with that key, or I can regularly reformat my drive and install Windows 8 again with my Dreamspark CD key?

agirish
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Gabrijel
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4 Answers4

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According to my understanding (and I am not a lawyer), your license allows reinstallation as long as the prior install is taken out of service. But after a couple times, the Windows activation servers will flag that the key is being used excessively, and you'll have to call telephone support to activate.

Canadian Luke
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Ben Voigt
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From experience, the dreamspark premium/ MSDNAA key is no different from the 'retail' edition. As long as its the same hardware you should have no issues reinstalling and activating the system as per the usual process.

The 'Extended access guarantee' is new, but all that means is your key should definately work to install for 2 years. The licence itself however, isn't time dependant.

If its the same machine with no major changes, it should work with no issues. I'd personally rather just image the disk with a third party tool once a base setup is done and run with that to save time though

Journeyman Geek
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DreamSpark, when activated, will give you a key and an .iso file for download and activation. You may see a warning about the key, and it might say it will only be valid for 24 months. However, this is not entirely the case.

When you install Windows, DreamSpark servers automatically detect that you have installed once. Your key DOES NOT expire on your system. Type 'slmgr /xpr' in CMD and you'll see why. HOWEVER, your key on DreamSpark servers will expire after 24 months, and you will not be able to obtain your key, or your .iso for the matter, after 24 months.

Of course, the reason for that is to make sure you are still in school. You can send them another activation form and they'll clear it for you, and you will get another 24 months of DreamSpark. I have no idea if the keys given to you after reactivation will be the same when you activated DreamSpark for the first time.

EDIT: Command line was wrong, clarifying

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I use Microsoft DreamSpark Premium and the instructions say :

Extended Access Guarantee (24 months) - Included 
24 months of access to your download and/or key. 
This does not extend the duration of time-limited licenses (if applicable). 

 Installation and Use Rights. You may install and use on your devices no more than two
 copies of each of the software offerings made available to you

So you can check your instructions.

You can re-install any number of times (there is no restriction on that in EULA). Depending on what the EULA says, you can use also use multiple (2 in my case) copies at the same time.

However if you try to install it on multiple computers and your license does not permit it, you may risk your key being flagged.

agirish
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