Will a burned copy of window 7 work?

[artiski]

My cousin burned his Window 7 ultimate CD, and gaved me the copy. Will this work if i use it to reformat my computer? Will the CD key work as well?

[Bob2004]

Why wouldn't it? You'll need to crack it, if it isn't an OEM copy, but that's easy enough.

[Freedom Kira]

Windows puts no kind of protection on their discs as far as I know. You can make however many copies as you want.

The key, however, will only work with one computer, as it is tied to the computer's hardware (I believe it is the motherboard's serial number). I've heard that you can use the key for one desktop and one laptop, but I have not tried it. I've also heard of people (in particular, some friends of mine) who called in to activate the install for the installations after the first and that would work for three people (you have to lie and say it's just for one computer). This was for the Vista to 7 upgrade disc, but I don't see why it wouldn't also work with the regular install disc.

[HiddenJumper]

The install does work for one desktop and one laptop. I've done it myself on a couple occassions. But I always keep a crack nearby just in case something goes wrong.

[blubart]

you can even download the disc image directly from the msdn servers

[vuzedome]

Don't use his CD key, get your own.

[artiski]

Hmmm, he has already used on his laptop and computer :/. If i try to use it and it doesn't work, will my own os be erased in the progress?

[datora]

.
Not "erased," "disabled."

Also, if microsoft decides the key has been compromised, then your cousin could have his installations locked down (disabled).

As you were advised earlier:  1) get a crack, 2) get your own key.  There are no other safe options, and option 1) isn't particularly "safe," either.

And, if you need to ask "where I can haz teh crackz?" then you're better off going with option 2) because (I swear) I'll sell you to /b/ and let the channites feast upon your pain.

[kitamesume]

the installation disc/files can be duplicated, sold(illegally), download for free directly from microsoft and you`ll have no issues with it. the problem is the CD Key, which is what usually costs a ton and can only be used once or something like that. theres some keys that has a minimum usage count, i mean allowing more than 1PC to use the same key, i forgot whats it called.

theres this Windows 7 Enterprise edition (90days trial) from Microsoft itself that was free, dunno now. reinstalling the OS refreshes the trial BUT theres a program that just reinstalls the part that refreshes the key for the trial, sweet unlimited free OS, plus i`m running it on multiple computers, they all activated without any issues. well thats just me, my dad's legit windows 7 home sucks(it came with his laptop).

(click to show/hide)

[calfish]

I think it would be more difficult to get a copy to work than a real legal copy. I swapped from Windows 7 to Ubuntu because Windows is god awful and f**king expensive where as Ubuntu is free and awesome. I do still have a win XP partition on my laptop for gaming. 

[mgz]

.
Not "erased," "disabled."

Also, if microsoft decides the key has been compromised, then your cousin could have his installations locked down (disabled).

As you were advised earlier:  1) get a crack, 2) get your own key.  There are no other safe options, and option 1) isn't particularly "safe," either.

And, if you need to ask "where I can haz teh crackz?" then you're better off going with option 2) because (I swear) I'll sell you to /b/ and let the channites feast upon your pain.

generally speaking microsoft doesnt deactivate keys unless are they are grossly overused. IE key released with a torrent or a business building computers and using a single 1 user license to activate all products.

I currently using my personal win 7 pro key have activated at least 7 computers 4 laptops and 3 desktops all on 1 key.
Worst you will have to do is call Microsoft to activate since there is a 6 month limitation on limitations for online activation its like 2 or 3 activations per 6 months over that and you get stuck calling microsoft and lying about the 3 or 4 questions they ask you