Same product key but on 2 computers?
It depends where that product key came from. If the original key was given to you from a disc that you got with a pre-built system, you will simply receive an error when trying to install the operating system on a different computer. As for retail software (as in, you went and bought a copy of Vista or XP off the shelf) you may install it on another system, however I’m not sure about how many times this can be accomplished. OEM – Not a chance. Retail – Certainly.
if you have already activated a product previously with a key, the same key will allow you to install the same product on a different machine, and when you activate it, you will be prompted to call Microsoft. I have done this Windows XP in the past, I called and explained to them that I have formatted the previous installation, and I am reinstalling. Worked for me a number of times.
using the same product key on more than 1 computer will either work, or you will be limited so that you can only use that key on one pc at a time. for example, with photoshop cs3, if you install it on one pc and use the product key for it, you have to deactivate it on that pc to use the key on another.
