I had to buy another copy after Microsoft said the upgrade copy wasn't transferable. complete lies.
Yes I know they are, that's how I learned whenever possible to activate Windows & MS Office the way described in my prior post above, this way, 9.9 out of 10 times, we don't have to listen to their BS, as long as the magical word 'one' is stated at the first question.
Somehow or the other, I believe they generate another activation & this is why another is read back. Actually, one's encouraged to copy, or take a snip of the window to try themselves in the future. There's also a way, am not sure how to (as I've never had to use it), where this long string of numbers can be pulled from the registry before reinstall If successful, the same activation key may be reused. I'm sure that the automated assistant didn't advise me to copy the screen for nothing, or was simply a pre-programmed idiot.
Upgrade copies of Windows
are perfectly transferable, as long as it's been removed from the prior machine, and #2, the qualifying OS to be activated is on the drive prior to upgrade. I have two Windows 8 Pro w/Media Center promos, as well as two Windows 7 Pro Anytime Upgrade COA's (from Home Premium), and they've worked every time used. So Microsoft is stuffed full of BS, wanting to get you off the phone, only to lie to the next waiting, they simply want as many of their users on W10 as possible.
BTW, there's still a legal hidden way to still get Windows 10 for free, under the disguise of needing assistive technologies (no proof required) & it even says in the Q&A's that one's not required to use these technologies (3rd Q&A on list).
http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/accessibility/windows10upgrade
It's just that their original plan, hoping that most everyone would ditch Windows 7 & 8.1 failed badly, so they left this wide open backdoor for those who wants in & how I obtained over half of my upgrades, as well as lots more for others. Of course, half of my computers that were upgraded to W10 in this manner were downgraded right back to W7, using the backup image taken just before upgrade. No way would I consider a upgrade w/out backup, plus I perform these weekly anyway. Anyway, should W7 & 8.1 hits EOL, I have proof of upgrade, these machines were on W10 for a week, and two backups were taken & saved for each. So there's no way to deny my revert to W10 once EOL hits home with me. W8 onwards are activated as soon as connected to the Internet.
Cat