Reinstalling Windows 8 from Dreamspark

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?

Solution 1:

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.

Solution 2:

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