Should I register Windows?

[ben aveling]

I have a new PC I'm going to use for Linux, only. I don't intend to dual boot it.

Before I proceed, is there any reason to register Windows, or any reason to not register Windows?

[tgalati4]

You should register Windows so you get updates, including security updates, so that you don't get a virus that wipes out the entire disk. There are some nasty things out there. Besides, if your Linux install gets messed up, you will want to boot into Windows and use Firefox or Chrome so you can search for answers. Having a registered copy will reduce the nagware when you are really trying to find answers.

[fantab]

You can register Windows whenever you want. If you don't want to use it then there is no point registering it. Yet there is no harm in registering it.
However it will be good idea to make a backup image of your HDD and its partitions with Windows. You can use Macrium Reflect (http://www.macrium.com/reflectfree.aspx) to make a backup image or use any other utility to achieve the same.
The idea is if at a later date you want to use Windows or sell your machine you can restore the Windows and its partitions as it was pre-installed (assuming you have a pre-installed copy of Windows).
SAVE your backup to an external medium.
Make sure the back up is good, Erase the HDD and install Ubuntu.

[Bucky Ball]

Not going to use it? Don't waste time registering it. No point. ;)

[Bucky Ball]

Not going to use it? Don't waste time registering it. ;)


You should register Windows so you get updates, including security updates, so that you don't get a virus that wipes out the entire disk.

OP is not intending to use Win so these things don't matter.

[Bucky Ball]

Not going to use it? Don't waste time registering it. ;)


You should register Windows so you get updates, including security updates, so that you don't get a virus that wipes out the entire disk.

OP is not intending to use Win so these things don't matter.

[pfeiffep]

You paid for Windows and you might have a need for it in the future, register it and then make a dual boot system. It doesn't harm anything if you have an extra tool at your disposal.
I have 3 computers, 2 of which came with Windows 7 installed and both of them are dual boot.

[Mark Phelps]

You don't "regiser" Windows; instead, you "activate" it. If the new machine comes with Windows preinstalled, it's already "activated", as the OEM does that. If the machine does not have Windows preinstalled, you activate it yourself as part of installation. With newer Windows versions, there is no "trial period"; instead, you have to enter the product key when you install it, and that automatically activates it.

[sammiev]

I only have Linux on this laptop, but have a copy of Win7 DVDs and a USB stick just in case it's needed down the road.

Never know, I may just sell this laptop one day and Win7 maybe required.

[craig10x]

I'd register it, then make back up discs (just in case there is ever a need to re-install it) that is exactly what i did with my toshiba laptop which had windows 7....i still have my back up discs in case i ever need them...
Then i wiped my drive by having ubuntu install over the windows install...I don't dual boot...

[kostkon]

In my case I didn't register it, wiped it clean, didn't clone the Windows partitions.. :rolleyes:

But I'd suggest you to clone the partitions. You can probably register Windows later, when you are actually going to use it, if that ever happens.

[Bucky Ball]

But I'd suggest you to clone the partitions. You can probably register Windows later, when you are actually going to use it, if that ever happens.

+1. And if you sell the machine, they new owner can probably register it if they want to use it.