Same Windows 7 license key on a laptop and a desktop -- legal?

"I tried to do it and it fails when you install on the 2nd box. I think ""Activation"" is there for that purpose. However you can purchase a family pack that can be used to
upgrade up to 3 computers in the same household:"

"No, it's not legal to use the same operating system license key on more than one machine.

You might be confusing the situation with licensed software like perhaps Word and Visual Studio that might allow you to install and run on more than one machine as long as you only run one copy at a time."

"Someone told me that I could because
MS allows you to use the same key on a
laptop and a desktop.

Someone was obviously referring to the old XP Professional EULA which caused some confusion back in the day:

The Product may not be used by more
than two (2) processors at any one
time on any single Workstation
Computer.

Of course, a Laptop does qualify as a workstation in this context. Who thought ""Cool, i can use it on my workstation AND my laptop"" was wrong, this didn't go down too well with the Windows XP Activation Server :)

However, Droidln.net's answer is spot on regarding the legality of using the same product with the same license on more than one computer."

I called microsoft and the tech support said that you can use the license on ONE desktop and ONE laptop. She told me this when i was inquiring about the anytime upgrade for my laptop.