One PC - Two installations of Win7. Possible?
In my searching so far, I've gotten inconclusive answers to this question. It seems to depend on the person's views on how the MS Licensing works, or to what degree they feel bending the rules is "okay." All I want to know is what the real answer is to the letter of the law.
I have a PC I am replacing the primary HD with a SSD. The user wants me to load Win7 on the SSD and make that the primary boot and workspace. He uses a crappy application that doesn't play well with anything else, so he's asked me to use the old HD and load Win7 on that as well. Same license key. That way he can run that app on a "clean" install of Win7 without anything else getting in the way.
Technical:
What's the simplest/best way to load and boot to Win7 on two drives on the same PC?
Legal:
Can I use the same key to install Win7 on both drives of the same PC? I don't think you can without buying a second license. But confirmation appreciated.
I have a PC I am replacing the primary HD with a SSD. The user wants me to load Win7 on the SSD and make that the primary boot and workspace. He uses a crappy application that doesn't play well with anything else, so he's asked me to use the old HD and load Win7 on that as well. Same license key. That way he can run that app on a "clean" install of Win7 without anything else getting in the way.
Technical:
What's the simplest/best way to load and boot to Win7 on two drives on the same PC?
Legal:
Can I use the same key to install Win7 on both drives of the same PC? I don't think you can without buying a second license. But confirmation appreciated.
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Dennis Johnson
...or give a call to a Microsoft representative and ask them the same question.
ASKER
Well, as Kimputer said, it's on the license file. I normally have a hard time understanding the EULAs as the legaleze on them makes my head spin. I did find the particular paragraph that says one copy on one computer. So that answers that. Without the ability to install it twice, and not wanting to spend the money on the extra license, the first part of my question has become null.
...now if I can figure out why the damn SSD won't boot up after installing Win7 on it.
...now if I can figure out why the damn SSD won't boot up after installing Win7 on it.
Have the SSD be the only hard drive in the PC. After successful install from USB or DVD, make sure the BIOS points to the SSD as the first boot device.
ASKER
It boots off the ssd. After the windows splash screen, the monitor goes dark. It appears to be an issue with the video drivers. Seems to be a known issue with some dells.