jagguy
asked on
windows 7 license
Can I install windows 7 on my 2 machines legally or do i need to buy 2 copies?
I have a PC and laptop running winXP and I want W7
I have a PC and laptop running winXP and I want W7
You will need to purchase a license for each PC
This is assuming you are purchasing a retial versio.
I believe they discontinued the 'Family Pack' where it was my understanding that the license included with the media kit allowed for up to three installations on separate hardware platforms.
From what i've heard you MUST purchase a separate license (and apparently media kits) for each computer. Many people confuse the idea that they have 2 licenses when purchasing a retail OS because in the past MS Office had allowed you to install on two computers. The reasoning I believe is because MS calls their Office Suite 'Portable', it isn't uncommon for users to need to access their Office products from two locations. However the OS is not an application per say, it is the platform required for other applications to run on top off. Whew, I hope that made sense.
*on a side note...I personally haven't tried activating a second install using the same license/media kit, so who's to say. But OFFICIALLY: you must purchase a lic for each instance.
From what i've heard you MUST purchase a separate license (and apparently media kits) for each computer. Many people confuse the idea that they have 2 licenses when purchasing a retail OS because in the past MS Office had allowed you to install on two computers. The reasoning I believe is because MS calls their Office Suite 'Portable', it isn't uncommon for users to need to access their Office products from two locations. However the OS is not an application per say, it is the platform required for other applications to run on top off. Whew, I hope that made sense.
*on a side note...I personally haven't tried activating a second install using the same license/media kit, so who's to say. But OFFICIALLY: you must purchase a lic for each instance.
ASKER
to purchase 2 licenses I need to buy 2 retail copies?
might just hang on to winXP as it works and it is cheaper .
might just hang on to winXP as it works and it is cheaper .
Yes that is my understanding. 2 retail copies!
I think I stand corrected...
You cannot purchase just a license for windows 7 Home Premium, I believe you can purchase licenses without media for Windows 7 Pro & Ultimate. You would still need to purchase a full retail kit with media for one PC though in this situation. I say this because it looks like retailers (such as CDW) will sell a media-less license kit.
You cannot purchase just a license for windows 7 Home Premium, I believe you can purchase licenses without media for Windows 7 Pro & Ultimate. You would still need to purchase a full retail kit with media for one PC though in this situation. I say this because it looks like retailers (such as CDW) will sell a media-less license kit.
ASKER
then why pay $400 aud for a new OS when the current one works winXP and I can have i copy on 2 computers
And this is a good idea because......
And this is a good idea because......
I'm with you there....
*I believe the same licensing model applies to XP, just because you can get away with installing it on multiple PC's doesn't technically make it legal.
**Not that I care if you did it, just stating what I believe is the "correct" response for the record.
***Maybe a second installation of 7 on separate hardware will activate successfully or with a 'quick' call to an MS rep? I can't say, I haven't tried.
*I believe the same licensing model applies to XP, just because you can get away with installing it on multiple PC's doesn't technically make it legal.
**Not that I care if you did it, just stating what I believe is the "correct" response for the record.
***Maybe a second installation of 7 on separate hardware will activate successfully or with a 'quick' call to an MS rep? I can't say, I haven't tried.
ASKER
hi,
I believe installing winxp on 2 computers you own IS LEGAL
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Actually, what I have found is that XP can be installed on multiple PC's without any licensing issues as long as you wait 120 days between installs. Does anyone know if the same works for Win 7 ?