How many computers will I be able to install W7 on?

Each purchase is a single licence to use on a single pc (at a time). Upgrade copies require an existing licenced copy of an older version of windows on that machine also.
If you subsequently buy a new PC, you can re-use the copy of windows 7 on this new pc; but only if you take it off the old one.

So in your case, to be legal, you need to buy a copy for your dell, and a copy for your hp. Since they both have windows already, you can buy the upgrade versions for both.

Yes, this means you'll end up with 4 discs (2 x64 and 2 x86) and 2 licence keys. The keys ARE usable on X86 OR X64; one key activates either version, though you're not allowed to use one key to install both discs on two different PCs; the 2nd activation will likely fail online activation.

2 upgrade retail copies = 4 discs = 2 licence keys = 2 licences = 2 pcs.

activation binds the copy of windows to a particular machine so i dont think it would be able to use same copy to activate and use on two different computers

This thread go me thinking:

If I buy a copy of W7 ultimate retail, could I legally install the x86 and x64 versions (and activate them) on a single machine in a dual boot configuration? Or with a VM setup?

My guess is that this would not be legal, but might be doable.

Mark

Legacy Code said:

I thought you was able to use one copy on 3 machines for personal use ?...but i may be wrong so please dont hold me to that

Nope, 1 copy 1 system, depending on your lisence.

mtp said:

This thread go me thinking:

If I buy a copy of W7 ultimate retail, could I legally install the x86 and x64 versions (and activate them) on a single machine in a dual boot configuration? Or with a VM setup?

My guess is that this would not be legal, but might be doable.

Mark

Dont think legal;, because once oyu activate the X64 version the X86 version wont be able to activate with the same #

That is an interesting scenario. I would think that it depends on how MS calculates the hardware ID that your license is tied to. If the calculation is the same for both 32bit and 64bit, then it could work.

wwoods said:

Dont think legal;, because once oyu activate the X64 version the X86 version wont be able to activate with the same #

Currently what I know from a Windows 7 upgrade disk is when you buy Windows 7, it has one license. What I heard was two, but I am not completely sure. If you bought the family upgrade pack, you may install Windows 7 on 3 computers. If I were you, I would ask a local computer service place, or just buy another Genuine copy. If you need any more help, just e-mail me!

Google is your friend:


What Microsoft won't tell you about Windows 7 licensing | Ed Bott’s Microsoft Report | ZDNet.com