Question about Technet subscriptions

I'm also thinking that you wouldn't want any of this software and keys on a computer that you may sell or hand down at a later date.

I also got a copy of XP MCE in case I need it to fix (upgrade) a new W7 Computer some day ...
But isn't it a little late to evaluate XP ???

you certainly wouldn't want to leave any of this software on the machine if you sold it later down the road. Whenever I part with old PC's, it's always with NO OS. If the person wants an OS, I'll gladly buy them one and install it...but they owe me the money for the OS.

pparks1 said:

you certainly wouldn't want to leave any of this software on the machine if you sold it later down the road. Whenever I part with old PC's, it's always with NO OS. If the person wants an OS, I'll gladly buy them one and install it...but they owe me the money for the OS.

You guys are absolutely right, and thanks for the tips. If I sold a PC, just a hard drive for that matter, it would be formatted and the person buying would be responsible for their own OS, just as you said. Especially if I had a Technet subscription, using their keys. Believe me, while I am not "scared" of MS and using Technet, the keys will be my closely guarded "secret" If someone wants a key, I will show them either a link to newegg, or technet!!! LOL!!

One more question, I know you said that obviously MS knows more info about you, and "where your at" using a Technet key than if I bought it from the store, but what happens if you have it installed on a laptop and travel all the time? Would that somehow throw up a red flag to them? Logging onto the internet from all these different places and IP's? Or are they just looking for something that is specific to your PC alone to make sure the key is legit, and on the rightful owners computer?

Thanks,
Ed

fasteddie345 said:

but what happens if you have it installed on a laptop and travel all the time?

No Problem ... It's still in the same computer.

The problem will happen if someone attempts to install it in another computer with a different name ... then try to update it.

noyb said:

No Problem ... It's still in the same computer.

The problem will happen if someone attempts to install it in another computer with a different name ... then try to update it.

Sorry, but what do you mean, with a different name? Username, or PC name (what it asks you when you first set up Windows)? Because in my house I would have it installed on probably 4 computers, one is named Hometheater, one is Eddie-Dell, one is Eddie-Win7, and the other one is named Diana. Then when my 2 sons start on the computers I will have 2 more names, if that is in fact what you mean.

Again sorry for all the questions, just want to make sure I am not going to violate any TOS agreements!!! Like the idea of sharing the acct with my dad would have.

Thanks,
Ed

Good questions ... I'd just get more keys for each computer you install it in...
And don't Share it.

With my MSDN Subscription I can use a single Key for multiple installs. I think the Limit is 10 but I don't know for sure, I've never seen it tell me anything. The couple of years I used Vista, i activated the same key I don't know how many times and it never said anything. Most of those were virtual machines though, so the hardware was always the same on those..

I think MS pretty much doesn't really care as long as you are the only one using the subscription and it isn't used in a business.

fasteddie345 said:

One more question, I know you said that obviously MS knows more info about you, and "where your at" using a Technet key than if I bought it from the store, but what happens if you have it installed on a laptop and travel all the time? Would that somehow throw up a red flag to them? Logging onto the internet from all these different places and IP's? Or are they just looking for something that is specific to your PC alone to make sure the key is legit, and on the rightful owners computer?

Thanks,
Ed

I wouldn't worry about traveling. Activation ties keys to particular computers, not particular IP addresses, and seeing how well different OS's / software adapts to travel situations would certainly be normal for people to test out.

It's mainly if you were to start loosely handing out / selling keys to others they'd probably eventually start turning up in a manner where MS would have incentive (and ability) to hunt you down.

The main point is if you buy 5 copies of Windows off the shelf in a store, you can turn around and even sell them to others on eBay or something if you decide not to use them, etc. They're "yours," and you can do that, and it's really none of MS's business. You can't do that kind of thing with Technet keys.

Most people who sign up know better, but every now and then you see someone foolish enough somewhere to try and use the service as their own little mint. I came across a couple boards elsewhere where people were offering to sell Windows RTM keys when it came out on Technet, and that kind of thing would be a no-no, for example. Or you'll see people thinking they'll use it so each of 10 friends gets a product key and they divvie up the expense and go their separate ways, and that's another no-no, and definitely beyond the license tied to one person.

Anyway, doesn't sound like you're talking about doing any of those. :)

poin2 said:

I wouldn't worry about traveling. Activation ties keys to particular computers, not particular IP addresses, and seeing how well different OS's / software adapts to travel situations would certainly be normal for people to test out.

It's mainly if you were to start loosely handing out / selling keys to others they'd probably eventually start turning up in a manner where MS would have incentive (and ability) to hunt you down.

The main point is if you buy 5 copies of Windows off the shelf in a store, you can turn around and even sell them to others on eBay or something if you decide not to use them, etc. They're "yours," and you can do that, and it's really none of MS's business. You can't do that kind of thing with Technet keys.

Most people who sign up know better, but every now and then you see someone foolish enough somewhere to try and use the service as their own little mint. I came across a couple boards elsewhere where people were offering to sell Windows RTM keys when it came out on Technet, and that kind of thing would be a no-no, for example. Or you'll see people thinking they'll use it so each of 10 friends gets a product key and they divvie up the expense and go their separate ways, and that's another no-no, and definitely beyond the license tied to one person.

Anyway, doesn't sound like you're talking about doing any of those. :)

Nope, not at all!! I never mind paying for something that works and makes me more productive. And in my job confidentiality is important also, so I am already "trained" to keep things to myself (good example--not sharing keys!!)

Everyone could use extra money in this economy, but I would rather do it in a LEGAL way!!!

Thanks for all the help!!
Ed

TechNet and msdn are both for testing uses. Yet I use my copy for personal use. I fretting on using them on my servers....

TechNet And MSDN are both for developers. But hey if you got the key use it XD I did :P