Windows 7 - Tell me it isn't true. Windows 7 installation

Is it true that you only get one installation from Windows 7 disc ????
Is there a way to get around this ?

Dang, one more reason to just hate Microsoft.

Before hating them you should get the facts straight. You can install Windows 7 as many times as you need from a single disc. The product key on the other hand does have limitations that vary on whether its OEM, or Retail.

...And if I may contribute: If you install the 64 bit version, then you cannot at the same time install the 32 bit version. So, you do get one installation so to speak. If you are speaking of reinstalling it over and over, then DarkNovaGamer is definitely correct.

Welcome to the Windows 7 Forums! tabbycat

You can have separate installs of the same edition on two separate drives if you want but are limited to only one machine at a time with the retail license and one machine if OEM or especially branded OEM. With the retail license if you upgrade out of one build you can then see 7 on the new machine just not being able to run both at the same time!

Incorrect! Both 64bit and 32bit installs are seen on separate hard drives here. Both actually two 64bit and one 32bit across 3 HDs are on and activated being on the same machine with the retail Ultimate disk.

The product key is what is tied to one system at a time only. MS isn't worried about how many times you install Windows on the exact same hardwares. The product key and type of key is the license to run MS software. When you buy a new program or game the same applies for the product key there as well.

I think I understand what you were trying to get across--but not fully--and the lack of info was my mistake. I meant to state that if you installed the 32 and 64 bit on the same machine at the same time using the same product key, that is not allowed.

I really didn't understand this:

Yes, you need to buy a separate license for each computer that you want to install Windows onto. This has always been this way with Windows....this is nothing new with Windows 7.

Unfortunately, the Windows OS is an additional expense that will account for 10-20% of the cost of a PC that you build on your own.

It's shame that the OS has become such a significant cost of a new build, yet I never believed that MS should be a Non-Profit. I think they're pushing the envelope because of the lack of alternatives. Additionally, I don't know for certain but I've been told that the big OEM's like Dell and HP pay approx $27.00 for the product...

OT: pparks, just noticed the link to your build, very sweet!

I'd personally like to see more confirmation that 32/64 bit co-activations by the same Product Key can both exist on the same machine, whether on separate drives or partitions.

I can only remember one confirmation given for this, the rest has been speculation which seems to make sense and thus may be taken for granted.

Can others confirm?

This thread is rather confusing. I believe some bad info might be posted here. I've owned at least 10 rigs since Windows XP-Pro has come out, and I've installed it at least 50 different times [and that's a very conservative number] between all those rigs. Windows activates every time, and passes validation every time. It's an OEM CD too, that I bought from TigerDirect.com.

Max, I'm not sure what is the possible bad info you're referring to. Can you clarify a bit?

There is frequently a misunderstanding that the OS can only be installed on one machine at a time. Some think this means it can only be installed once. Others confuse OS with Office rules that it can be installed on desktop and laptop.

I believe the OP was under the impression that OS can only be installed one time and never again. This seems to be what others are trying to correct.

The issue about 32/64 bit being activated both simulateously on the same machine is merely a side issue that seems to come up here about once a week, and as it appears to violate the EULA I would like to learn if anyone is actually doing it successfully since MS failing to block it might be the same permissiveness they've shown with qualifying XP/Vista being allowed to continue in dual boots with Upgraded Windows 7.