can i use my windows 7 disk for temp virtual machine

[windows7Seven7]

I want to set up a windows 64 disk to test a program. can i use the disk that came with my sytem. I understand that it will only work for a limited time.

 

[LiquidSnak]

Yes, you should be fine within the trial period.

 

[Kari]

As LiquidSnak mentioned, you can use it for 30 days without activating. It works on a VirtualBox or VMware virtual machine, Microsoft Virtual PC can only have 32-bit guest OS.

Kari

 

[windows7Seven7]

so that is the problem i am running into. i am trying to use microsoft VM. Why does microsoft do that?

 

[Kari]

Your best shot is to download and install VirtualBox. It has no problems to run 64-bit Windows as guest OS.

Kari

 

[jimbo45]

As LiquidSnak mentioned, you can use it for 30 days without activating. It works on a VirtualBox or VMware virtual machine, Microsoft Virtual PC can only have 32-bit guest OS.

Kari

BTW if your machine has the virtual option enabled in the BIOS you can even run a 64 Bit Guest on an XP or other 32 bit Host when you are using vmware and Virtual Box -- although of course the Max RAM available for HOST and GUEST is limited to 4GB,

Just pointing this out that for testing a 64 Bit GUEST you don't actually have to run it on a 64 bit host when using vmware / vbox even if your host is a 32 bit Linux host.


Cheers
jimbo

 

[Tarka Dal]

Have fun.
BTW you can use your 'original Key' if you have one, on the 'same' computer.

 

[Kari]

Have fun.
BTW you can use your 'original Key' if you have one, on the 'same' computer.

A virtual machine is not even close as being "the same computer", having a totally different hardware setup due to emulated hardware devices.

Kari

 

[Tarka Dal]

'The same computer' Meaning you can use the Windows OS key on Virtualbox on 'The same Computer'

 

[Kari]

'The same computer' Meaning you can use the Windows OS key on Virtualbox on 'The same Computer'

Sorry, this is so important and completely, totally wrong it has to be corrected: No, you can not.

Absolutely not. Virtual machine has its own emulated hardware setup, which is why it is identified as a completely different computer. Trying to activate it with the product key of the host OS (Windows) is doomed to fail and cause you big problems. It would be same than to install Windows to two different, real computers and try to activate them both with the same key.

Please, remember that in this context a virtual machine is like any other computer.

Kari

 

[Tarka Dal]

I stand corrected. But, I did see this fact on this forum.

 

[Kari]

I stand corrected. But, I did see this fact on this forum.

Please tell where! If there's a tip on these forums telling you can activate two copies of Windows on two different computers using the same product key, real or virtual all the same, it has to be corrected!

Kari