activation on 2 pcs once its released

grouchpunk08

New member
Power User
Local time
3:16 PM
Messages
309
Location
Virginia, U.S
Ok, me and my fiance are talking about going in half and half on buying windows 7 (preordering actually, and getting a killing!!). Since we are buying the product, one would only assume that its legal, but then again, the corporations decide what you can and cant do. Would there be activation issues on mine and her pc when we install? Thanks guys
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 7 Ultimate retail // Windows 7 build ...Intel Core i7 920 // Intel Core2Duo T-5550 1....12 GB Corsair XMS3 Tri-channel 1333 // 4 GB DDR2EVGA GTX 295 // Nvidia GeForce 8800 GTS
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Self-built // Gateway FX P-6860
OS
Windows 7 Ultimate retail // Windows 7 build 7264 x64, Vista Home Premium SP2 x64
CPU
Intel Core i7 920 // Intel Core2Duo T-5550 1.86x1.86
Motherboard
EVGA x58 SLI LE //
Memory
12 GB Corsair XMS3 Tri-channel 1333 // 4 GB DDR2
Graphics Card(s)
EVGA GTX 295 // Nvidia GeForce 8800 GTS
Sound Card
Integrated Realtek // RealTek HD integrated sound
Monitor(s) Displays
19" Acer flatpanel // Laptop Display, Secondary CRT
Screen Resolution
1440 x 900 1152x864 // 1440x900, 1152x864
Hard Drives
750 GB WD Caviar Black 7200 RPM - in desktop
320 GB -laptop
80 GB - laptop secondary drive
PSU
Corsair HX1000w // Laptop PSU?
Case
Thermaltake Armor+
Cooling
Assload of fans, intel stock cpu cooler // GearHead Fan dock
Keyboard
Razer Lycosa // laptop keyboard
Mouse
Razer DeathAdder // Logitech Laser
Internet Speed
3.0 MB down/ 768 Kb up
Other Info
Just built my computer in 12/09
Ok, me and my fiance are talking about going in half and half on buying windows 7 (preordering actually, and getting a killing!!). Since we are buying the product, one would only assume that its legal, but then again, the corporations decide what you can and cant do. Would there be activation issues on mine and her pc when we install? Thanks guys

you'll need two keys to activate it on two seperate machines
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 7 Ultimate (x64) SP1Intel 3770k 4.6GHz8GB (2x 4GB) Crucial BallistixSapphire 7950 (1060/1600)
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
tw33k
OS
Windows 7 Ultimate (x64) SP1
CPU
Intel 3770k 4.6GHz
Motherboard
ASUS Maximus V Formula
Memory
8GB (2x 4GB) Crucial Ballistix
Graphics Card(s)
Sapphire 7950 (1060/1600)
Sound Card
On Board Realtek HD Audio
Monitor(s) Displays
27" Acer B273HU (via HDMI)
Screen Resolution
2048 x 1152
Hard Drives
Crucial M4 128GB
2TB WD Black
1TB Samsung F3 SATA
1TB WD Elite External
2TB WD USB 3.0
PSU
Corsair AX750 Gold
Case
Corsair Obsidian 800DW
Cooling
Corsair H100 (2x AP-121/2x UK-3000 push/pull)
Keyboard
Microsoft Wireless 5000
Mouse
Microsoft Wireless 5000
Internet Speed
5mb/s
Other Info
Logitech z-2300 2.1 speakers
Lamptron FC-5 v2
you'll need two keys to activate it on two seperate machines
Damn. I bet theres no way to get them to give me two keys without actually buying another copy of 7 either
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 7 Ultimate retail // Windows 7 build ...Intel Core i7 920 // Intel Core2Duo T-5550 1....12 GB Corsair XMS3 Tri-channel 1333 // 4 GB DDR2EVGA GTX 295 // Nvidia GeForce 8800 GTS
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Self-built // Gateway FX P-6860
OS
Windows 7 Ultimate retail // Windows 7 build 7264 x64, Vista Home Premium SP2 x64
CPU
Intel Core i7 920 // Intel Core2Duo T-5550 1.86x1.86
Motherboard
EVGA x58 SLI LE //
Memory
12 GB Corsair XMS3 Tri-channel 1333 // 4 GB DDR2
Graphics Card(s)
EVGA GTX 295 // Nvidia GeForce 8800 GTS
Sound Card
Integrated Realtek // RealTek HD integrated sound
Monitor(s) Displays
19" Acer flatpanel // Laptop Display, Secondary CRT
Screen Resolution
1440 x 900 1152x864 // 1440x900, 1152x864
Hard Drives
750 GB WD Caviar Black 7200 RPM - in desktop
320 GB -laptop
80 GB - laptop secondary drive
PSU
Corsair HX1000w // Laptop PSU?
Case
Thermaltake Armor+
Cooling
Assload of fans, intel stock cpu cooler // GearHead Fan dock
Keyboard
Razer Lycosa // laptop keyboard
Mouse
Razer DeathAdder // Logitech Laser
Internet Speed
3.0 MB down/ 768 Kb up
Other Info
Just built my computer in 12/09
nope, you would need 2 discs with 2 keys to do this LEGALLY... and so far we do not know if W7 final will "call home" tying your key to your computer and prevent any other PC from using the same key... some say it will, some do not... time will tell
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Win7, XP, Vista x64, Ubuntu 9.04Desktops: E6600, E2140, XP3000+; Laptop: Cele...Desktops: 4GB, 3GB, 1GB; Laptop: 2GBDesktops: 320MB 8800GTS, 128MB 7300GTS, 128MB...
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Custom built desktops and a Compaq CQ60-211DX laptop
OS
Win7, XP, Vista x64, Ubuntu 9.04
CPU
Desktops: E6600, E2140, XP3000+; Laptop: Celeron 585
Motherboard
Desktops: GA-EP35-DS3P, GA-P965-DS3, A7N8X
Memory
Desktops: 4GB, 3GB, 1GB; Laptop: 2GB
Graphics Card(s)
Desktops: 320MB 8800GTS, 128MB 7300GTS, 128MB 9600XT
Sound Card
Creative or onboard
Monitor(s) Displays
19" widescreen, 17" CRT, 19" CRT, and 15.6" LCD on laptop.
Screen Resolution
1440x900, 1280x1024.... 1366x768
Hard Drives
Desktop 1: 320GB Seagate main, 500GB WD backup, 120GB WD testing
Desktop 2: 80GB server
Desktop 3: 160GB main, 250GB backup
Laptop: 160GB
PSU
varies, 350W to 550W
Internet Speed
8Mb+ cable
This is lame. Many people have desktops, and laptops or netbooks now. It should work for at least 2 PC's.
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 7 Ultimate 64xIntel Core 2 Duo Mobile T5750 @ 2000 MHz3072 MBNVIDIA GeForce 8600M GS
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
LG R500
OS
Windows 7 Ultimate 64x
CPU
Intel Core 2 Duo Mobile T5750 @ 2000 MHz
Motherboard
LG Electronics COLUMBIA
Memory
3072 MB
Graphics Card(s)
NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GS
Sound Card
Speakers (Realtek High Definition Audio)
Monitor(s) Displays
15.4" WXGA with Fine Bright Technology
Screen Resolution
12800 x 800
Hard Drives
Internal: 250 GB
External: 250 GB
Mouse
Logitech G5 Laser Gaming Mouse
Why would you assume that since you are each paying for half the product that each of you can use all of it? The only way MS ever allows licensing like that on more tha one machine are for "cold spare servers" and maybe a laptop/desktop (they do it for office, dont recall for windows) where only one device is used at a time. Sorry, but what you are talking about prolly won't be possible to do legally.
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

windows 7 RTM x64Phenom II 965 Quad Core 3.4GhzMushkin Blackline 8GB (4x2gb)XFX Radeon 5970 Black Edition
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Black_Box (homebuilt)
OS
windows 7 RTM x64
CPU
Phenom II 965 Quad Core 3.4Ghz
Motherboard
Asus M4A79T Deluxe
Memory
Mushkin Blackline 8GB (4x2gb)
Graphics Card(s)
XFX Radeon 5970 Black Edition
Sound Card
onboard
Monitor(s) Displays
Dell 2408WPF-main Dell E248WFP-secondary
Screen Resolution
1920x1200-main 1920x1200-secondary
Hard Drives
OCZ Vertex Limited Edition 100GB (OS)
x1 WD Black Edition 500GB drive (Storage)
PSU
XFX 850w Black Edition (Modular)
Case
Mountian Mods H2go
Cooling
CoolITSystems ECO A.L.C.
Keyboard
Logitech MX 5500 wireless keyboard
Mouse
Razor Copperhead
Internet Speed
16Mb down/2Mb up Wowway Cable Internet
This is lame. Many people have desktops, and laptops or netbooks now. It should work for at least 2 PC's.

I agree, maybe itll change at someday. We can hope
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 7 Ultimate retail // Windows 7 build ...Intel Core i7 920 // Intel Core2Duo T-5550 1....12 GB Corsair XMS3 Tri-channel 1333 // 4 GB DDR2EVGA GTX 295 // Nvidia GeForce 8800 GTS
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Self-built // Gateway FX P-6860
OS
Windows 7 Ultimate retail // Windows 7 build 7264 x64, Vista Home Premium SP2 x64
CPU
Intel Core i7 920 // Intel Core2Duo T-5550 1.86x1.86
Motherboard
EVGA x58 SLI LE //
Memory
12 GB Corsair XMS3 Tri-channel 1333 // 4 GB DDR2
Graphics Card(s)
EVGA GTX 295 // Nvidia GeForce 8800 GTS
Sound Card
Integrated Realtek // RealTek HD integrated sound
Monitor(s) Displays
19" Acer flatpanel // Laptop Display, Secondary CRT
Screen Resolution
1440 x 900 1152x864 // 1440x900, 1152x864
Hard Drives
750 GB WD Caviar Black 7200 RPM - in desktop
320 GB -laptop
80 GB - laptop secondary drive
PSU
Corsair HX1000w // Laptop PSU?
Case
Thermaltake Armor+
Cooling
Assload of fans, intel stock cpu cooler // GearHead Fan dock
Keyboard
Razer Lycosa // laptop keyboard
Mouse
Razer DeathAdder // Logitech Laser
Internet Speed
3.0 MB down/ 768 Kb up
Other Info
Just built my computer in 12/09
Why would you assume that since you are each paying for half the product that each of you can use all of it? The only way MS ever allows licensing like that on more tha one machine are for "cold spare servers" and maybe a laptop/desktop (they do it for office, dont recall for windows) where only one device is used at a time. Sorry, but what you are talking about prolly won't be possible to do legally.


Because MS office allows multiple computer installs. 3 to be exact. Ive done it. And thats why I asked. I assumed nothing. I asked so that I would know. If I assumed I could do it I wouldnt have asked and then been disappointed the day it failed activation on her computer. I assumed nothing. I asked. And got an answer.
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 7 Ultimate retail // Windows 7 build ...Intel Core i7 920 // Intel Core2Duo T-5550 1....12 GB Corsair XMS3 Tri-channel 1333 // 4 GB DDR2EVGA GTX 295 // Nvidia GeForce 8800 GTS
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Self-built // Gateway FX P-6860
OS
Windows 7 Ultimate retail // Windows 7 build 7264 x64, Vista Home Premium SP2 x64
CPU
Intel Core i7 920 // Intel Core2Duo T-5550 1.86x1.86
Motherboard
EVGA x58 SLI LE //
Memory
12 GB Corsair XMS3 Tri-channel 1333 // 4 GB DDR2
Graphics Card(s)
EVGA GTX 295 // Nvidia GeForce 8800 GTS
Sound Card
Integrated Realtek // RealTek HD integrated sound
Monitor(s) Displays
19" Acer flatpanel // Laptop Display, Secondary CRT
Screen Resolution
1440 x 900 1152x864 // 1440x900, 1152x864
Hard Drives
750 GB WD Caviar Black 7200 RPM - in desktop
320 GB -laptop
80 GB - laptop secondary drive
PSU
Corsair HX1000w // Laptop PSU?
Case
Thermaltake Armor+
Cooling
Assload of fans, intel stock cpu cooler // GearHead Fan dock
Keyboard
Razer Lycosa // laptop keyboard
Mouse
Razer DeathAdder // Logitech Laser
Internet Speed
3.0 MB down/ 768 Kb up
Other Info
Just built my computer in 12/09
Because MS office allows multiple computer installs. 3 to be exact. Ive done it. And thats why I asked. I assumed nothing. I asked so that I would know. If I assumed I could do it I wouldnt have asked and then been disappointed the day it failed activation on her computer. I assumed nothing. I asked. And got an answer.


I know what you mean. There should be a deal where you can get extra keys as a lot of homes have more than one pc and a laptop etc. That's why I got a technet sub. I can get all I need for one payment. And thanks to a friend I saved over 200 bucks. Well worth it.
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 7 Ultimate (x64) SP1Intel 3770k 4.6GHz8GB (2x 4GB) Crucial BallistixSapphire 7950 (1060/1600)
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
tw33k
OS
Windows 7 Ultimate (x64) SP1
CPU
Intel 3770k 4.6GHz
Motherboard
ASUS Maximus V Formula
Memory
8GB (2x 4GB) Crucial Ballistix
Graphics Card(s)
Sapphire 7950 (1060/1600)
Sound Card
On Board Realtek HD Audio
Monitor(s) Displays
27" Acer B273HU (via HDMI)
Screen Resolution
2048 x 1152
Hard Drives
Crucial M4 128GB
2TB WD Black
1TB Samsung F3 SATA
1TB WD Elite External
2TB WD USB 3.0
PSU
Corsair AX750 Gold
Case
Corsair Obsidian 800DW
Cooling
Corsair H100 (2x AP-121/2x UK-3000 push/pull)
Keyboard
Microsoft Wireless 5000
Mouse
Microsoft Wireless 5000
Internet Speed
5mb/s
Other Info
Logitech z-2300 2.1 speakers
Lamptron FC-5 v2
Windows has always been 1 license per 1 computer except for some business license setups... but is usually one key for 100 systems for $5,000...

I just hope we see 3 license packs for reduced prices soon. I know they sold 3 pack licenses for Vista and XP but it was always the same as if you bought 3 single licenses....

XP 3 pack for $380 (singles sell for $130, 3 = $390)

Vista Ult 3 pack for $577 (single sells for $175, 3 = $525)

As more homes tend to have 2 or more computers, they need to make the 2-3 packs much cheaper...
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Win7, XP, Vista x64, Ubuntu 9.04Desktops: E6600, E2140, XP3000+; Laptop: Cele...Desktops: 4GB, 3GB, 1GB; Laptop: 2GBDesktops: 320MB 8800GTS, 128MB 7300GTS, 128MB...
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Custom built desktops and a Compaq CQ60-211DX laptop
OS
Win7, XP, Vista x64, Ubuntu 9.04
CPU
Desktops: E6600, E2140, XP3000+; Laptop: Celeron 585
Motherboard
Desktops: GA-EP35-DS3P, GA-P965-DS3, A7N8X
Memory
Desktops: 4GB, 3GB, 1GB; Laptop: 2GB
Graphics Card(s)
Desktops: 320MB 8800GTS, 128MB 7300GTS, 128MB 9600XT
Sound Card
Creative or onboard
Monitor(s) Displays
19" widescreen, 17" CRT, 19" CRT, and 15.6" LCD on laptop.
Screen Resolution
1440x900, 1280x1024.... 1366x768
Hard Drives
Desktop 1: 320GB Seagate main, 500GB WD backup, 120GB WD testing
Desktop 2: 80GB server
Desktop 3: 160GB main, 250GB backup
Laptop: 160GB
PSU
varies, 350W to 550W
Internet Speed
8Mb+ cable
I know what you mean. There should be a deal where you can get extra keys as a lot of homes have more than one pc and a laptop etc. That's why I got a technet sub. I can get all I need for one payment. And thanks to a friend I saved over 200 bucks. Well worth it.

Yeah. I mean I would even think it be reasonable to be able to buy an extra key for maybe a fourth of the price of the original OS price, being that people have multiple computers in their homes, heck, some people have multiple computers to themselves. I know tons of people who have a dekstop and a laptop. And having to buy two full price windows installations doesnt seem quite fair
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 7 Ultimate retail // Windows 7 build ...Intel Core i7 920 // Intel Core2Duo T-5550 1....12 GB Corsair XMS3 Tri-channel 1333 // 4 GB DDR2EVGA GTX 295 // Nvidia GeForce 8800 GTS
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Self-built // Gateway FX P-6860
OS
Windows 7 Ultimate retail // Windows 7 build 7264 x64, Vista Home Premium SP2 x64
CPU
Intel Core i7 920 // Intel Core2Duo T-5550 1.86x1.86
Motherboard
EVGA x58 SLI LE //
Memory
12 GB Corsair XMS3 Tri-channel 1333 // 4 GB DDR2
Graphics Card(s)
EVGA GTX 295 // Nvidia GeForce 8800 GTS
Sound Card
Integrated Realtek // RealTek HD integrated sound
Monitor(s) Displays
19" Acer flatpanel // Laptop Display, Secondary CRT
Screen Resolution
1440 x 900 1152x864 // 1440x900, 1152x864
Hard Drives
750 GB WD Caviar Black 7200 RPM - in desktop
320 GB -laptop
80 GB - laptop secondary drive
PSU
Corsair HX1000w // Laptop PSU?
Case
Thermaltake Armor+
Cooling
Assload of fans, intel stock cpu cooler // GearHead Fan dock
Keyboard
Razer Lycosa // laptop keyboard
Mouse
Razer DeathAdder // Logitech Laser
Internet Speed
3.0 MB down/ 768 Kb up
Other Info
Just built my computer in 12/09
Yeah. I mean I would even think it be reasonable to be able to buy an extra key for maybe a fourth of the price of the original OS price, being that people have multiple computers in their homes, heck, some people have multiple computers to themselves. I know tons of people who have a dekstop and a laptop. And having to buy two full price windows installations doesnt seem quite fair


agree 100%. If I didn't have a technet sub there's no way I could buy 7 for me and my family. I'd have to resort to underground tactics...lol
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 7 Ultimate (x64) SP1Intel 3770k 4.6GHz8GB (2x 4GB) Crucial BallistixSapphire 7950 (1060/1600)
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
tw33k
OS
Windows 7 Ultimate (x64) SP1
CPU
Intel 3770k 4.6GHz
Motherboard
ASUS Maximus V Formula
Memory
8GB (2x 4GB) Crucial Ballistix
Graphics Card(s)
Sapphire 7950 (1060/1600)
Sound Card
On Board Realtek HD Audio
Monitor(s) Displays
27" Acer B273HU (via HDMI)
Screen Resolution
2048 x 1152
Hard Drives
Crucial M4 128GB
2TB WD Black
1TB Samsung F3 SATA
1TB WD Elite External
2TB WD USB 3.0
PSU
Corsair AX750 Gold
Case
Corsair Obsidian 800DW
Cooling
Corsair H100 (2x AP-121/2x UK-3000 push/pull)
Keyboard
Microsoft Wireless 5000
Mouse
Microsoft Wireless 5000
Internet Speed
5mb/s
Other Info
Logitech z-2300 2.1 speakers
Lamptron FC-5 v2
agree 100%. If I didn't have a technet sub there's no way I could buy 7 for me and my family. I'd have to resort to underground tactics...lol
lol 'underground'... Whatever could that mean lol
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 7 Ultimate retail // Windows 7 build ...Intel Core i7 920 // Intel Core2Duo T-5550 1....12 GB Corsair XMS3 Tri-channel 1333 // 4 GB DDR2EVGA GTX 295 // Nvidia GeForce 8800 GTS
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Self-built // Gateway FX P-6860
OS
Windows 7 Ultimate retail // Windows 7 build 7264 x64, Vista Home Premium SP2 x64
CPU
Intel Core i7 920 // Intel Core2Duo T-5550 1.86x1.86
Motherboard
EVGA x58 SLI LE //
Memory
12 GB Corsair XMS3 Tri-channel 1333 // 4 GB DDR2
Graphics Card(s)
EVGA GTX 295 // Nvidia GeForce 8800 GTS
Sound Card
Integrated Realtek // RealTek HD integrated sound
Monitor(s) Displays
19" Acer flatpanel // Laptop Display, Secondary CRT
Screen Resolution
1440 x 900 1152x864 // 1440x900, 1152x864
Hard Drives
750 GB WD Caviar Black 7200 RPM - in desktop
320 GB -laptop
80 GB - laptop secondary drive
PSU
Corsair HX1000w // Laptop PSU?
Case
Thermaltake Armor+
Cooling
Assload of fans, intel stock cpu cooler // GearHead Fan dock
Keyboard
Razer Lycosa // laptop keyboard
Mouse
Razer DeathAdder // Logitech Laser
Internet Speed
3.0 MB down/ 768 Kb up
Other Info
Just built my computer in 12/09

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 7 Ultimate (x64) SP1Intel 3770k 4.6GHz8GB (2x 4GB) Crucial BallistixSapphire 7950 (1060/1600)
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
tw33k
OS
Windows 7 Ultimate (x64) SP1
CPU
Intel 3770k 4.6GHz
Motherboard
ASUS Maximus V Formula
Memory
8GB (2x 4GB) Crucial Ballistix
Graphics Card(s)
Sapphire 7950 (1060/1600)
Sound Card
On Board Realtek HD Audio
Monitor(s) Displays
27" Acer B273HU (via HDMI)
Screen Resolution
2048 x 1152
Hard Drives
Crucial M4 128GB
2TB WD Black
1TB Samsung F3 SATA
1TB WD Elite External
2TB WD USB 3.0
PSU
Corsair AX750 Gold
Case
Corsair Obsidian 800DW
Cooling
Corsair H100 (2x AP-121/2x UK-3000 push/pull)
Keyboard
Microsoft Wireless 5000
Mouse
Microsoft Wireless 5000
Internet Speed
5mb/s
Other Info
Logitech z-2300 2.1 speakers
Lamptron FC-5 v2
When you bought the PC's did the store give you two when you paid for 1?
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 7 x64
OS
Windows 7 x64

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 7 Ultimate retail // Windows 7 build ...Intel Core i7 920 // Intel Core2Duo T-5550 1....12 GB Corsair XMS3 Tri-channel 1333 // 4 GB DDR2EVGA GTX 295 // Nvidia GeForce 8800 GTS
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Self-built // Gateway FX P-6860
OS
Windows 7 Ultimate retail // Windows 7 build 7264 x64, Vista Home Premium SP2 x64
CPU
Intel Core i7 920 // Intel Core2Duo T-5550 1.86x1.86
Motherboard
EVGA x58 SLI LE //
Memory
12 GB Corsair XMS3 Tri-channel 1333 // 4 GB DDR2
Graphics Card(s)
EVGA GTX 295 // Nvidia GeForce 8800 GTS
Sound Card
Integrated Realtek // RealTek HD integrated sound
Monitor(s) Displays
19" Acer flatpanel // Laptop Display, Secondary CRT
Screen Resolution
1440 x 900 1152x864 // 1440x900, 1152x864
Hard Drives
750 GB WD Caviar Black 7200 RPM - in desktop
320 GB -laptop
80 GB - laptop secondary drive
PSU
Corsair HX1000w // Laptop PSU?
Case
Thermaltake Armor+
Cooling
Assload of fans, intel stock cpu cooler // GearHead Fan dock
Keyboard
Razer Lycosa // laptop keyboard
Mouse
Razer DeathAdder // Logitech Laser
Internet Speed
3.0 MB down/ 768 Kb up
Other Info
Just built my computer in 12/09
Everything old is new again. (?)

As far as I can recall, Microsoft has always had the one OS license for each PC requirement. (Non-OS products were different.)

XP introduced product activation in 2001 to enforce that.

Vista made the upgrade license much more restrictive than for XP in 2007. (The XP upgrade version could easily be installed on a blank hard drive. A Vista upgrade has to be launched from a running qualifying OS.)

I wish I knew what restrictions are on the Windows 7 upgrade version. The current preorder deals on upgrade versions are (relatively) attractive, but I worry that there may be even more restrictive installation requirements than for Vista.
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 7 Pro X64 SP1Intel Core I7-3930k16 GB Gskill DDR3-2133eVGA GTX680
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
homegrown
OS
Windows 7 Pro X64 SP1
CPU
Intel Core I7-3930k
Motherboard
Asus P9X79 Pro
Memory
16 GB Gskill DDR3-2133
Graphics Card(s)
eVGA GTX680
Sound Card
Creative X-Fi Titanium
Monitor(s) Displays
As PA246Q
Screen Resolution
1920 X 1200
Hard Drives
Corsair Force GT, 120 GB
WDC 1.5TB Caviar Black
PSU
PCP&C Silencer 750 Crossfire
Case
Silverstone FT02
Cooling
Noctua NH-D14
Keyboard
cheap Logitech USB
Mouse
Microsoft Intellimouse Explorer (old optical) USB
Internet Speed
6Mb cable
Other Info
Pioneer BDR-205
Samsung SH-203B
Monsoon 5.1 speakers
Everything old is new again. (?)

As far as I can recall, Microsoft has always had the one OS license for each PC requirement. (Non-OS products were different.)

XP introduced product activation in 2001 to enforce that.

Vista made the upgrade license much more restrictive than for XP in 2007. (The XP upgrade version could easily be installed on a blank hard drive. A Vista upgrade has to be launched from a running qualifying OS.)

I wish I knew what restrictions are on the Windows 7 upgrade version. The current preorder deals on upgrade versions are (relatively) attractive, but I worry that there may be even more restrictive installation requirements than for Vista.


Yeah, We're each going to buy our own $50 Home premium upgrade disk. seems like the easiest and best way, for us at least, to go
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 7 Ultimate retail // Windows 7 build ...Intel Core i7 920 // Intel Core2Duo T-5550 1....12 GB Corsair XMS3 Tri-channel 1333 // 4 GB DDR2EVGA GTX 295 // Nvidia GeForce 8800 GTS
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Self-built // Gateway FX P-6860
OS
Windows 7 Ultimate retail // Windows 7 build 7264 x64, Vista Home Premium SP2 x64
CPU
Intel Core i7 920 // Intel Core2Duo T-5550 1.86x1.86
Motherboard
EVGA x58 SLI LE //
Memory
12 GB Corsair XMS3 Tri-channel 1333 // 4 GB DDR2
Graphics Card(s)
EVGA GTX 295 // Nvidia GeForce 8800 GTS
Sound Card
Integrated Realtek // RealTek HD integrated sound
Monitor(s) Displays
19" Acer flatpanel // Laptop Display, Secondary CRT
Screen Resolution
1440 x 900 1152x864 // 1440x900, 1152x864
Hard Drives
750 GB WD Caviar Black 7200 RPM - in desktop
320 GB -laptop
80 GB - laptop secondary drive
PSU
Corsair HX1000w // Laptop PSU?
Case
Thermaltake Armor+
Cooling
Assload of fans, intel stock cpu cooler // GearHead Fan dock
Keyboard
Razer Lycosa // laptop keyboard
Mouse
Razer DeathAdder // Logitech Laser
Internet Speed
3.0 MB down/ 768 Kb up
Other Info
Just built my computer in 12/09
Everything old is new again. (?)

As far as I can recall, Microsoft has always had the one OS license for each PC requirement. (Non-OS products were different.)

XP introduced product activation in 2001 to enforce that.

Vista made the upgrade license much more restrictive than for XP in 2007. (The XP upgrade version could easily be installed on a blank hard drive. A Vista upgrade has to be launched from a running qualifying OS.)

I wish I knew what restrictions are on the Windows 7 upgrade version. The current preorder deals on upgrade versions are (relatively) attractive, but I worry that there may be even more restrictive installation requirements than for Vista.

Just to correct one slight discrepancy in your post :)

Clean Install From Upgrade Vista - Vista Forums

As far as I am aware this system will also be possible for Windows 7 Retail
 

My Computers My Computers

  • At a glance

    Windows 11 Pro x64 [Latest Release and Releas...Ryzen 9 5950X, 3.8 - 5.2 MHz64GB [2 x 32GB] DDR4 3200MHz4GB NVIDIA GEFORCE GTX 1650 Ti
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
    ChillBlast - Custom to my design
    OS
    Windows 11 Pro x64 [Latest Release and Release Preview]
    CPU
    Ryzen 9 5950X, 3.8 - 5.2 MHz
    Motherboard
    Asus Prime X570-Pro
    Memory
    64GB [2 x 32GB] DDR4 3200MHz
    Graphics Card(s)
    4GB NVIDIA GEFORCE GTX 1650 Ti
    Sound Card
    On-board SPDIF to 5.1 System + HDMI [5.1 system]
    Monitor(s) Displays
    32" UHD 32 Bit HDR Monitor + 43" UHD 4K 32Bit HDR TV
    Screen Resolution
    2 x 3840 x 2160 @60Hz
    Hard Drives
    1TB M2 SSD OS, 500GB Fast Access SSD, 2 x 8TB Data + Various Externals from 1TB to 4TB, 10TB NAS
    PSU
    NZXT C750 80 PLUS Gold 750W Modular PSU
    Case
    Workstation Case [Matt Black]
    Cooling
    NZXT Kraken X63 280mm CPU Cooler +2x Quiet Case fans
    Keyboard
    Logitech Wireless MX Keys & K400 + others
    Mouse
    Logitech Wireless MX Master 3S
    Internet Speed
    920 MB Down 50 MB Up
    Antivirus
    BitDefender Total Security Pro
    Browser
    Chrome (always run latest Non-Beta)
    Other Info
    Also run ...
    Laptop - Quad 8GB - Windows 10 Pro x64
    Nexus 7 Android tablet x2
    Samsung 10.2" tablet
    Blackview TAB 8 4G Android Tablet c/w Keyboard
    Wacom Intuos Pro Medium Pen Pad
    Wacom Intuos Pro Small Pen Pad
    Wacom Expresskeys Remote
    Loopdeck+ Graphics Controller
    Shuttle Pro v2 Control
  • At a glance

    Windows 11 Pro x64 Latest RPIntel I7 10750H 5.0GHz32GB [2x16GB] DDR4 2933 MHznVidia GTX1650Ti 4 GB GDDR6
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model Number
    Dell XPS 17 10750H
    OS
    Windows 11 Pro x64 Latest RP
    CPU
    Intel I7 10750H 5.0GHz
    Motherboard
    Dell XPS
    Memory
    32GB [2x16GB] DDR4 2933 MHz
    Graphics Card(s)
    nVidia GTX1650Ti 4 GB GDDR6
    Sound Card
    Stock [Realtek] 4 Speaker
    Monitor(s) Displays
    17" IPS UHD+ Infinity Edge Touchscreen
    Screen Resolution
    3840 x 2400
    Hard Drives
    2TB M2 NVMe, 4TB External + various 500GB & 1TB External NVMe (also have access to spinner HDD from
    PSU
    Stock
    Case
    Stock XPS Aluminium & Carbon Fibre
    Cooling
    Stock - Active Fan Control
    Keyboard
    Backlit + Various Logitech
    Mouse
    Stock Track Pad + Logitech MX Trackball
    Internet Speed
    72 MB Down 18MB Up
    Browser
    Chrome
    Other Info
    Also run ...
    Laptop - Quad 8GB - Windows 10 Pro x64
    Nexus 7 Android tablet x2
    10.2" tablet
    Sony Z3 Android Smartphone
    Wacom Intuos Pro Medium Pen Pad
    Wacom Intuos Pro Small Pen Pad
    Wacom Expresskeys Remote
    Loopdeck+ Graphics Controller
    Shuttle Pro v2 Control Pad
    10TB NAS
I was aware of the trick of running the upgrade from a demo version of Vista. (I've done it myself, as a convenience.)

It's not much of a time saver over installing the old OS, and then launching a clean install using the upgrade license. It permits installing Vista on a blank HD with an upgrade license without having a qualifying older OS. That would be a violation of the license agreement, I believe.
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 7 Pro X64 SP1Intel Core I7-3930k16 GB Gskill DDR3-2133eVGA GTX680
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
homegrown
OS
Windows 7 Pro X64 SP1
CPU
Intel Core I7-3930k
Motherboard
Asus P9X79 Pro
Memory
16 GB Gskill DDR3-2133
Graphics Card(s)
eVGA GTX680
Sound Card
Creative X-Fi Titanium
Monitor(s) Displays
As PA246Q
Screen Resolution
1920 X 1200
Hard Drives
Corsair Force GT, 120 GB
WDC 1.5TB Caviar Black
PSU
PCP&C Silencer 750 Crossfire
Case
Silverstone FT02
Cooling
Noctua NH-D14
Keyboard
cheap Logitech USB
Mouse
Microsoft Intellimouse Explorer (old optical) USB
Internet Speed
6Mb cable
Other Info
Pioneer BDR-205
Samsung SH-203B
Monsoon 5.1 speakers
Back
Top