How many copies of Windows 7 per machine allowed...

[manhunter2826]

In a way, this is a rhetorical Q as I know full well that it's one copy per machine. I was just wondering, is there is a sticky available here on this site, or does anyone have a nice link about the official legalities about how many installs per machine in a home, business, domain environment etc.

Thanks, as always, for your wonderful help

 

[Barman58]

Not sure about the actual licensing rules, but the the basic rule is that of one copy of the software per licence.

If you wish, and have the space you can run multiple copies of win7 on the same machine as long as they are covered by a valid licence.

In fact I myself have had three different copies of win7 on a machine, during the beta phase - Working copies of x86 and x64 and an evaluation version of the latest available build.

 

[Ch@n]

It basically depends on the version of 7 u hv purchased. There are some versions called as OEM, which allows n number of install in the same machine. I believe, it should be 3 installs in the same machine. I am not sure thou. Applying the same logic as it is applicable to applications.

 

[manhunter2826]

Thanks Barman for that. If anyone does a link (MS official or otherwise) I'd appreciate it. Thanks.

Thanks dreams also.

 

[manhunter2826]

Just found this very useful and related thread; but again, any 'official' guide would be appreciated.
http://www.sevenforums.com/general-discussion/14426-how-many-computers-will-i-able-install-w7-3.html

...and some related info here:
http://www.microsoft.com/genuine/downloads/FAQ.aspx

 

[Dwarf]

Have a look here: Find End User License Terms for Microsoft Software Licensed by Microsoft or the Computer Manufacturer Just select the required options in the drop boxes.

 

[manhunter2826]

Have a look here: Find End User License Terms for Microsoft Software Licensed by Microsoft or the Computer Manufacturer Just select the required options in the drop boxes.

Thanks so much Dwarf, just brilliant! Exactly what I was looking for. Rep given

 

[Dwarf]

You're welcome, manhunter2826.

 

[jimbo45]

Hi there
Say you "Clone" a Windows 7 Virtual Machine.

Can I Run for example 11 Windows 7 Virtual Machines on ONE piece of hardware.

The W7 Virtual machines are identical (as far as hardware is concerned) - They need different computer / network names of course.

The whole area of "Virtual Machines" seems to me to be totally disregarded by the EULA or any other agreement.

I'm sure people use VM's a lot for testing software / hardware - so long as your W7 is licensed for your VM configuration then does the EULA actually mean you can only run ONE VM at a time.


Cheers
jimbo

 

[theog]

Have a look:

http://www.sevenforums.com/software/41571-must-read-oem-license-users.html

 

[Dwarf]

Here you go, Jimbo.

d. Use with Virtualization Technologies. [FONT=Tahoma,Tahoma][FONT=Tahoma,Tahoma]Instead of using the software directly on the licensed computer, you may install and use the software within only one virtual (or otherwise emulated) hardware system on the licensed computer. When used in a virtualized environment, content protected by digital rights management technology, BitLocker or any full volume disk drive encryption technology may not be as secure as protected content not in a virtualized environment. You should comply with all domestic and international laws that apply to such protected content.[/FONT][/FONT]

 

[pparks1]

The whole area of "Virtual Machines" seems to me to be totally disregarded by the EULA or any other agreement.

I don't think so. It's 1 license per machine. You have to have a license for each virtual machine as well. Trying to run dozens of machine using Microsoft software can be very expensive based on the licensing as you can see. Hence the reason that Technet subscriptions are so popular around here.

Edit: oops I see somebody already answered that by quoting the relevant section of the EULA.