Solved Multi-Machine, Multi-License?

[bug67]

I would like to purchase a full version of Windows 7 Home Premium (not an upgrade) and install it on two different machines. Is this possible or do I need to buy 2 full copies of Windows 7? Can I just buy the one copy and get like a multi-license? Amazon sells Windows 7 Family Pacs for but it's an upgrade version. I couldn't find any info on Microsoft's web site regarding multiple licensing at all. Thanks in advance.

 

[richnrockville]

Bug67, I also have not found any multi copies of windows 7 full versions for sale. Outside of buying OEM copies which are a lot cheaper than the full box versions.
Beware of anyone telling you that the copies they sell are for multi installs which could be a technet or msdn copies which are not for resale.

Rich

 

[NoelDP]

I would like to purchase a full version of Windows 7 Home Premium (not an upgrade) and install it on two different machines. Is this possible or do I need to buy 2 full copies of Windows 7? Can I just buy the one copy and get like a multi-license? Amazon sells Windows 7 Family Pacs for but it's an upgrade version. I couldn't find any info on Microsoft's web site regarding multiple licensing at all. Thanks in advance.

You will need two full Retail licenses - which come with two full disk packs
You couldm however, use the MS Store and purchase a download copy for one, and a full hard copy for the other - this gives you the security of knowing the at the Keys are genuine, and having a known-good disk for installation, while at the same time allowing guranteed download of the current-release OS for life (for that edition and version), so that you can download a copy with SP2 embedded when it comes out eventually, and not have to worry about uninstalling stuff to be able to do a repair install if required.

Do NOT be tempted to save money by purchasing off eBay - most software sales there are of counterfeits (also craigslist, and Amazon MarketPlace).

Do NOT be tempted to purchase OEM licenses - you would be breaking the license terms by installing them for your own use, and would not be eligible for free MS support.

 

[richnrockville]

FWIW: Microcenter sells oem software.

Micro Center Products: Software: Operating Systems: Microsoft

If it was illegal, then I am sure that microsoft would close them down.

Rich

 

[NoelDP]

No they wouldn't - unless they were counterfeits.
It's in MS's interest to sell copies of WIndows to MC - it's in MC's interests to sell copies to clients. Once that has happened, then it is up to MC's clients whether they stick to the licensing terms or not. It is not MC's problem, it's their client's problem.
MS could in theory sue any (and every) end-user who has purchased an OEM SB disk for their own computer from MC. They could NOT sue MC, because MC has done nothing against the terms of their license.

 

[richnrockville]

OK, if MS could in theory sue any (and every) end-user who has purchased an OEM SB disk for their own computer from MC. They could NOT sue MC, because MC has done nothing against the terms of their license.

There does not seem to be any notice on MC' site or on the packages you purchase that ms could sue you if you bought this sofware and were not a real oem. Even though it is offered to anyone who walks in the door.

rich

 

[NoelDP]

There does not seem to be any notice on MC' site or on the packages you purchase that ms could sue you if you bought this sofware and were not a real oem. Even though it is offered to anyone who walks in the door.

rich

You obviously have problems with literacy
look here - Micro Center - Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 64-bit OEM (PC) MSGFC02050
<quote>
Use of this OEM System Builder Channel software is subject to the terms of the Microsoft OEM System Builder License. This software is intended for pre-installation on a new personal computer for resale. This OEM System Builder Channel software requires the assembler to provide end user support for the Windows software and cannot be transferred to another computer once it is installed.
</quote>

 

[bug67]

"...You couldm however, use the MS Store and purchase a download copy for one, and a full hard copy for the other - this gives you the security of knowing the at the Keys are genuine, and having a known-good disk for installation, while at the same time allowing guranteed download of the current-release OS for life (for that edition and version), so that you can download a copy with SP2 embedded when it comes out eventually, and not have to worry about uninstalling stuff to be able to do a repair install if required..."

This sounds like a plan to me. Wish a full on copy wasn't so spendy but, what are you gonna do?

 

[NoelDP]

This sounds like a plan to me. Wish a full on copy wasn't so spendy but, what are you gonna do?

Ghostbusters won't work

You can save up to 25% by going to a *reputable* store - which can cut the pain somewhat.

 

[richnrockville]

You obviously have problems with literacy

I suppose you even read and pay attention to all the ULA's that you click YES!

What that all means is that you save money by buying oem and support it yourself without help from microsoft.

The tens of thousands of people who build their own computers have for years used the OEM software products without worrying about microsoft sueing them.

And I am a bit literate but most likely not as smart as you.

Rich

 

[whs]

If those systems stay on the PC where they were first installed, a couple of those is probably your least expensive option:Newegg.com - Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 64-bit - Operating Systems

 

[pparks1]

Technically, it's possible to install the Windows 7 Upgrade to a machine that doesn't have a previous version of Windows...making the Windows 7 family pack the best way to go. Now, this obviously would be against what Microsoft "intends" for you to do, thus its up to you to determine if it's suitable based on what you are doing.
Clean Install Windows 7 with Upgrade Media

Your other option is to buy a Technet subscription, which is $199 for the 1st year. This will give you access to downloads and multiple keys for Microsoft software including Windows 7, Vista, XP, as well as Server OS's (2003/2008), Product servers (Exchange/SQL), and finally Office (2007/2010). With Technet software, it's intended that you "use" the software for testing and evaluation purposes. As long as these are your own machines and you aren't running a business or selling off your keys to friends, it will work just fine and dandy. At the end of your first year, you can optionally renew at $149 for another year. if you don't renew, as long as you have the software downloaded and your existing keys written down...you can keep using them. Technically the software does not expire.

 

[NoelDP]

I suppose you even read and pay attention to all the ULA's that you click YES!

When I'm familiar with the company, no - but if I don't know the company at all, or it's a strange kind of license, then you bet I read them - and you should too.

NOT reading the License Terms is how a LOT of what many consider spyware gets installed - and how people lose control over their personal information and sometimes their cash.
It's also how people get trapped into long contracts for things they thought were trials.

 

[richnrockville]

Noel, forgot where you were from.

Rich

 

[Brink]

   Warning

Let's keep this friendly shall we.

 

[NoelDP]

   Warning

Let's keep this friendly shall we.

No problem.

 

[bug67]

Bought and downloaded 1 license of Windows Home Premium (full version) to put on my old Compaq Presario notebook last night. Wow! What a breath of fresh air. I had Linux on it before but, with all the, in my opinion, cr*p desktop environments of late, it's refreshing not to have to fight my computer to work how I want. I've only run into a couple of issues, nothing major.

Think I'm going to buy a hard copy license of Windows Professional to go on the other machine I wanted to install on. No hurry though. Thanks for the recommendations and, um, discussions.

 

[whs]

Full retail versions of Win7 are expensive. I alway opt for OEM versions - $80 for Home Premium at Newegg. Only limitation is that the license has to stay with the PC where it was first installed. Else it is all the same.

 

[NoelDP]

Thanks for the recommendations and, um, discussions.

Sorry 'bout that!

I do tend to get a little tetchy when people suggest things that are outside the intention of the License terms - for the simple reason that so few people actually read them that many leave themselves open to alls orts of things that they never dreamt were possible.

Seems like you've got yourself sorted, though, which is the main thing.

Good Luck!

 

[Darryl Licht]

You obviously have problems with literacy

Was that personal attack really needed???