Two validation guestions.

[kblechman]

1-I have 32bit and 64bit disks windows 7 upgrade, and have installed 64 bit on main PC. Can I install 32 bit on 2nd machine?

2-I have been offered a Windows 7 installation disk-Family Pack 3 installs. Only one install has been used. Can I use it even though I am a stranger to original purchaser?

 

[Kari]

Hi Kblechman, welcome to the Seven Forums.

Windows 7 Retail packs (both full and upgrade) include both 32-bit and 64-bit versions and one licence, letting the user to choose which bit version to use. You can choose which bit version you install, but when it's activated you can not install any other Windows using the same key, whether it is a completely different install media or your unused bit version.

One install = one licence. If you want to install both bit versions on two different computers, you'll need two licences (product keys).

So, the answer to your question 1 is no.

Second question is easier: Yes!

Kari

 

[Shootist]

1) No. They give you both disks so you can install EITHER 32b or 64b, NOT both.

2) Legally NO. But since that person is not going to use the other licenses I see no reason for you not to. MS does not check on this to my knowledge. But that is the Home Premium version. So you will only be able to upgrade to that version. Not sure of the restriction on the qualifying previous version. Not sure if you can use Vista or XP Pro as a qualifying version.

 

[Bill2]

1) If by "32 bit and 64 bit disks", you mean different bit disks for a SINGLE license (that is ONE product key), then no. If you mean different licenses for the different bits, then yes. In other words if you have a single retail license (upgrade is retail), you can only install once- 32 bit or 64 bit but only once at any given point of time.

2) The Family Pack does not come with a separate EULA, it is only mentioned in the Windows 7 Home Premium EULA:

2. INSTALLATION AND USE RIGHTS.

b. Family Pack. If you are a “Qualified Family Pack User”, you may install one copy of the software marked as “Family Pack” on three computers in your household for use by people who reside there.

So you would be in breach of the EULA should you use the remaining 2 installs outside the "family". Practically speaking, I doubt MS cares too much. But since this is an upgrade version it would be legal (apart from being within the family), only if you possess 2 underlying qualifying OS's such as XP/Vista.

 

[gregrocker]

The problem with Family Pack is that unless you know and trust the previous owner, that person can continue using the key for installs possibly causing your installations to deactivate.

For this reason, it is important to keep Family Pack Product key held tightly and not shared.

If you know and trust the person givin you the Family Pack, then it shouldn't be a prob.