I know I can use my Windows 7 OEM license to activate if I install as a Hyper-V guest on the laptop that the license is for, but what about using VMware Workstation? Is the inability to activate caused by the fact it's a type 2 hypervisor?
I am not sure what you are asking but to clarify one thing. YOU MUST HAVE a license for each and every install of WINDOWS virtual or not. If you are using an OS licensed and activated on a computer you cannot legally use it on another. If it is a computer manufacters OEM license it may be expecting specific hardware and will not activate. You can always download Virtual test machines from MS to check out before you splash the cash on a Windows OS. Other than a retail version installed for test purposes where you have 30 days to activate or format.
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Tony
I have an HP ProBook 4430s, which came pre-installed with Windows 7 Home Premium. If I isntall Windows Server 2008 R2, Windows Server 2012, or Windows 8 and enable Hyper-V, I can install Windows 7 Home Premium as a guest and activate it with the OEM license from my laptop. I cannot do so if I'm running (for example) Windows 8 on the bare metal and virtualizing Windows 7 Home Premium with VMware Workstation. I didn't know if it's because Hyper-V is type 1 and passes through the bare metal or not.
I figured that was likely the issue, thanks for confirming that.
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