Can any kind soul explain what buying this version entitles me to with regard to Microsoft Licensing. I paid £300.00 for it and note that there are also upgrade versions ( For £200.00 ) and OEM Versions for around £120.00 approx.
I have a Sony Vaio Laptop With Windows XP Professional already built in ( Have license stickers on the rear of the Laptopl ).
I also have two computers at home used by my kids and was wondering whether I can install this on there machines with it being the most expensive copy available.
I note that there are 32 and 64 bit discs inside but as yet I haven't broke the seals , please please can someone explain in si mple English what Microsoft allow me to do with this once ive opened the seals. Cheers
2007-03-01 23:13:26 · 11 answers · asked by Anonymous in Computers & Internet ➔ Software
Hi Wayne,
In short the boxed version of Windows that you bought entitles you to a single install on a single machine. If you wish to move it to another machine it will have to be uninstalled from the first one.
OEM is cheaper as the licence is tied to the hardware. In otherwords when you install in on a machine it lives and dies with that machine, i.e. it cannot be transferred to another one.
The upgrade licence is similar to the one you bought with regards to installing, except that you need to have a previous qualifying version of windows to upgrade from.
The 32bit and 64bit discs are not for two installations, but for a single installation depending on whether you're hardware is 32bit or 64bit.
That is the licencing point of it. From a what is technically possible point of view you can install it on more than one machine and when it comes to activation you ring the activation centre and inform them that it is the same machine but you needed to re-install. HOWEVER, that is in breach of the licence.
So there you go, hope that helps...
PS breaking the seal doesn't mean you are not entitled to return it. A lot of shops will say that because you broke the seal they will not refund you. This is false! You have a 30 day return period regardless. Plus any shop that tells you Microsoft will not refund them because you broke the seal is also false. They will. If you encounter this ring Microsoft directly and they are actually quite good to help on this but do advice that you go through the full process with the shop.
Another difference I've just thought of it that with the boxed version you bought you are also entitled to two free incidents of technical support directly with Microsoft. Installation and virus issues will be free and not affect this number.
With OEM your technical support lies with whom you bought the disc from and is chargeable with Microsoft.
PPS - Ok not so short - but if your children and students in a Dfes recognised school or college do ask your shop about educational licences as these a much cheaper and as a parent/guardian you are entitled to also use this software.
2007-03-01 23:25:24 · answer #1 · answered by Conspiracy 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You can install the version you bought on any machine that will run it. You cannot install it on multiple machines. You can, however, get 2 licenses for Vista home premium for $50 each from Microsoft. You don't need to download anything and you don't need to buy more disks. Everything you will need, you have. You use the same disks you bought with different license numbers.
As for 64-bit, I wouldn't. That is to say, "I did" and now I wish I hadn't. That said, you need a 64-bit machine. If you purchased your computer recently, it may very well be that it will support the 64-bit operating system. However, then you will be stuck looking for drivers for all of you hardware. Most of your programs won't work and you will end up with no other users to talk to about your 64-bit problems. Microsoft doesn't seem to know anything.
2007-03-02 07:29:01 · answer #2 · answered by Kokopelli 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes one of the previous answers is so right, you wasted your money. That does not answer your question though, does it? As you have still not broken the seals on some of the discs, try it on with the vendor. See if you can bend his ear on a refund because you have not yet loaded the program.
As an aside, I called on my local Computer shop just after Vista was available and he advised me against buying it as the improvements over XP were no good to me for the purposes I put the computer to. He also admitted that he would not be bothering either. A salutary tale.
2007-03-02 07:47:12 · answer #3 · answered by MANCHESTER UK 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can legally install your copy on only one computer. If you want to install it on more then one, you'll need to buy additional licenses. I've heard that micrsoft did something to prevent people from using single license on multiple machines (not sure about that though. you can try but that'll be in violation).
The Ultimate edition does not entitle you to anything more then the Home or Business license. It just includes all features that are available in the different editions. See the edition comparison chart:
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/windowsvista/editions/choose.mspx
2007-03-02 07:26:03 · answer #4 · answered by void7x 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Back slowly away from the vista package.
Breathe deep, be calm.
Put everything back in the box and bring it back to the shop.
You can't upgrade to Home Premium, which is probably what you'd be happiest with, over xp pro (pretty stupid micro$oft!). You should be able to put home premium (full retail) over xp pro.
Before you do anything else, go to the m$ website and run their upgrade tool. It'll tell you if the kids' machines will upgrade to vista, and if your machine will handle it.
Good luck!
2007-03-02 07:21:07 · answer #5 · answered by Meg W 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
buying full retail version entitles you to transfer the EULA agreement to other computer. means it doesn't constraint you from installing it to other of your computer.
32 bit disc can be install to the computer with 32bit and 64bit processor. but when you install the 32bit disc to 64bit processor you are using your processor fully, only half.
64bit disc can only install to the computer with 64bit processor. it is more reliable than 32bit, but their is still a hardware and software issue about 64bit.
but you need first to know if your computer meet atleast the minimum hardware requirements. use the vista upgrade advisor from microsoft.com to know your pc is compatible.
2007-03-02 07:24:53 · answer #6 · answered by arbie_pogi 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
my mom bought microsoft vista for her comp it took her 3 hrs to complete downloads it runs well but i think microsoft vista is a complete rip-off y upgrade to vista when xp works so well some ppl have had trouble connectin to broadband with vista. u have to make sure u have the rite amount of memory for it to run.
2007-03-02 07:27:27 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You are allowed to install it on one machine.
the upgrade version is for upgrading from another version.
the OEM is usually for PC builders who dont need the support etc
2007-03-02 07:23:56 · answer #8 · answered by maka 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This should be in the jokes thread. Once you install it on your laptop you'll be that pissed off with how long it's took, how crap it is and you won't want to install it on any other PC!
2007-03-02 07:23:59 · answer #9 · answered by Chris B 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
OMFG u just wasted looot's of cash on pointless bullshit!!
But, I recommend u to install this on Desktop PCs,
Most of the hardware/software isn't compattible with this ver jet
2007-03-02 07:19:43 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 4⤋