Thread: Software license

Vista needs to be activated - so any code you have will only work on 1 machine, so whichever you register first will stop the second macihne using the same code. Also you seem to be confusing an OS (Operating System) with an Application (Works) they don't do the same job - Vista makes the laptop work, but once installed you'll still need some sort of Word Processor or whatever, so you can then choose which to purchase.

My personal favourite is Win98, and with this you can make copies for many machines and Microsoft would probably be none the wiser.

What you suggest here is illegal and this site will dissociate itself from any such suggestion.

Microsoft Works is as the OP suggests a cut-down version of Office and is rubbish - I would advise you to buy Office.

As for installing Vista on your Home machine, it's possible that you have bought an "Exclusive" license which is as Buzby says; it will only activate on one machine. However, if you are lucky enough to have purchased a "Non-Exclusive" license, you will be able to use Vista on many machines (the number may be specified in the license) so long as NO TWO MACHINES are switched on simultaneously. Check with your vendor which you have - unfortunately an OEM license purchased with a laptop is probably going to be Exclusive.

When you buy a copy of windows (or get it) with a piece of hardware, no tonly can you not use it on another piece of hardware at the same time, but say for instance you laptop broke you could not use that copy of windows on a new laptop.

Originally Posted by blacksheep1979

When you buy a copy of windows (or get it) with a piece of hardware, no tonly can you not use it on another piece of hardware at the same time, but say for instance you laptop broke you could not use that copy of windows on a new laptop.

That depends once again entirely on the licence agreement that came with it. There are many different kinds and you have to read it to understand which yours is. Better yet, have a Lawyer read it for you.

Originally Posted by 121o121

I have Microsoft Office which came with my computer. I paid extra for it and installed it on my computer.

I am OK to install office on my laptop right? I think I am, just weanna check.

Again you will have to check your EULA. Look for the words "non-Exclusive" in there; if it is a "non-Exclusive" licence, you are permitted to install on two machines as long as they will NEVER be used simultaneously.

Typical Microsoft facism. One should be entitled to install on as many machines in your house as you like. I havent been near Vista, and frankly dont want to, but I suspect you would only have problems were you to use your PC AND laptop online at the same time. Microsoft have been shouting about how easy it is to create home networks etc from XP onwards, so its sheer stupidity if they can actually physically stop you installing onto 2 machines.

Without knowing whether it applies to Vista, but I suspect so, I do believe that were one to aquire a licence key from a friendly tech who works at a university or school or college, or large company.. well the little birds suggest that such a thing would activate with no problem and appear to be legit to Microsoft, since these organisations buy licences that allow the installation onto hundreds/thousands machines, and expect constant reinstalls.

Not that an outstanding gentleman like myself would consider or condone committing any actions that could put the Fasci I mean Bill Gates onto the breadline..

The Vista CD will more than likely be an OEM version that is tied into the system BIOS anyway...so you would not be able to install it anywhere else

I suggest that we are talking at cross purposes here.

MS Vista is an operating system - it is right that this should be a single install only. If you have further computers, then you need separate licences for them.

MS works is an application (a cut down version of Office).

There is no point in installing Vista in order to change Works.

It used to be for Office that you were allowed to install an additional copy for home/office/laptop providing that only one was in use at a time - I don't know if this has changed.

Originally Posted by StoneLaughter

That depends once again entirely on the licence agreement that came with it. There are many different kinds and you have to read it to understand which yours is. Better yet, have a Lawyer read it for you.

Ok maybe - but 99.9999% of the time you get an oem copy as its far cheaper for the hardware manufacturer to supply you with that than a full retail copy.

Originally Posted by 121o121

I have Microsoft Office which came with my computer. I paid extra for it and installed it on my computer.

I am OK to install office on my laptop right? I think I am, just weanna check.

Nope, same as the os - one copy one machine.

[Nope, same as the os - one copy one machine.]

Not on my copies of Office 2003 - The Student/Teacher version is licenced for up to 3 PC's, the Standard Office Professional 2003 is licenced for 2 (desktop and laptop) but both cannot be used concurrently unless by the original user.

Hi Glenn,

Absolutely agree, OEM stuff is machine specific and untransferrable....

Right MS licences confuse the hell out of people.

OEM - Typically comes with no box and just a CD/DVD with a small leaflet and a disc

OEM copies are supplied with all new machines bought as this is far far cheaper for the companies that assemble them to provide - I have never come across a manufacturer that gives you a retail copy.

OEM copies cannot be transferred to a new machine so if you old XP machine gets pensioned off and you buy a new one without a licence or build one then you need to pay for a new licence.

Retail - Typically comes in a nice shiny box and costs a small fortune, goes onto any machine you want it on (one at any given time).

Windows generates a key based on your current hardware if you change enough hardware it will reset the key and you will have to reactivate Windows at this point MS could technically say no and you're stuck with having to buy another licence. It is the same with Vista except there are more versions to choose from.

The rules with Office always used to be you could (for example) install Office at work and another copy at home under the same licence as you would not be using both machines at the same time, as has been mentioned the Acedemic versions are more flexible - Dont forget that anyone who has someone in the household in education is entitled to buy Academic versions so if you have a child aged 5-18 then you are perfectly within your rights to buy the educational versions of MS software, this is different for other manufacturers obviously.

Going back to Windows 99% of the time if you change hardware and have to reactivate they will generally let you get away with it once or twice after that you will be forced to pay up although they have been known to say no after just a motherboard swap out.

Remember that anyone can buy a copy of OEM software as long as you buy another piece of hardware with it although many places dont enforce this either and if they do will allow you to buy it if you purchase for example a £2 mouse or keyboard.