Dual Boot Licencing

[Rob Najuch]

Hello, I am interested in finding out if there is a limit
to the number of times a microsoft operating system can be
installed on a single computer. If all copies of Windows
XP are licenced, am i restricted as to how many seperate
installs I can have? Also. Is this number different for a
machine with a non retail licencing agreement, such as an
OEM laptop.

Any info would be appreciated.

-Rob

 

[Mike Brannigan [MSFT]]

Hello, I am interested in finding out if there is a limit
to the number of times a microsoft operating system can be
installed on a single computer. If all copies of Windows
XP are licenced, am i restricted as to how many seperate
installs I can have? Also. Is this number different for a
machine with a non retail licencing agreement, such as an
OEM laptop.

Rob,

The End User Licesed Agreement (EULA) is clear on this mater.

Do a Start ... Run ... winver and click on the link to view the EULA

1. GRANT OF LICENSE. Microsoft grants you the following
rights provided that you comply with all terms and
conditions of this EULA:
1.1 Installation and use. You may install, use, access,
display and run one copy of the Software on a single computer,
such as a workstation, terminal or other device ("Workstation
Computer")

The key here is section 1.1 where it does state that you "... You may
install, <...> run one copy of the Software on a single computer..."

This clause prohibits the creation of a dual boot configuration without
multiple licenses for Windows XP. Since you need to install it more then
once. (Using other tools to get around the install such a Ghost etc do not
invalidate this requirement).
This clause also covers the user of VMWare or Virtual PC products that allow
you to host virtual machines on your PC. You are required to purchase a
license for each of these too.

If you are still unclear on this then contact your local Microsoft
subsidiary office.

--
Regards,

Mike
--
Mike Brannigan [Microsoft]

This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers no
rights

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[Guest]

I think I was very clear in my original post when i
mentioned that all copies of Windows XP would be properly
licenced. I am not an idiot you know. But thankyou for
your help. In the future, I reccomend you try to more
accuratly read the posts you reply to.

 

[Mike Brannigan [MSFT]]

Rob or (e-mail address removed)

Your use of such phrases as "as to how many separate installs I can have"
was seen as implying a dual boot scenario; also " if there is a limit to
the number of times a Microsoft operating system can be installed on a
single computer." again can imply a multi boot setup. So my answer stands
that you may only install a properly licensed OS once and once only to a PC.
However you may repeat this installation as you see fit as long as it does
not result in a multi boot config or multiple installations on separate
drives (removable or otherwise).
If you are in a position where you will rebuild your OS with extreme
frequency then you may not wish to always activate the installation.
If you activate the same installation repeatedly you will be required to
activate via telephone. If your activations are some time apart (120 days)
then they will succeed over the internet.

Clarity in the exact nature of the question would have aided in a more
succinct response.

--
Regards,

Mike
--
Mike Brannigan [Microsoft]

This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers no
rights

Please note I cannot respond to e-mailed questions, please use these
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[Guest]

I still appreciate you help, and i think this reply is more
accurate to ym question than the first. I also apoligize
if my responce seems rude to you. I realize that the
licence limits any one copy of windows from being installed
and used more than once at any one time. My qeustion deals
with multple Copies of windows, each purchesed seperatly.
(IE multiple COA's on one computer, rather than one COA on
multiple computers)

Please allow me to elaborate on the exact nature of my issue.

What I am looking to do, is purchase multiple copies of
Windows XP, for the purpose of configuring a muliboot setup
(as you stated). My laptop computer connects to multiple
networks on a regular basis, and for security purposes, I
want to have this multiboot setup, with an isolated
installation for each network I will connect to.
The end result of my plan will be a boot menu allowing me
to start the computer in a secure invironment that is never
seen by any other network.

If I am to connect to 3 networks, I will have a total of 3
COA stickers on the underside of my computer, and 3 XP
installations.

My question, more clearly stated : Is there a limit to how
many Properly licenced COA stickers can be associated with
one computer. All installations will be on seperate
partitions located on one physical drive. Each individual
installation will have a COA associated with it, and will
be properly Authorized VIA OOBE.exe.

I appoligize for not stating my question more clearly, and
I appreciate the time you are putting in to this.

- Rob

 

[Mike Brannigan [MSFT]]

My question, more clearly stated : Is there a limit to how
many Properly licenced COA stickers can be associated with
one computer. All installations will be on seperate
partitions located on one physical drive. Each individual
installation will have a COA associated with it, and will
be properly Authorized VIA OOBE.exe.

You may install and activate as many distinct (unique Activation Keys/COAs)
licensed installation as your machine can take (disk space etc) on a single
PC.
We do not care if you are installing several copies of Windows XP to the
same physical machine at the same time as long as each has a unique
Activation Key.

My apologies for any confusion in getting this answered.

--
Regards,

Mike
--
Mike Brannigan [Microsoft]

This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers no
rights

Please note I cannot respond to e-mailed questions, please use these
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