Licensing

[Kshaeta]

(I know this isn't a licensing discussion, but let the flamers flame...)

This is a question about licensing. I've probably read about 50
documents all talking about licensing, but I think I'm more confused
then before.

If I initially purchase 50 computers, and they all come with XP Pro
installed, can I use WDS/RIS to re-image these, with settings & programs
pertinent to our company? Say, take one computer, put all the stuff I
need on it, and then load it on to the RIS/WDS server, then deploy it to
the other 49 workstations?
I read that I would need to have Open licenses for the computers some
where. But, I can't really buy HP or Dell computers without an OS (not
that I'm aware) which I would need to do if I needed to get an Open
license for the OS.

How about if I purchase 50 computers with Vista on them? Or Office 2007
Pro preinstalled? Can I make images and redistribute these to my other
computers?

What if I didn't use a distribution server, but made and image onto a
CD, and then copied that back to the computers? IS that ok?

Please fill me in, I need some help here.

 

[Ron Martell]

(I know this isn't a licensing discussion, but let the flamers flame...)

This is a question about licensing. I've probably read about 50
documents all talking about licensing, but I think I'm more confused
then before.

If I initially purchase 50 computers, and they all come with XP Pro
installed, can I use WDS/RIS to re-image these, with settings & programs
pertinent to our company? Say, take one computer, put all the stuff I
need on it, and then load it on to the RIS/WDS server, then deploy it to
the other 49 workstations?

Yes. But you will have to then change the product key to the correct
one for the license on each of the 49 computers.

Genuine Advantage Product Key Update Tool:
http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=50346&clcid=0x409

I read that I would need to have Open licenses for the computers some
where. But, I can't really buy HP or Dell computers without an OS (not
that I'm aware) which I would need to do if I needed to get an Open
license for the OS.

Volume licenses for Windows are for upgrades only. You need to have
an original licensed version of Windows for each computer

How about if I purchase 50 computers with Vista on them? Or Office 2007
Pro preinstalled? Can I make images and redistribute these to my other
computers?

I am not sure if the above key changer will work with Vista or with
Office. You can buy a volume license for Office I believe

What if I didn't use a distribution server, but made and image onto a
CD, and then copied that back to the computers? IS that ok?

Probably need to use a DVD because of the size. It should work, as
per the comments above.

Good luck

Ron Martell Duncan B.C. Canada
--
Microsoft MVP (1997 - 2008)
On-Line Help Computer Service
http://onlinehelp.bc.ca

"Anyone who thinks that they are too small to make a difference
has never been in bed with a mosquito."