Question on OEM license and Virtual Machines

[ToddAndMargo]

Hi All,

I am going to be installing XP as a virtual machine (VM)
on an existing Linux server.

License wise, Uncle Bill wants a separate XP license
for each XP VM. He also does not want us to sell XP OEM
without also selling a new computer with it.

Question: license wise, does a "new" VM constitute
a "new" computer? Or, do I need to sell the full "retail"
version of XP? (If it is considered a "gray area", I'll
just go with the retail version.)

Many thanks,
-T

 

[Carey Frisch [MVP]]

A VM is treated just as a conventional computer as
far as Windows licensing is concerned.

--
Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows Desktop Experience -
Windows Vista Enthusiast

---------------------------------------------------------------

Hi All,

I am going to be installing XP as a virtual machine (VM)
on an existing Linux server.

License wise, Uncle Bill wants a separate XP license
for each XP VM. He also does not want us to sell XP OEM
without also selling a new computer with it.

Question: license wise, does a "new" VM constitute
a "new" computer? Or, do I need to sell the full "retail"
version of XP? (If it is considered a "gray area", I'll
just go with the retail version.)

Many thanks,
-T

 

[Bob I]

If the "new VM" is on the same hardware as the "old VM" then the OEM is
still being installed on the original computer. If there never was an
"Old VM" then this is a new installation and the OEM is good there too.
You just can't put an OEM on a box, and then put another (second) copy
of the same OEM in a VM on that box. That make sense?

 

[ToddAndMargo]

A VM is treated just as a conventional computer as
far as Windows licensing is concerned.

Forgive me if I am being dense, but can I use the
OEM on this new VM or do I need to go with the
full retail version?

-T

 

[ToddAndMargo]

If the "new VM" is on the same hardware as the "old VM" then the OEM is
still being installed on the original computer. If there never was an
"Old VM" then this is a new installation and the OEM is good there too.
You just can't put an OEM on a box, and then put another (second) copy
of the same OEM in a VM on that box. That make sense?

Okay. A VM is considered a separate machine. When you "create" a
new VM on old hardware, it is still considered a new machine and I can
use the OEM. Just one license per machine whether it is virtual or actual.

Have I got it right?

-T

 

[Bob I]

Okay. A VM is considered a separate machine. When you "create" a
new VM on old hardware, it is still considered a new machine and I can
use the OEM. Just one license per machine whether it is virtual or actual.

Have I got it right?

-T

That's that way I understand it. Virtual or real, no difference. And
even an old machine, lets say you build a machine and put your Retail
licence on it, and then decide to sell the box. You may buy an OEM
licence, put it on the "used box" and sell it with the OEM license and
keep your retail one.