If I have 3 different computers at home, can I just buy 1 Vista Home and use the code for all 3?

Sorry I'm not a techie so my Q might be silly but just the same I'll ask

I have 3 different desktop computers at home (different brands) plus 2 notebooks (different brands as well), can I just buy one Vista Home full version DVD and install it using the same key for all the computers?

 

i doubt it. legally anyways.

 

Nope, one key per computer.

There's a promotion by Microsoft right now, buy one Ultimate license at full price and get two Home Premium licenses for $50 each. It'll suit you perfectly, if you're willing to buy the Ultimate.

 

Not legally.

The best you can do is purchase 1 Ultimate copy and use MS's current 2 extra Premium licenses for $50 each. That's only if you're in the US as well I think.

 

No, I don't believe you can legally do that. Vista is a single user license, but you can transfer that license. I read that the transfers are no longer indefinite like they used to be in XP.

Oddly enough, Office 2007 Student can be installed legally on three computers in a single home. I guess they assume many "kids" or students can exist in one household.

 

Hehe, we posted at the same time.

I want to add, the promotion is in effect in North America, so Canada is included .

 

Thanks guys. I guess I'll just have to buy an Ultimate copy. Pretty expensive! I'll have to shop around and look for the cheapest price.

 

Didn't realize it was for all of NorthAm...that's even better.

Yeah...kind of funny on the posting times. It happens.

 

You have to buy a RETAIL BOXED copy of Ultimate. It can be full or upgrade, though. Keep that in mind. An OEM or student copy will be cheaper, but you can't get the additional license deal.

 

I would suggest that you buy 3 copies at an OEM or student price, It will still be much cheaper than buying Ultimate and 2 extra licenses for $50 each.

 

Sticking with XP would be even cheaper.

 

You may also consider looking into multiple-license copies of Vista. I know there are 3-license varieties as well as unlimited (but you wouldn't want to pay that much for 5 PCs). OEM might be the way to save some money if you can find OEM versions.

 

The key word here appears to be "legally"

 

ditto (2nd) that!
newegg is offering good OEM price so far - better than even eBay, search the net and see if some other offers coming up
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16832116213

cheers ...

 

u cant, cause a Vista version is designed for 1 pc only, you cant do it on 3, sry m8

 

Absolutely. The central notion here is "legally" (cough, cough)...
Also, as Jalf said, staying with XP gives you the least hassle and is the cheapest.

 

Unfortunately, OEM copies can't be transferred to another PC. One drawback to that type of OS copy..

 

Yep, i agree. Anyway, if ur main concern is cost, then get the OEMs. They cant be moved to another new PC u have(see another thread concerning this), but it is the only way to save u some cash and from legal problems.

 

we r talking about cost efficient on installation of multiple pcs - i see in this case no drawback none whatsoever

cheers ...