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    Installing OEM Windows in VirtualBox

    Discussion in 'Windows OS and Software' started by Lapton, Dec 9, 2009.

  1. Lapton

    Lapton Notebook Enthusiast

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    Okay, I'm trying to get Windows ME running in a virtual machine on my Windows 7 PC. I haven't been very successful with this, though, because I have an OEM copy that can only be installed on the computer it came with. Anyone know if there is a way I can get a non-OEM copy of Windows ME (with registration code) for free? (LEGALLY, I'm not a pirate :cool: ) Or, is there any way that an OEM copy of Windows can be tricked to think it's being installed on the original computer? (but if this is illegal I don't want to do it) Thanks!
     
    Lapton, Dec 9, 2009
    #1
  2. surfasb

    surfasb Titles Shmm-itles

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    You can get evaluation copies of Windows ME off MSDN. You'll likely have to pay for a product key, but Microsoft allows you to use it for 90(?) days as an evaluation copy/
     
    surfasb, Dec 9, 2009
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  3. BrandonSi

    BrandonSi Notebook Savant

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    Can you use XP instead of ME? If you can, then that makes things much simlper, with Windows XP mode in Windows 7.
     
    BrandonSi, Dec 9, 2009
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  4. Lapton

    Lapton Notebook Enthusiast

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    Where exactly in MSDN should I look. Do I have to have an MSDN subscription or anything?

    Well, I tried XP Mode, but it didn't work because it's SP3 and the program I'm trying to run isn't compatible with anything past XP SP1. Is it possible to remove the service packs from Windows XP Mode?
     
    Lapton, Dec 9, 2009
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  5. newsposter

    newsposter Notebook Virtuoso

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    I think that the most recent version of virtualbox that will run ME is VBox 1.6.4.
     
    newsposter, Dec 9, 2009
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  6. surfasb

    surfasb Titles Shmm-itles

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    MSDN subscription requires money. It is a resource for software developers and engineers provided by Microsoft.

    I don't ever recall running into problems activating OEM product keys...
     
    surfasb, Dec 10, 2009
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  7. BrandonSi

    BrandonSi Notebook Savant

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    Well, Google will turn up a non-OEM Windows ME registration code. I know that's not what you're looking for, but seeing as how you did legally pay for a license that you can't use.. Assuming you're asked for your registration code, I would think a non-OEM code will still work with that disc, but it may not.
     
    BrandonSi, Dec 10, 2009
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  8. DEagleson

    DEagleson Gamer extraordinaire

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    Edit: Thanks for the heads up surfasb. :)

    But still, its a old OS, and i dont really see other ways of getting this legally unless you have a MSDN subscription. :(
    You could try asking Microsoft but i dont think that would be of any help?
     
    DEagleson, Dec 10, 2009
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  9. surfasb

    surfasb Titles Shmm-itles

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    Don't let the Mutaween hear you say that.
     
    surfasb, Dec 10, 2009
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  10. Kdawgca

    Kdawgca rotaredoM repudrepuS RBN

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    It may be old but it copyrights still apply to it, so Illegally downloading it, violated OEM Terms, or using a key found on the internet is still software piracy that cannot be discussed on this forum. Since the thread already started heading towards that route, I am quietly closing it.

    OP,

    Make a new thread to ask for alternatives for that software that might work in XP mode or I suggest that you invest in trying to buy a retail XP CD(should be easier to find then a ME one) that still has SP1 loaded on it.

    -Mutaween #1337
     
    Kdawgca, Dec 10, 2009
    #10