Stupid Vista question...

Sorry for my ignorance, but indulge me. If I bought the full retail version of Vista (any version), would I be able to install it on my laptop and 2 desktops, or is it a one copy-one computer deal? How does Microsoft regulate the installation on multiple machines?
Thanks in advance.

 

You can only install one copy of Vista on one computer. Microsoft enforces it by making all installations needing a "confirmation" either over the web or by phone to Microsoft. Obviously you can't use the same CD key twice, so yeah.

There's a promotion by Microsoft right now for North American users, allowing anyone that buys a box version of Vista Ultimate (not Upgrade) to be allowed to buy two more licenses for Vista Home Premium for $50 each.

 

Office 2007 is a three-install license I think...important to not get them backwards .

 

Hmm..I'm not perfectly sure about the other editions but Office Student & Teacher can install to three computers for sure. I'm not 100% sure about the other ones.

 

Legally, no. Otherwise...

 

It's important that there are multiple ways of doing things.

 

Alright, thanks for the help (and confirming my hatred for M$). Where can I purchase these additional licenses after I buy the box version?

And unlike some people, I perfer to get my Windows the legal way. Why? Because I'm a sucker.

 

You're not a sucker. Time is money. You can spend all of your time tracking down cracks and/or valid license keys to make your windows temporarily "legitimate" or you can just pay for it to begin with and be done with it. I have the money and I don't have the time so I choose the latter.

 

First, you HAVE to buy a retail copy of Ultimate Edition (upgrade or full). OEM versions of Ultimate won't work, and non-ultimate versions won't work... so be sure to get the right one. Then go here for the official info and to order your extra keys. It's $49.99 per key (up to 2) and they are for Vista Home Premium Upgrades. So be sure to put your ultimate copy on the system you want to have the extra features.

As for Microsoft Office 2007, only the Student and Home Edition includes a license for use on up to three 3 (noncommercial) systems. That version has Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote. You don't get Access, Outlook, Visio, Groove, and the business-type extras. All the other versions of office can be used for commercial purposes, but can only be installed on one machine. The "Academic" versions of all other versions cannot (legally) be used for commercial purposes, and can only be installed on one machine.

OK. Everyone confused now?

 

Wrong. Office Pro have the same licensing terms as the other versions ( I have Pro 07 and the license allows multiple installs).

 

Please don't try to correct others when you have no idea what you are talking about. It's not polite. Check your EULA.

Copied from EULA for Office 2007 Professional Retail copy:

1. OVERVIEW. These license terms permit installation and use of one copy of the software on one device, along with other rights, all as described below.

Now, copied from the EULA for Office 2007 Home and Student Edition:

1. OVERVIEW. These license terms permit installation and use of a copy of
the software on three devices, along with other rights, all as described below.

Feel free to lookup the different licenses at http://www.microsoft.com/office/eula or check your own. Open an office app, select Office Icon --> "App name" options --> Resources --> About --> View the Microsoft Software License Terms .

 

Check your EULA, I have Pro and it explicitly allows install on up to two PCs (one desktop and one laptop).

 

Let's not let this get too out of hand guys...

Don't forget, his queston was about Windows Vista, not Office 07. Furthermore, his question has already been answered.

Matt

 

Thanks, Turco. You are of course correct.