2 Instances of Vista on Same PC Legal/Illegal and Possible?

Supertaff

Supertaff

Supertaff

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1,061
Hi all,

I've want to trial the new version of Visual Studio 2008 Beta 2.

I don't want to run this on my main operating system install as there's to much risk of it corrupting the machine and causing me to have to rebuild the whole shebang.

So the thought I had was create a new partition, install the same OS and then run the beta software on the new version.

Has anyone done this, is it illegal, will I be able to clear it via windows advantage. Will I go to Microsoft Hell. I can't see why it won't work as MS only know about the licence key and the link to the keys generated by the PC serial numbers.

Views

Taff
 
I don't think you can without breaking the licence agreement.

Both OEM and retail are to be activated on one setup at any one time. OEM obviously being stricter on the machine it's being activated becoming tied to that machine from that point on.
 
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Supertaff said:
Hi all,

I've want to trial the new version of Visual Studio 2008 Beta 2.

I don't want to run this on my main operating system install as there's to much risk of it corrupting the machine and causing me to have to rebuild the whole shebang.

So the thought I had was create a new partition, install the same OS and then run the beta software on the new version.

Has anyone done this, is it illegal, will I be able to clear it via windows advantage. Will I go to Microsoft Hell. I can't see why it won't work as MS only know about the licence key and the link to the keys generated by the PC serial numbers.

Views

Taff
Click to expand...
What i do in situations like this is to make a backup image of the OS drive using Acronis True Image, i then install and test new software to the max, if it doesn't work as intended or it messes up my Windows install i then restore my OS drive in about 5 > 10 minutes using the backup image.
 
you can install vista without a product key. just leave it blank during setup. it asks to confirm and you just continue. and that will work for 30 days and will allow full windows updates, everything above board. :)
 
iCraig said:
I don't think you can without breaking the licence agreement.

Both OEM and retail are to be activated on one setup at any one time. OEM obviously being stricter on the machine it's being activated becoming tied to that machine from that point on.
Click to expand...
The licence agreement is for use on one computer or device,(Written on my vista retail box)
So doing two installs on the same computer should be legal....
 
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Thanks for your help on this guys,

Think I will follow the advice from Marc as that way I can get VS 2008 fully trialled and make sure it's stable enough before deploying onto my main install.

Though I did have the same thought as chaperel that because both are on the same box then the licence may still be valid.

I also use True Image so can safeguard my main drives as well.

Thanks

Taff
 
marc2003 said:
you can install vista without a product key. just leave it blank during setup. it asks to confirm and you just continue. and that will work for 30 days and will allow full windows updates, everything above board. :)
Click to expand...

Are you sure?

It's easy to do, but I'm not sure if it's 100% above board.

Burnsy is our resident expert, so I'm sure he'll clear things up. :)
 
iCraig said:
Are you sure?

It's easy to do, but I'm not sure if it's 100% above board.

Burnsy is our resident expert, so I'm sure he'll clear things up. :)
Click to expand...

this is the thing

yes its possible

is it licensed? no

basically if you want 2 run 2 instances of Vista in VMware or whatever, you need 2 copies of vista

end of.

Allthough it is possible to install vista without a product key, it is not licensed.
 
virtual machine, install the trial of vista. Simple and legal. Enter no product key and do not activate, this will run for a 30 trial at which point it will force you to enter a product key
 
Zap said:
virtual machine, install the trial of vista. Simple and legal. Enter no product key and do not activate, this will run for a 30 trial at which point it will force you to enter a product key
Click to expand...

That's all well and good, but his copy is already installed and activated elsewhere. That's where the stipulation of licensing comes in.
 
Supertaff said:
But is it possible to download a trial from somewhere else, so in essence not my version that I'd be using for a trial?
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no

you cannt download a "free trial"

people are exploiting a loophole in vista that allows you to delay activation. The only way you can get this "free trial" is by using a disc you've already used to install your first copy of vista. Which is why it isnt licensed.
 
one thing that might be of use though

do you know of anybody that has the vista beta ? iirc that doesnt exprire for a while yet, and as a beta is completely legal to use alongside a 2nd copy of legiately licensed vista.
 
what i suggested may not be technically 100% in compliance with the eula. but use some common sense. you already have paid for your copy. and you're not faking anything. you're not using a keygen or replacing system files. microsoft are actually allowing people install vista without a product key. so take advantage of this. and it's not like the vmware suggestion where that's an obvious breach by running 2 installs at once.

and what's the alternative. buy another copy? i think not. :D
 
iCraig said:
There's no "trial" version legally available as far as I know.
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Indeed, I have said this many times, the activation grace period is NOT a trial period. It is simply there to allow people to activate via the phone etc.

As for 'borrowing' a beta of Vista, unless you were an original beta participant (and have a product code from MS) then you don't have the right to use the beta.

Even if you install the software in a VM you need two licenses, one for the host OS and one for the guest.

Legally standing there's not much you can do, but as Marc has said, there are ways around the activation issues, although I don't condone the use.

Burnsy
 
burnsy2023 said:
As for 'borrowing' a beta of Vista, unless you were an original beta participant (and have a product code from MS) then you don't have the right to use the beta.
Click to expand...

ah

did the beta EULA specificly forbid distribution (by that i assume it includes giving it to your mate because you dont need it anymore :) )
 
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