Same license/SamePC 32/64bit

  • Thread starter Thread starter robw
  • Start date Start date
R

robw

I know whenever you activate one copy of Windows, your previous activation
becomes invalid, right? (i.e. So us hardware upgraders can keep using
windows).

What happens if on one computer you have 32-bit *(x86) on one hard drive,
and 64-bit (x86_64) on the other hard drive, both with the same CD-KEY?

Is it :
(1) Legal?
(2) Functional?

If not, I can use a spare license from Technet/MSDN (like I'm doing now) on
the other installation. Still, I'd like to not rely on a technet license
for this computer.

-Rob
 
robw said:
I know whenever you activate one copy of Windows, your previous
activation becomes invalid, right? (i.e. So us hardware upgraders
can keep using windows).

What happens if on one computer you have 32-bit *(x86) on one hard
drive, and 64-bit (x86_64) on the other hard drive, both with the
same CD-KEY?

Is it :
(1) Legal?
(2) Functional?

If not, I can use a spare license from Technet/MSDN (like I'm doing
now) on the other installation. Still, I'd like to not rely on a
technet license for this computer.

-Rob
Click to expand...

You are licensed for use of x86 OR x64 - not simultaneously if you are
dealing with OEM or Retail licenses. This is clearly stated in the
End User License Agreement that is multiple versions are included (x64
and x86) then you may only run one version under the license.
So you will need two licenses to do what you want to do.
 
Mike said:
You are licensed for use of x86 OR x64 - not simultaneously if you are
dealing with OEM or Retail licenses. This is clearly stated in the
End User License Agreement that is multiple versions are included (x64
and x86) then you may only run one version under the license.
So you will need two licenses to do what you want to do.
Click to expand...

What about things like disk caddies?

The reason I ask is that, from what I've heard on here, you're allowed
to remove Windows x86 and then install the x64 version. You're not
stuck with forever using the one you first chose.

Now, what if you remove your HD from your machine and put it in a
cupboard and never use it again? Is that removed? Do you actually need
to physically delete it?

Now, if you can physically remove the disk from the computer as a means
of complying, then what if you put that disk in a caddy? You could then
swap the disks over when you wanted to change between them.

I'm guessing not - but it's more to do with how to comply with the
remove from your machine requirement - what defines remove?

David
 
What about things like disk caddies?
Click to expand...

What about them ??
If you mean performing multiple installs to the same PC but with
different primary drives installed then as long as only one drive is
in use in that original PC at any time then this is the same as
creating multiple backup images of the machine and is not in breach of
the license, or the same as doing lots of installs and removals and
installs all to the same licensed PC. (as long as those other disks
are not used anywhere or booted on another machine.

The reason I ask is that, from what I've heard on here, you're
allowed to remove Windows x86 and then install the x64 version.
You're not stuck with forever using the one you first chose.
Click to expand...


Correct but the original poster wanted to run both in parallel or dual
booting.
Now, what if you remove your HD from your machine and put it in a
cupboard and never use it again? Is that removed? Do you actually
need to physically delete it?
Click to expand...

"never use it again" - is removed from the machine.
Now, if you can physically remove the disk from the computer as a
means of complying, then what if you put that disk in a caddy? You
could then swap the disks over when you wanted to change between
them.
Click to expand...

As long as it is the same PC that you replace the disk in and you do
not use the disk in another machine then this is akin to removal and
reinstall, removal and reinstall on the same device and is allowed.
 
Mike Brannigan said:
Correct but the original poster wanted to run both in parallel or dual
booting.
Click to expand...

False.. dual-booting, yes, but not at the same time.

What's the difference between only having ONE operating system running at a
time versus Swapping disks physically in and out of the computer. I COULD
SWAP THEM PHYSICALLY - I have an external hard disk (a LaCie Big disk) which
I can boot off of just fine. I use it to boot Linux all the time on this
same computer.

Imagine, for a minute, that i'm a developer. I have one reason to run X64
and I ran into it recently : Testing purposes. I discovered that one of the
tools I use : TX Text Control v13.0 .NET, requires me to compile for x86
only as opposed to architecture independent, otherwise on 64-bit windows it
doesn't work. I learned that the 'hard way'. I suppose that's what my MSDN
license is for.

-Rob
 
Both Technet and MSDN are for non-production use only. So if you install
them to use for games, doing your checkbook, see if you like Media Center,
etc., you would be in violation of those licenses.
 
You are permitted to make backups as long as the "backup" is not runnable as
is and requires "restoration" in order to use. A cloned drive that you can
switch in and out does not qualify and requires a second license. The EULA
talks about "installed" and does not say "run." The EULA specifies
"installed on one device" and that a "device" is a "partition or blade", not
a computer. It makes absolutely no difference whether you can "run at the
same time" or not. Running is not relevant. Only installation.
 
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