Vista CD key locked to one PC?

On Apr 3, 7:09 am, "Dustin Harper" <dhar...@vistarip.com> wrote:

> Aside from the legal ramifications, and the call to Microsoft to activate
> the second machine (it should give you an error saying the key is in use),
> it will work. It's not going to deactivate one saying that another is in
> use. Even if both are running and on the internet at the same time.
>
> --
> Dustin Harper
> dhar...@vistarip.comhttp://www.vistarip.com
>
> --"Noozer" <dont.s...@me.here> wrote in message
>
> news:u%23RNzgfdHHA.4960@TK2MSFTNGP02.phx.gbl...
>

> >I have a laptop and a desktop PC. I use the laptop when I'm on the road and
> >the desktop when at home.

>

> > Putting aside the legal ramifications of using the same CD key on both
> > machines, will one PC stop working if I install Vista Home Premium upgrade
> > over Win XP Pro on both machines using the same key?

>

> > Both PC's have internet connections. There should never be a point where
> > both PC's are on at the same time, but if this happens is there any
> > consequence to the operation of the PC's?

Won't the second machine refuse to download future Windows updates,
saying that an illegal copy of Windows is in use?

Thanks. I know that I'd probably need to do a phone activation on the second
PC.

Technically, I could format one PC and install the other whenever I need to
switch and I should always be "legal" that way. It's feasible, but a PITA,
since my laptop goes on the road with me for a month or more at a time.


"Dustin Harper" <dharper@vistarip.com> wrote in message
news:FD8F8941-EF32-4E86-B367-6209EA4F3D60@microsoft.com...

> Aside from the legal ramifications, and the call to Microsoft to activate
> the second machine (it should give you an error saying the key is in use),
> it will work. It's not going to deactivate one saying that another is in
> use. Even if both are running and on the internet at the same time.

>> Putting aside the legal ramifications of using the same CD key on both
>> machines, will one PC stop working if I install Vista Home Premium
>> upgrade over Win XP Pro on both machines using the same key?

In article <Ozm366gdHHA.4004@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl>, Noozer says...

> Thanks. I know that I'd probably need to do a phone activation on the second
> PC.
>
> Technically, I could format one PC and install the other whenever I need to
> switch and I should always be "legal" that way.

You won't be.

> It's feasible, but a PITA,
> since my laptop goes on the road with me for a month or more at a time.
>

Good luck...you're gonna need it.




--
Conor

Light travels faster than sound. This is why some people appear bright
until you hear them speak.........

"Conor" <conor.turton@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:MPG.207cc76aa5cee3c898a40d@news.karoo.co.uk.. .

> In article <Ozm366gdHHA.4004@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl>, Noozer says...

>> Thanks. I know that I'd probably need to do a phone activation on the
>> second
>> PC.
>>
>> Technically, I could format one PC and install the other whenever I need
>> to
>> switch and I should always be "legal" that way.

>
> You won't be.

Why not?

In article <e7xpuqjdHHA.2128@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl>, Noozer says...

>
> "Conor" <conor.turton@gmail.com> wrote in message
> news:MPG.207cc76aa5cee3c898a40d@news.karoo.co.uk.. .

> > In article <Ozm366gdHHA.4004@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl>, Noozer says...

> >> Thanks. I know that I'd probably need to do a phone activation on the
> >> second
> >> PC.
> >>
> >> Technically, I could format one PC and install the other whenever I need
> >> to
> >> switch and I should always be "legal" that way.

> >
> > You won't be.

>
> Why not?
>
>
>

It can only be installed on one computer. You'll have it installed on
two. The only way it'll be legal is if it's a Retail version and
uninstalled from the computer not in use.

--
Conor

Light travels faster than sound. This is why some people appear bright
until you hear them speak.........

In article <FD8F8941-EF32-4E86-B367-6209EA4F3D60@microsoft.com>, Dustin
Harper says...

> Aside from the legal ramifications, and the call to Microsoft to activate
> the second machine (it should give you an error saying the key is in use),
> it will work. It's not going to deactivate one saying that another is in
> use. Even if both are running and on the internet at the same time.
>
>

Actually it will. Product Activation phones home every few days.

--
Conor

Light travels faster than sound. This is why some people appear bright
until you hear them speak.........

"Noozer" <dont.spam@me.here> wrote in message
news:u%23RNzgfdHHA.4960@TK2MSFTNGP02.phx.gbl...

>I have a laptop and a desktop PC. I use the laptop when I'm on the road and
>the desktop when at home.
>
> Putting aside the legal ramifications of using the same CD key on both
> machines, will one PC stop working if I install Vista Home Premium upgrade
> over Win XP Pro on both machines using the same key?
>
> Both PC's have internet connections. There should never be a point where
> both PC's are on at the same time, but if this happens is there any
> consequence to the operation of the PC's?
>

You can't just ignore the "legal ramifications " - it is this simple -
without buying 2 licenses you are attempting to run and activate one license
for Windows Vista on 2 PCs. This is prevented by the requirement of
mandatory activation.
The second activation will fail and you will not be activated by the
clearing house even over the telephone if you do not purchase another
license for the second machine.
--

Mike Brannigan

"Mike Brannigan" <Mike.Brannigan@localhost> wrote in message
news:51B42C14-15BA-48DD-9B8F-EB1B9068AB7F@microsoft.com...

> "Noozer" <dont.spam@me.here> wrote in message
> news:u%23RNzgfdHHA.4960@TK2MSFTNGP02.phx.gbl...

>>I have a laptop and a desktop PC. I use the laptop when I'm on the road
>>and the desktop when at home.
>>
>> Putting aside the legal ramifications of using the same CD key on both
>> machines, will one PC stop working if I install Vista Home Premium
>> upgrade over Win XP Pro on both machines using the same key?
>>
>> Both PC's have internet connections. There should never be a point where
>> both PC's are on at the same time, but if this happens is there any
>> consequence to the operation of the PC's?
>>

>
> You can't just ignore the "legal ramifications " - it is this simple -
> without buying 2 licenses you are attempting to run and activate one
> license for Windows Vista on 2 PCs. This is prevented by the requirement
> of mandatory activation.

I didn't say ignore, I set put aside.

In other words...

The correct answer for "If I walk into a bank with a gun and demand $10,000
in $20.00 bills, how big of a sack do I need?" is not "You can't walk into a
bank with a gun and demand anything."

> The second activation will fail and you will not be activated by the
> clearing house even over the telephone if you do not purchase another
> license for the second machine.

So, if I purchase a RETAIL copy of Vista, then buy a new PC I can't use my
previous copy?

I've activated my copy of Windows XP Pro about a dozen times over the years
and never had a complaint from the folks on the phone.

.... and what if I install multiple, separate copies to the same PC? It's
only installed on one computer, but will require multiple activations.