Windows Vista Purchase

[MeetJohnDoe]

I cannot find information on how many computers one can install a genuine consumer boxed version of Vista on. Does anyone have this information?

Also, if I purchased a boxed version from a USA source, would there be any problem installing and validating it on my computer here in Thailand? (E.g., is there any kind of region coding like on DVDs?)

Also interesting to note that the free upgrade to Win7 for current purchases of Vista that are available from USA sellers (full or upgrade versions) is not available here in Asia yet.

Edited June 30, 2009 by MeetJohnDoe

[JohnC]

Commercially bought software is normally only licensed for one PC .

[MTH]

That’s correct, you only get one license for each commercially bought copy, if you want to install the same copy on additional computers, you have to order additional licenses.

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-v.../licensing.aspx

I have installed U.S. purchased XP and Vista on several computers here in Thailand and have activated them without any hitch.

[monty]

If you want it on many PC's (office, internet cafe's) then contact Microsoft sales, they do discounted bulk sales as well.

Although beats me why someone wanted more then 1 Vista

[MeetJohnDoe]

That's correct, you only get one license for each commercially bought copy, if you want to install the same copy on additional computers, you have to order additional licenses.

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-v.../licensing.aspx

I have installed U.S. purchased XP and Vista on several computers here in Thailand and have activated them without any hitch.

Thanks for comments all. A couple more Q's: What happens when you buy a new comp w/o a pre-installed OS, you cannot install your copy of Windows on the new one? So the license is for the original install computer only and not just one computer at a time? What happens if you upgrade the HD or CPU on a computer and need to re-install the OS...would there be any problem...would the original install disks think the new hardware was a "new computer" and not install?

Edited July 1, 2009 by MeetJohnDoe

[lopburi3]

A retail version (not often sold here) can be used on one computer at a time and transferred to another if you replace. The normal sale package here is the OEM version and that can only be installed once officially. It is designed to be sold with a commercial or shop built computer but normally any purchase of HD/Card etc would qualify - here it is sold on the assumption that it is for a computer you are building. If you change HD it will probably have to undergo a retest/registration process but it is online and automatic. If mother board were changed it might get harder.

I would not buy an overpriced retail package here as by the time you need to change computers you probably also should change the operating system. And if you are talking about Vista I would not buy at all as Windows 7 will replace it in a few months (unless they guarantee upgrade). If they do not offer upgrade I would either use an older system for a few months or install the free release candidate version of Windows 7 until you can buy.

[MeetJohnDoe]

A retail version (not often sold here) can be used on one computer at a time and transferred to another if you replace. The normal sale package here is the OEM version and that can only be installed once officially.

I would not buy an overpriced retail package here as by the time you need to change computers you probably also should change the operating system.

I am familiar with the distinction between the OEM and consumer shrink-wrapped versions of Vista. I am aware that the OEM versions are generally limited to 1 computer (the original install) but my question is really about the consumer shrink-wrapped versions. I thought these could be installed on something like 3 computers at a time.

I know Win-7 will be out in a few months but my computer running Win XP-SP3 is really on its last legs and may not last till Fall. My tentative plan is to order a shrink-wrap consumer Vista Stateside now and install it on a new desktop I am putting together here in Thailand. This purchase would qualify me for an equivalent version of Win-7 when it is available so I will basically get both OS's for the price of 1. (It's funny, I was sorta hopping to bypass Vista altogether but I may have to use it for a few months in any case.)

[lopburi3]

The US cost for Home P is $239.95

An additional full licence for Vista in the US costs:

Windows Vista Home Premium Full

$215.00

So you do not get much of a discount for second computer.

[MTH]

That's correct, you only get one license for each commercially bought copy, if you want to install the same copy on additional computers, you have to order additional licenses.

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-v.../licensing.aspx

I have installed U.S. purchased XP and Vista on several computers here in Thailand and have activated them without any hitch.

Thanks for comments all. A couple more Q's: What happens when you buy a new comp w/o a pre-installed OS, you cannot install your copy of Windows on the new one? So the license is for the original install computer only and not just one computer at a time? What happens if you upgrade the HD or CPU on a computer and need to re-install the OS...would there be any problem...would the original install disks think the new hardware was a "new computer" and not install?

There is no way your original install disks will know that you have installed the software before, as they are read only. So yes, you can install your copy of Windows on a new computer. You just have to reactivate Windows again on the new computer, depending on the OS (Vista/XP) it will be a little bit different, you will get prompted though, just make sure you're connected to the internet at the time and it will be quick and easy. Same thing will happen sometimes when you change/add some hardware on a computer, a reactivation might be necessary.