Windows XP and Virtual PC licencing

[james_tiger_woods]

I've searched for this to no avail:

When using virtual PC, how does licensing work for Windows XP for that?

If windows XP is the host, can you install windows XP in a virtual machine on that PC without needing another (purchased) licence?

I know you can for Vista, but I need to verify this - is there a EULA I can link to at all?

Thanks

JTW

[Tripredacus]

I think the reason why it is difficult to find license information regarding virtualized XP is because it wasn't part of the EULA. There are 2 things I have been able to determine:

1. You can use XP Pro on a VM if that XP is not running on the host or another PC. In other words, the CD Key for that copy of XP cannot be in use on any other machine or VHD. This idea is covered in the Transfer Rights portion of the XP EULA.

2. You can use XP Pro (or 2000 Workstation but not both) on a VM hosted by Vista Enterprise, as this is covered under Vista's downgrade-rights initiative.

Pre-Vista virtualisation FAQ

http://ncsu.edu/software/agreements/virtualfaqms.php

This mode of licensing applies to Windows Vista Enterprise with Software Assurance, and customers can use “downgrade rights” under their Software Assurance agreement to deploy any version of Windows Professional editions (Windows 2000 Professional, XP Professional, and Vista Enterprise) in a virtual machine.

VECD is available to Microsoft Software Assurance customers for an annual, per-device subscription fee. The fee varies based on whether your business is licensing PCs or thin clients to access the virtual desktop. The subscription fee amount is yet to be released from Microsoft.

http://www.vmware.com/files/pdf/windows_vecd.pdf