Vista activation

[cookiemonster[MoA]]

What would happen if you had vista ultimate 64 installed on 1 computer and then installed it on another computer and called the outimated phone activation and activated the copy on the 2nd pc? Could microsoft find out that its running on 2 computers buy IP's or something?

Thanks

[CoffeeFiend]

The hardware (and serial #s) are different on both boxes so it would be obvious you're running it on 2 PCs, and they're not going to activate the other. That's assuming it's not a special OEM version that is tied to the hardware in the first place (activated using key in the BIOS).

If you want to run it on a 2nd PC, buy another license.

Edited July 29, 2008 by crahak

[cookiemonster[MoA]]

I understand that but if the activation did work on the second computer would thay find out?

[CoffeeFiend]

So you're asking if they have a way to catch you, if you illegally install it on more than one computer/violate the licensing terms and that by some way I can't think of you also managed to somehow get them to activate it too?

It's illegal regardless, whatever the chances (or ways) of "getting caught" are.

Again, you want to run it on 2 PCs? You buy 2 licenses. Too expensive? Use another OS.

[PC_LOAD_LETTER]

OK first off you cannot legally install vista to multiple machine without first purchasing a license.

You can of course physically install on more than 1 PC. This of course is not legal but I have heard of many instances of people doing this without problems. However, that type of behavior is EXACTLY what WGA is designed to prevent so those users could have 1 or all of their machines with the same product key forced into "Reduced Functionality Mode" at any time. It could appear to work for a while but then fail WGA after a period. Then the only recovery methods available is either reinstall or purchase a valid license.

easiest way is to just buy a second license:

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

[fizban2]

The question has been anwsered

You cannot install Vista on a Second Machine without another License.

Closing topic