Hi all,

I'm talking to a colleague in Sweden, he's a hardcore Solaris guy, uses Windows, but doesn't understand it, and I'm not too sure why he's talking to me of all people about it...

Anyhoo, he's bought a server and wants to install Windows in a VM on it. He has a latop running XP, can he transfer his OEM license to the VM? And if not, why not? And what would happen if he did?

Many thanks,

Ben

legitimately OEM is tied to a machine when that machine dies so does teh OEM licence so if he already has it installed he's buggered. In theory - some people have talked M$ support round on it.

Why doesn't he put RC Win7 on it ?

Thanks Alun,

He has already bought an XP license, but wondered if the laptop license could be used for a second VM. He could use Win 7 RC, however the VM is only there so that MS Office can be used from time to time, that's it really, so there is little point in having to fiddle around with anything more alien than XP for him (his words, not mine).

I think strictly, it's wrong. However, it's still better than a pirated copy in my book. Shouldn't be any issues with updates either, as far as I'm aware.

you cant legally transfer the license, but im sure it is possible with minor hackage/whinging at MS

if its just for MS office, win7 RC should be apt. if anything its easier to use than Vista anyway

If the user is familiar with Windows XP it doesn't matter whether it's Vista or Win7 they will both be different than what he/she is used to...