Vista Sealed Retail
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US $11.98
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I have just bought Windows Vista Ultimate Edition ( Full Retail Version )?
Can any kind soul explain what buying this version entitles me to with regard to Microsoft Licensing. I paid £300.00 for it and note that there are also upgrade versions ( For £200.00 ) and OEM Versions for around £120.00 approx.
I have a Sony Vaio Laptop With Windows XP Professional already built in ( Have license stickers on the rear of the Laptopl ).
I also have two computers at home used by my kids and was wondering whether I can install this on there machines with it being the most expensive copy available.
I note that there are 32 and 64 bit discs inside but as yet I haven't broke the seals , please please can someone explain in si mple English what Microsoft allow me to do with this once ive opened the seals. Cheers
Hi Wayne,
In short the boxed version of Windows that you bought entitles you to a single install on a single machine. If you wish to move it to another machine it will have to be uninstalled from the first one.
OEM is cheaper as the licence is tied to the hardware. In otherwords when you install in on a machine it lives and dies with that machine, i.e. it cannot be transferred to another one.
The upgrade licence is similar to the one you bought with regards to installing, except that you need to have a previous qualifying version of windows to upgrade from.
The 32bit and 64bit discs are not for two installations, but for a single installation depending on whether you're hardware is 32bit or 64bit.
That is the licencing point of it. From a what is technically possible point of view you can install it on more than one machine and when it comes to activation you ring the activation centre and inform them that it is the same machine but you needed to re-install. HOWEVER, that is in breach of the licence.
So there you go, hope that helps...
PS breaking the seal doesn't mean you are not entitled to return it. A lot of shops will say that because you broke the seal they will not refund you. This is false! You have a 30 day return period regardless. Plus any shop that tells you Microsoft will not refund them because you broke the seal is also false. They will. If you encounter this ring Microsoft directly and they are actually quite good to help on this but do advice that you go through the full process with the shop.
Another difference I've just thought of it that with the boxed version you bought you are also entitled to two free incidents of technical support directly with Microsoft. Installation and virus issues will be free and not affect this number.
With OEM your technical support lies with whom you bought the disc from and is chargeable with Microsoft.
PPS - Ok not so short - but if your children and students in a Dfes recognised school or college do ask your shop about educational licences as these a much cheaper and as a parent/guardian you are entitled to also use this software.