Windows Virtual PC - GUID / Licensing

[powder21]

Hi. I am not finding a definite answer to this question in my google and microsoft searches. I was hoping somebody here could help me out.

I am trying to figure out if I will be able to install and activate Windows 7 on multiple VMs using the same product key on the same physical machine.

I am able to install, activate, and run multiple copies of Windows 7 on separate physical partitions with the same product key due to the fact that they all share the same GUID and thus, from Microsoft's perspective, they are all the same exact copy. Or at least this is how I understand it.

So, if each VM shares the same GUID, it would stand to reason that I would not need a different product key for each Windows 7 VM that I am running. However, I don't know that much about virtualization, so I am unsure as to whether a VM created with the new Windows Virtual PC will have a GUID different from that which is stored in my BIOS.

If somebody could please help clarify this, I would greatly appreciate it, as I do not want to get my product key "black-listed" and I need to get several Windows 7 VM's installed as soon as possible. Thanks.

Just FYI: This is for testing purposes. I can assure you that I have purchased a separate license for every PHYSICAL MACHINE that I own. I am not trying to screw Microsoft here :)

[-pops-]

The problem is that Microsoft terms and conditions are extraordinarily complex - and seem to be different with each edition of Windows that they introduce.

Only Microsoft can give a definitive answer to this so my advice would be to contact them. They are very helpful.

[powder21]

The problem is that Microsoft terms and conditions are extraordinarily complex - and seem to be different with each edition of Windows that they introduce.

Only Microsoft can give a definitive answer to this so my advice would be to contact them. They are very helpful.

Thanks, I'll probably have to do that :)

[powder21]

Ok, I contacted MS who told me definitively that I would require an additional license for each VM. However, somebody on another forum stated that I could create one VM, activate it, then copy it once activated so that I wouldn't have to activate each VM. This would be fine as the two (or three) VMs do not need to be much different from each other. However, I'm still wondering if running the multiple copies simultaneously could still do something to cause the license used for the VM to be lost (black-listed). Please let me know. Thanks.

[-pops-]

Ok, I contacted MS who told me definitively that I would require an additional license for each VM.

That's it then. If you have been told differently on another forum then it is they who should take the responsibility of incorrect advice.

[powder21]

Ok, I contacted MS who told me definitively that I would require an additional license for each VM. However, somebody on another forum stated that I could create one VM, activate it, then copy it once activated so that I wouldn't have to activate each VM. This would be fine as the two (or three) VMs do not need to be much different from each other. However, I'm still wondering if running the multiple copies simultaneously could still do something to cause the license used for the VM to be lost (black-listed). Please let me know. Thanks.

I would ask MS about that last question but I'm almost positive they would say "We don't want you doing that." :) I'm more concerned with what I can actually do without technically violating the licensing terms as opposed to what they want me to do. If anybody knows whether or not a copied VM is still seen as the same VM or a different VM (and thus requiring a different license according to MS), please let me know. I would've edited my last post to reflect this but there doesn't appear to be an option for editing.