Microsoft? Uhm, no...
Mintsauce (1004 pencils) | Wed, 2010-11-17 17:18I'm on the journey of trying to figure out which version of Windows7 to purchase for use in VirtualBox on my Mac. The licensing debate all over the web is fairly confusing and no-one can really agree. (OEM vs. Full Retail.)
So, I decide to do what any serious minded person does... phone Microsoft support and ask them directly.
From the Microsoft site: "Please call Microsoft at 0844 800 2400 and enter in the Access Code 1233 when prompted."
I dial the number and this is what I hear: "Thank you for calling Sprint for assistance with your PCS service. For English ..."
What the heck!?!
Update: From my Skype Phone => Invalid number.
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The Construct Agency
Building Creative Brands for People
Commenting on this Forum topic is closed.
Seems both their product line-up and customer support strategy are top notch. :)
Okay... dumb on my side. I didn't notice the "United Kingdom" line at the top. Why it was on United Kingdom I don't know, but. Anyway, I got the info:
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My Questions:
Hi,
I'm a web designer and find myself having to test websites against multiple version of IE all the time. Since multiple installs of IE cannot be done side by side I'm considering multiple virtual machines. And, since I'm a Mac user I'm not using Windows for any other purpose than testing against IE.
I would like to install Windows 7 (W7) on my Mac using VirtualBox (VB). Searching the internet has not brought up any definite answer to my question. I'm considering both the OEM and Retail (R) versions.
1 - Can I install a W7 OEM version on VB?
2 - Can I have more than 1 instance of W7 OEM on VB?
3 - If the above is not possible, how many virtual machines can I create using the same license for W7 R on the same physical machine?
I would really appreciate a definitive answer as I will be posting it to a Mac blog I regular - for future reference and other Mac web designers who are trying to maintain legal software status while not breaking the bank.
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Microsoft's Answer:
Thank you for contacting us.
Your email has come through to the Microsoft? licensing team in the UK.
I am happy to help with this query; I will deal with the OEM version of windows 7? first and then move onto the retail version.
OEM Windows 7?
OEM software can only be installed onto a computer that is to be sold and cannot be kept and used the person / company that install it. OEM is
Retail Windows 7?
A retail copy of Windows 7? can be install on a computer that you are keeping and using yourself.
All copies of Windows 7 ? (except the new Home premium Family pack which has 3 licenses but is only available for a limited time) only have one license for one install (virtual or otherwise) so you may need more than one copy of Windows 7 to install if you need more than one virtual device.
If you need any further assistance please don?t hesitate to call on 0844 800 2400 option 3 and option 3 between 08:00 and 18:00 Monday to Friday and ask for me, The rest of the team know who I am as I?m the only Andy here or you can email back if you prefer to.
Kind regards,
****** ****
Customer Service Professional
Microsoft Customer Services
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The Construct Agency
Building Creative Brands for People
How about XP? Is it cheaper than Win7? It should be. Win XP Pro. That's what I would purchase. But that what she said you have to purchase one licence for each virtual installation sucks the big one, really.
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Here's a comparison:
Windows XP Home, SP1 $255.98
Windows XP Pro, SP1 $355.64
Windows 7 Home Premium $185.00
Windows 7 Pro $275.00
I got Win7 Home from this merchant for $149 two days ago. At this rate maybe Microsoft soon start selling IE6.
The Construct Agency
Building Creative Brands for People
How about XP Pro SP3? And why XP is more expensive than Win7?
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The OEM version of XP Pro SP3 is $225. Who knows why it's so much more expensive? I would guess limited stock (is MS still procuding this?) and high demand. After the whole Vista debacle, who wants to even try W7?
The Construct Agency
Building Creative Brands for People
win7 is ok with latest updates I think. and once they release the first SP for win7, it will be a good OS. not good as unix but... usable :))
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