MSDN version and multiple activations

I work at a technical college, and we have a MSDN membership. I'm in the
process of writing student manuals how to install and use VISTA,
typically this requires me to install, format and reinstall the OS a
number of times, trying out different combinations, so I can tell
students what NOT to do etc...

My concern is with the VISTA activation requirements, will I need a new
product code each install.


--
Trilobyte
Posted via http://www.vistaheads.com

Go to MSDN to find the information on the number of installations and
activations allowed, or use the MSDN newsgroups.

"Trilobyte" <> wrote in message
news:...
:
: I work at a technical college, and we have a MSDN membership. I'm in the
: process of writing student manuals how to install and use VISTA,
: typically this requires me to install, format and reinstall the OS a
: number of times, trying out different combinations, so I can tell
: students what NOT to do etc...
:
: My concern is with the VISTA activation requirements, will I need a new
: product code each install.
:
:
: --
: Trilobyte
: Posted via http://www.vistaheads.com
:

Trilobyte wrote:
> I work at a technical college, and we have a MSDN membership. I'm in the
> process of writing student manuals how to install and use VISTA,
> typically this requires me to install, format and reinstall the OS a
> number of times, trying out different combinations, so I can tell
> students what NOT to do etc...
>
> My concern is with the VISTA activation requirements, will I need a new
> product code each install.
>
>

For your work documenting how to install and use Vista I would recommend
using virtual machines (VM) to do your work, at the very least.

Not sure I understand the requirement to actually activate the Vista
installs... there's a SkipRearm reg hack that'll push out the activation
date at least 120 days. I'm sure you'll be "slicking" machines in that
120 day period. And... VM's would probably work for the students too.

Lang

On Sat, 19 Apr 2008 01:57:44 -0400, Lang Murphy
<> wrote:

>Trilobyte wrote:
>> I work at a technical college, and we have a MSDN membership. I'm in the
>> process of writing student manuals how to install and use VISTA,
>> typically this requires me to install, format and reinstall the OS a
>> number of times, trying out different combinations, so I can tell
>> students what NOT to do etc...
>>
>> My concern is with the VISTA activation requirements, will I need a new
>> product code each install.
>>
>>
>
>For your work documenting how to install and use Vista I would recommend
>using virtual machines (VM) to do your work, at the very least.
>
>Not sure I understand the requirement to actually activate the Vista
>installs... there's a SkipRearm reg hack that'll push out the activation
>date at least 120 days. I'm sure you'll be "slicking" machines in that
>120 day period. And... VM's would probably work for the students too.
>
>Lang

You won't need a new activation code each time you install the OS,
since a new install of Vista allows one to use the OS full-featured
for 30 days before activation is required. Additionally, the Product
Key does not need to be entered until one is ready to activate the OS.
Just be sure to uncheck "Activate while online" during installation.

AFIK, the SkipRearm "bug" has been fixed (i.e., "the SkipRearm method
of by-passing mandatory activation was removed") with the release of
SP1.

An installation of Vista on a Virtual Machine also requires a Product
Key and activation after 30 days.

How many seats are supplied with your school's MSDN membership? One
for each student?

AFIK, each seat of an MSDN membership allows one 10 activations before
a new Product Key would need to be issued. Whether these are 1
activation on 10 discrete machines, or 10 activations on the same
machine, I am not sure.


Donald L McDaniel
Please reply to the correct thread and article.
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