Windows Vista - Licenses

Hello folks,
I'm really stuck with the licensing program of the Windows Vista.
There are plenty of licensing programs including OEM, OLP, FULL,
UPGRADE and the like. The truth is that I need to buy a copy of
Windows Vista Ultimate (the full version), which I can install and
activate over and over again on a single machine. i.e., there are some
situations where I might need to re-format my hard drive... In such
cases, I would like to install the same OS over my machine from
scratch and activate it again.

Could anybody out there help me to choose a proper license for such
activities?

TIA,
Mehdi

Retail or OEM will probably do what you want.
OEM is significantly cheaper but it lives and dies with the original
computer and can never be transferred to a different computer
regardless the condition of that computer.

Both retail and OEM can be reinstalled on the original computer an
unlimited # of times.
Retail can also be be transferred to another computer all you want as
long as it is only installed on one computer at a time.

I prefer retail.

--
Jupiter Jones [MVP]
http://www3.telus.net/dandemar
http://www.dts-l.org


"mehdi" <> wrote in message
news: ups.com...
> Hello folks,
> I'm really stuck with the licensing program of the Windows Vista.
> There are plenty of licensing programs including OEM, OLP, FULL,
> UPGRADE and the like. The truth is that I need to buy a copy of
> Windows Vista Ultimate (the full version), which I can install and
> activate over and over again on a single machine. i.e., there are
> some
> situations where I might need to re-format my hard drive... In such
> cases, I would like to install the same OS over my machine from
> scratch and activate it again.
>
> Could anybody out there help me to choose a proper license for such
> activities?
>
> TIA,
> Mehdi

On Oct 29, 10:28 am, "Jupiter Jones [MVP]"
<jones_jupi...@hotnomail.com> wrote:
> Retail or OEM will probably do what you want.
> OEM is significantly cheaper but it lives and dies with the original
> computer and can never be transferred to a different computer
> regardless the condition of that computer.
>
> Both retail and OEM can be reinstalled on the original computer an
> unlimited # of times.
> Retail can also be be transferred to another computer all you want as
> long as it is only installed on one computer at a time.
>
> I prefer retail.
>
> --
> Jupiter Jones [MVP]http://www3.telus.net/dandemarhttp://www.dts-l.org
>
> "mehdi" <mehdi.mous...@gmail.com> wrote in message
>
> news: ups.com...
>
> > Hello folks,
> > I'm really stuck with the licensing program of the Windows Vista.
> > There are plenty of licensing programs including OEM, OLP, FULL,
> > UPGRADE and the like. The truth is that I need to buy a copy of
> > Windows Vista Ultimate (the full version), which I can install and
> > activate over and over again on a single machine. i.e., there are
> > some
> > situations where I might need to re-format my hard drive... In such
> > cases, I would like to install the same OS over my machine from
> > scratch and activate it again.
>
> > Could anybody out there help me to choose a proper license for such
> > activities?
>
> > TIA,
> > Mehdi

Well, some questions are aroused:

1. Does it mean that I can install a retail version on both of my home/
office computers and work with one of them at a time?

2. How am I supposed to transfer one copy from machine A to machine B?

3. What if I buy an OEM version and install it on my machine, and
thereafter, I exchange my H.D.D with another one with larger volume?
Can I activate it again on the mentioned machine?

Thank you for your time,
Mehdi

Methinks you are up to some mischief!
In your original post, you said one computer!
Now, it is transferring and/or running ONE Vista on 2 machines.

You were given the answer!!!!

"mehdi" wrote:

> On Oct 29, 10:28 am, "Jupiter Jones [MVP]"
> <jones_jupi...@hotnomail.com> wrote:
> > Retail or OEM will probably do what you want.
> > OEM is significantly cheaper but it lives and dies with the original
> > computer and can never be transferred to a different computer
> > regardless the condition of that computer.
> >
> > Both retail and OEM can be reinstalled on the original computer an
> > unlimited # of times.
> > Retail can also be be transferred to another computer all you want as
> > long as it is only installed on one computer at a time.
> >
> > I prefer retail.
> >
> > --
> > Jupiter Jones [MVP]http://www3.telus.net/dandemarhttp://www.dts-l.org
> >
> > "mehdi" <mehdi.mous...@gmail.com> wrote in message
> >
> > news: ups.com...
> >
> > > Hello folks,
> > > I'm really stuck with the licensing program of the Windows Vista.
> > > There are plenty of licensing programs including OEM, OLP, FULL,
> > > UPGRADE and the like. The truth is that I need to buy a copy of
> > > Windows Vista Ultimate (the full version), which I can install and
> > > activate over and over again on a single machine. i.e., there are
> > > some
> > > situations where I might need to re-format my hard drive... In such
> > > cases, I would like to install the same OS over my machine from
> > > scratch and activate it again.
> >
> > > Could anybody out there help me to choose a proper license for such
> > > activities?
> >
> > > TIA,
> > > Mehdi
>
> Well, some questions are aroused:
>
> 1. Does it mean that I can install a retail version on both of my home/
> office computers and work with one of them at a time?
>
> 2. How am I supposed to transfer one copy from machine A to machine B?
>
> 3. What if I buy an OEM version and install it on my machine, and
> thereafter, I exchange my H.D.D with another one with larger volume?
> Can I activate it again on the mentioned machine?
>
> Thank you for your time,
> Mehdi
>
>

On Oct 29, 5:21 pm, mehdi <mehdi.mous...@gmail.com> wrote:
> Hello folks,
> I'm really stuck with the licensing program of the Windows Vista.
> There are plenty of licensing programs including OEM, OLP, FULL,
> UPGRADE and the like. The truth is that I need to buy a copy of
> Windows Vista Ultimate (the full version), which I can install and
> activate over and over again on a single machine. i.e., there are some
> situations where I might need to re-format my hard drive... In such
> cases, I would like to install the same OS over my machine from
> scratch and activate it again.
>
> Could anybody out there help me to choose a proper license for such
> activities?
>
> TIA,
> Mehdi

Hi folks,
OEM version is for an Original Equipment Manufacturer and
theoretically should only be loaded by a system builder.
So what you are looking for is the retail version.
According to Bill's mob, that version should only be used on one
computer, so you would need two copies if you have one have two
computers at home.
As I understand it, if you do use an OEM version it can be used on
another machine later provided that a new key is obtained from
Microsoft and they will ask you to confirm that it has been removed
from the other machine.
XP and Vista keep a log of items on the computer and if you change
several items you will have to reactivate the code.
It sounds frightening but its not that hard and Microsoft do not track
any personally identifiable data. They are more interested in catching
people who are selling illegal copies.
Well thats as far as I understand it to be.
All the best,
Maxi

1. No. One license, one computer. Same as always.

2. By installing it on machine B and, if necessary, using telephone
activation.

3. Yes.

--
Richard G. Harper [MVP Shell/User]
* NEW! Catch my blog ... http://msmvps.com/blogs/rgharper/
* PLEASE post all messages and replies in the newsgroups
* The Website - http://rgharper.mvps.org/
* HELP us help YOU ... http://www.dts-l.org/goodpost.htm


"mehdi" <> wrote in message
news: ups.com...
> On Oct 29, 10:28 am, "Jupiter Jones [MVP]"
> <jones_jupi...@hotnomail.com> wrote:
>> Retail or OEM will probably do what you want.
>> OEM is significantly cheaper but it lives and dies with the original
>> computer and can never be transferred to a different computer
>> regardless the condition of that computer.
>>
>> Both retail and OEM can be reinstalled on the original computer an
>> unlimited # of times.
>> Retail can also be be transferred to another computer all you want as
>> long as it is only installed on one computer at a time.
>>
>> I prefer retail.
>>
>> --
>> Jupiter Jones [MVP]http://www3.telus.net/dandemarhttp://www.dts-l.org
>>
>> "mehdi" <mehdi.mous...@gmail.com> wrote in message
>>
>> news: ups.com...
>>
>> > Hello folks,
>> > I'm really stuck with the licensing program of the Windows Vista.
>> > There are plenty of licensing programs including OEM, OLP, FULL,
>> > UPGRADE and the like. The truth is that I need to buy a copy of
>> > Windows Vista Ultimate (the full version), which I can install and
>> > activate over and over again on a single machine. i.e., there are
>> > some
>> > situations where I might need to re-format my hard drive... In such
>> > cases, I would like to install the same OS over my machine from
>> > scratch and activate it again.
>>
>> > Could anybody out there help me to choose a proper license for such
>> > activities?
>>
>> > TIA,
>> > Mehdi
>
> Well, some questions are aroused:
>
> 1. Does it mean that I can install a retail version on both of my home/
> office computers and work with one of them at a time?
>
> 2. How am I supposed to transfer one copy from machine A to machine B?
>
> 3. What if I buy an OEM version and install it on my machine, and
> thereafter, I exchange my H.D.D with another one with larger volume?
> Can I activate it again on the mentioned machine?
>
> Thank you for your time,
> Mehdi
>

On Oct 29, 12:29 pm, "Richard G. Harper" <rghar...@email.com> wrote:
> 1. No. One license, one computer. Same as always.
>
> 2. By installing it on machine B and, if necessary, using telephone
> activation.
>
> 3. Yes.
>
> --
> Richard G. Harper [MVP Shell/User] rghar...@gmail.com
> * NEW! Catch my blog ...http://msmvps.com/blogs/rgharper/
> * PLEASE post all messages and replies in the newsgroups
> * The Website -http://rgharper.mvps.org/
> * HELP us help YOU ...http://www.dts-l.org/goodpost.htm
>
> "mehdi" <mehdi.mous...@gmail.com> wrote in message
>
> news: ups.com...
>
> > On Oct 29, 10:28 am, "Jupiter Jones [MVP]"
> > <jones_jupi...@hotnomail.com> wrote:
> >> Retail or OEM will probably do what you want.
> >> OEM is significantly cheaper but it lives and dies with the original
> >> computer and can never be transferred to a different computer
> >> regardless the condition of that computer.
>
> >> Both retail and OEM can be reinstalled on the original computer an
> >> unlimited # of times.
> >> Retail can also be be transferred to another computer all you want as
> >> long as it is only installed on one computer at a time.
>
> >> I prefer retail.
>
> >> --
> >> Jupiter Jones [MVP]http://www3.telus.net/dandemarhttp://www.dts-l.org
>
> >> "mehdi" <mehdi.mous...@gmail.com> wrote in message
>
> >>news: roups.com...
>
> >> > Hello folks,
> >> > I'm really stuck with the licensing program of the Windows Vista.
> >> > There are plenty of licensing programs including OEM, OLP, FULL,
> >> > UPGRADE and the like. The truth is that I need to buy a copy of
> >> > Windows Vista Ultimate (the full version), which I can install and
> >> > activate over and over again on a single machine. i.e., there are
> >> > some
> >> > situations where I might need to re-format my hard drive... In such
> >> > cases, I would like to install the same OS over my machine from
> >> > scratch and activate it again.
>
> >> > Could anybody out there help me to choose a proper license for such
> >> > activities?
>
> >> > TIA,
> >> > Mehdi
>
> > Well, some questions are aroused:
>
> > 1. Does it mean that I can install a retail version on both of my home/
> > office computers and work with one of them at a time?
>
> > 2. How am I supposed to transfer one copy from machine A to machine B?
>
> > 3. What if I buy an OEM version and install it on my machine, and
> > thereafter, I exchange my H.D.D with another one with larger volume?
> > Can I activate it again on the mentioned machine?
>
> > Thank you for your time,
> > Mehdi

I'm really sorry, but I really need to understand the subtle nuances
of how the licensing works. As far as I understand, each license is
bound to a given physical computer, not the buyer!!! This means that I
can only install one copy (license) on a single machine despite of the
fact that I can be physically in one location. Right? So, if I'm going
to use it under two machines, I've to buy 2 copies. Is there anyway to
buy a single copy and buy multiple licenses separately whenever it is
required?

Thank you again for your time,
Mehdi

Hi,

Ordering additional licenses:
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/pro...e/default.mspx

> This means that I can only install one copy (license) on a single machine
> despite of the fact that I can be physically in one location. Right?

Right, just like you have to register and purchase licenses plates for both
vehicles you own even though you can only drive one at a time.

--
Best of Luck,

Rick Rogers, aka "Nutcase" - Microsoft MVP
http://mvp.support.microsoft.com/
Windows help - www.rickrogers.org
My thoughts http://rick-mvp.blogspot.com

"mehdi" <> wrote in message
news: ups.com...
> On Oct 29, 12:29 pm, "Richard G. Harper" <rghar...@email.com> wrote:
>> 1. No. One license, one computer. Same as always.
>>
>> 2. By installing it on machine B and, if necessary, using telephone
>> activation.
>>
>> 3. Yes.
>>
>> --
>> Richard G. Harper [MVP Shell/User] rghar...@gmail.com
>> * NEW! Catch my blog ...http://msmvps.com/blogs/rgharper/
>> * PLEASE post all messages and replies in the newsgroups
>> * The Website -http://rgharper.mvps.org/
>> * HELP us help YOU ...http://www.dts-l.org/goodpost.htm
>>
>> "mehdi" <mehdi.mous...@gmail.com> wrote in message
>>
>> news: ups.com...
>>
>> > On Oct 29, 10:28 am, "Jupiter Jones [MVP]"
>> > <jones_jupi...@hotnomail.com> wrote:
>> >> Retail or OEM will probably do what you want.
>> >> OEM is significantly cheaper but it lives and dies with the original
>> >> computer and can never be transferred to a different computer
>> >> regardless the condition of that computer.
>>
>> >> Both retail and OEM can be reinstalled on the original computer an
>> >> unlimited # of times.
>> >> Retail can also be be transferred to another computer all you want as
>> >> long as it is only installed on one computer at a time.
>>
>> >> I prefer retail.
>>
>> >> --
>> >> Jupiter Jones [MVP]http://www3.telus.net/dandemarhttp://www.dts-l.org
>>
>> >> "mehdi" <mehdi.mous...@gmail.com> wrote in message
>>
>> >>news: roups.com...
>>
>> >> > Hello folks,
>> >> > I'm really stuck with the licensing program of the Windows Vista.
>> >> > There are plenty of licensing programs including OEM, OLP, FULL,
>> >> > UPGRADE and the like. The truth is that I need to buy a copy of
>> >> > Windows Vista Ultimate (the full version), which I can install and
>> >> > activate over and over again on a single machine. i.e., there are
>> >> > some
>> >> > situations where I might need to re-format my hard drive... In such
>> >> > cases, I would like to install the same OS over my machine from
>> >> > scratch and activate it again.
>>
>> >> > Could anybody out there help me to choose a proper license for such
>> >> > activities?
>>
>> >> > TIA,
>> >> > Mehdi
>>
>> > Well, some questions are aroused:
>>
>> > 1. Does it mean that I can install a retail version on both of my home/
>> > office computers and work with one of them at a time?
>>
>> > 2. How am I supposed to transfer one copy from machine A to machine B?
>>
>> > 3. What if I buy an OEM version and install it on my machine, and
>> > thereafter, I exchange my H.D.D with another one with larger volume?
>> > Can I activate it again on the mentioned machine?
>>
>> > Thank you for your time,
>> > Mehdi
>
> I'm really sorry, but I really need to understand the subtle nuances
> of how the licensing works. As far as I understand, each license is
> bound to a given physical computer, not the buyer!!! This means that I
> can only install one copy (license) on a single machine despite of the
> fact that I can be physically in one location. Right? So, if I'm going
> to use it under two machines, I've to buy 2 copies. Is there anyway to
> buy a single copy and buy multiple licenses separately whenever it is
> required?
>
> Thank you again for your time,
> Mehdi
>

Couple of small corrections.

"maxi" <> wrote in message
news: ps.com...
> OEM version is for an Original Equipment Manufacturer and
> theoretically should only be loaded by a system builder.
> So what you are looking for is the retail version.

If you build your own computer from parts, you are the system builder. The
difference between retail and OEM is packaging, transfer rights and support.

OEM support is provided by the OEM, which is you. Retail support is provided
by Microsoft (unsure of the exact deal, never bought retail).

> As I understand it, if you do use an OEM version it can be used on
> another machine later provided that a new key is obtained from
> Microsoft and they will ask you to confirm that it has been removed
> from the other machine.

That's retail, OEM doesn't have transfer rights. As said elsewhere, it lives
and dies with the pc it's first installed on. Upgrades are fine, and the
debates are wide and long as to what exact constitutes a "new pc". Whether
it's the motherboard, case, power supply or otherwise, the intent is that
it's the same pc, so use your own moral compass for best results.

Retail can be uninstalled from one pc and transferred to a new one.

rtk

"Jupiter Jones [MVP]" <> wrote in message
news:%...
> Retail or OEM will probably do what you want.
> OEM is significantly cheaper but it lives and dies with the original
> computer and can never be transferred to a different computer regardless
> the condition of that computer.
>
Or so they tell you, as I 'upgraded' my PC to almost a complete new machine
and re-activated my OEM licence without any problem.