[WIN7] How many PC's can you install a Full Retail Version of Win7 on?

-Sk3tChY- · 18th February 2010, 11:58 AM

I did a quick search and couldn't find a thread about this question, and really don't have the time to sift through countless pages in the Win7 discussion thread, and figure it may be quicker/easier for myself and others in the future to just have a small thread with the question.

I'm still using XP Pro on all my PC's at home and figure it's about time to upgrade to Win7, as it seems to be a fairly good OS.

I plan on buying Win7 Pro and am now just in the process of figuring out whether to buy an OEM or Retail version.

I've tried googling my queries but haven't been unable to really find a definitive answer, some people are saying you can install a Full Retail version on up to 3 PC's, while others are saying it's only good for 1 PC.

Does anyone know for sure what the go is?

Also, my basic understanding of OEM versions is that it doesn't come in the pretty box and only allows you to install on 1 PC ever, and that if you upgrade that PC too much, you can void the license and lose the OS.. Although people have said to me you can call up Microsoft and get that sorted somehow.

Or perhaps I should get a student version? My sister goes to TAFE so I'm sure she'd qualify.

Spork! · 18th February 2010, 12:16 PM

Pretty sure it's one install per copy. This will obviously cost! I'd advise sister getting the student copy. Also, you can get multiple (3 and 5 I think) packs. The OEM will be lots cheaper than retail if you don't need a pretty box.

grss1982 · 18th February 2010, 5:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by -Sk3tChY-

I did a quick search and couldn't find a thread about this question, and really don't have the time to sift through countless pages in the Win7 discussion thread, and figure it may be quicker/easier for myself and others in the future to just have a small thread with the question.

I'm still using XP Pro on all my PC's at home and figure it's about time to upgrade to Win7, as it seems to be a fairly good OS.

I plan on buying Win7 Pro and am now just in the process of figuring out whether to buy an OEM or Retail version.

I've tried googling my queries but haven't been unable to really find a definitive answer, some people are saying you can install a Full Retail version on up to 3 PC's, while others are saying it's only good for 1 PC.

Does anyone know for sure what the go is?

Also, my basic understanding of OEM versions is that it doesn't come in the pretty box and only allows you to install on 1 PC ever, and that if you upgrade that PC too much, you can void the license and lose the OS.. Although people have said to me you can call up Microsoft and get that sorted somehow.

Or perhaps I should get a student version? My sister goes to TAFE so I'm sure she'd qualify.

That's actually the Windows 7 Home Premium Family Pack. One product key for three computers, IIRC.

However, the special deal ended last year. See: http://blogs.zdnet.com/microsoft/?p=4710

If you want the student version, make sure you have a valid *.edu e-mail address. Also if it's the digital download version, go for the *.iso file and not the three files version (as mentioned here: http://www.mydigitallife.info/2009/1...up2-box-files/).

SLATYE · 18th February 2010, 6:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by -Sk3tChY-

I've tried googling my queries but haven't been unable to really find a definitive answer, some people are saying you can install a Full Retail version on up to 3 PC's, while others are saying it's only good for 1 PC.

One PC at a time. You can uninstall it and use it for a different PC, but you can't have it installed on several PCs at the same time.

Quote:

Originally Posted by -Sk3tChY-

Also, my basic understanding of OEM versions is that it doesn't come in the pretty box and only allows you to install on 1 PC ever, and that if you upgrade that PC too much, you can void the license and lose the OS.. Although people have said to me you can call up Microsoft and get that sorted somehow.

MS are pretty relaxed about it. If you call them and explain that the PC has been upgraded, they'll give you a new key.

CAPT-Irrelevant · 18th February 2010, 6:01 PM

Unless the pack specifies multi-install support, 1 key per install.

arrow224 · 18th February 2010, 9:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by grss1982

That's actually the Windows 7 Home Premium Family Pack. One product key for three computers, IIRC.

However, the special deal ended last year. See: http://blogs.zdnet.com/microsoft/?p=4710

I know that Dick Smith sell the 3 user Family pack for $327. Although that is the upgrade version, not the full retail version.

-Sk3tChY- · 19th February 2010, 7:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spork!

The OEM will be lots cheaper than retail if you don't need a pretty box.

It's not just the pretty box, but like Slatye said, MS are pretty relaxed if you call them and say you've upgraded the PC, which is reassuring.

I was really only going to consider the Retail version if you could install it on 3 PC's, because then it would have been worth the extra money.

Quote:

Originally Posted by grss1982

That's actually the Windows 7 Home Premium Family Pack. One product key for three computers, IIRC.

However, the special deal ended last year. See: http://blogs.zdnet.com/microsoft/?p=4710

Well I formatted a computer for a client/family friend late last year and I'm almost certain his retail version of Home Premium could be installed on up to 3 PC's, he bought it from Harvey Norman. I think it was before December 1st.

I'd be getting the Professional version anyways, not sure if that comes in these 'Family Packs'.

Quote:

Originally Posted by grss1982

If you want the student version, make sure you have a valid *.edu e-mail address. Also if it's the digital download version, go for the *.iso file and not the three files version (as mentioned here: http://www.mydigitallife.info/2009/1...up2-box-files/).

ic ic.. If I were to get the Student version, are there any limitations? Is it similar to an OEM version or Retail version? (It would be nice to be able to move the OS from PC to PC, as I plan on upgraded in the not so distant future.)

Drew_ · 19th February 2010, 8:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by -Sk3tChY-

I'm almost certain his retail version of Home Premium could be installed on up to 3 PC's

You'd be wrong.

There are only two products from Microsoft that allow for installation on multiple computers.

1. Office Home and Student - 3 PCs within the household
2. Win 7 Home Premium Family Pack - 3 PCs within the household

All the other products are a single computer license, some exceptions within the EULA being that some can be installed on a desktop AND a laptop that you use and only one at a time can be used; however this does not in any way apply to operating systems.

If you ever need to know this in the future for any product, you simply need to read the EULA which is generally available from the vendors website for virtually all software products; there is a sections in it regarding the use and restrictions of use and/or installation.

Spork! · 19th February 2010, 9:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by -Sk3tChY-

...

Well I formatted a computer for a client/family friend late last year and I'm almost certain his retail version of Home Premium could be installed on up to 3 PC's, he bought it from Harvey Norman. I think it was before December 1st.

...

I saw what HN were charging! About 3 x the price of a full OEM W7 just for the upgrade...

-Sk3tChY- · 19th February 2010, 11:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spork!

I saw what HN were charging! About 3 x the price of a full OEM W7 just for the upgrade...

Yeah, from memory the price tag on the box was a little overpriced.. lol

And thanks Drew.

Phido · 19th February 2010, 1:03 PM

Can you have installed on multiple machines at the same time but only use one at a time? The other is just an unused image.

I have a PC and a Laptop. I only used 1 at a time ( the PC isn't even connected to the internet). Can I do this? Legally? Are there electronic controls to prevent it? Does it dial home every time you turn it on?

DarkYendor · 19th February 2010, 1:27 PM

Windows 7 Pro is defiantly the version to go for - I don't see why so many people are going for ultimate unless you 'need' bitlocker or obscure remote desktop features.

Technically, OEM needs to be purchased with PC hardware. But heaps of vendors don't care.

Upgrade needs to be installed over a previous install of windows (though you can format for a clean install before installing - just do the format inside the installer). If you have issues, you can always activate over the phone - I did it so many times when I was working as a computer technician, never once had a problem.

The "It's not cheating" student version ($50 online) is a normal upgrade copy of Pro - just better pricing, and it requires a valid uni .edu.au address.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Drew_

You'd be wrong.

There are only two products from Microsoft that allow for installation on multiple computers.

1. Office Home and Student - 3 PCs within the household
2. Win 7 Home Premium Family Pack - 3 PCs within the household

All the other products are a single computer license, some exceptions within the EULA being that some can be installed on a desktop AND a laptop that you use and only one at a time can be used; however this does not in any way apply to operating systems.

If you ever need to know this in the future for any product, you simply need to read the EULA which is generally available from the vendors website for virtually all software products; there is a sections in it regarding the use and restrictions of use and/or installation.

The EULA of office 2007 says you're allowed to install one copy on a desktop PC, and one copy on a portable PC. Doesn't say anything about only using one at a time though.

Phayder · 19th February 2010, 1:34 PM

I could be dead wrong about this, but i thought you had to have the machine connected to the internet to activate with the product key otherwise it locks down after a 30 day grace period?

Darko · 19th February 2010, 1:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phayder

I could be dead wrong about this, but i thought you had to have the machine connected to the internet to activate with the product key otherwise it locks down after a 30 day grace period?

Activation can be done on-line or over the phone

Phido · 19th February 2010, 3:16 PM

I think I will verify over the phone. Trying to go over the inet at work is a pain with firewalls and proxies and I have no home inet connection.

While its a PIA atleast Microsoft has a usable legit system unlike so many games avalible today. No internet connection means I can't play games at home!

I have the its not cheating version of windows. For $50 it was worthwhile buying a 64bit pro licence and $15 to have a physical DVD sent. 64bit win7 I would expect to be a baseline install to be around for many many years (ala XP 32bit).

Last version of windows I bought was 3.11. They gave me XP for free (ms launch at darling harbour good nite it was too), Vista came on my laptop.

Pro has everything, bitlocker sucks, your better off with the free truecrypt anyway.

18th February 2010, 11:58 AM	#1
-Sk3tChY- Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: NSW, In a house. Posts: 3,473	How many PC's can you install a Full Retail Version of Win7 on? I did a quick search and couldn't find a thread about this question, and really don't have the time to sift through countless pages in the Win7 discussion thread, and figure it may be quicker/easier for myself and others in the future to just have a small thread with the question. I'm still using XP Pro on all my PC's at home and figure it's about time to upgrade to Win7, as it seems to be a fairly good OS. I plan on buying Win7 Pro and am now just in the process of figuring out whether to buy an OEM or Retail version. I've tried googling my queries but haven't been unable to really find a definitive answer, some people are saying you can install a Full Retail version on up to 3 PC's, while others are saying it's only good for 1 PC. Does anyone know for sure what the go is? Also, my basic understanding of OEM versions is that it doesn't come in the pretty box and only allows you to install on 1 PC ever, and that if you upgrade that PC too much, you can void the license and lose the OS.. Although people have said to me you can call up Microsoft and get that sorted somehow. Or perhaps I should get a student version? My sister goes to TAFE so I'm sure she'd qualify. __________________ \| Main Rig \| i7-2600K @ TBA \| CPU-370 \| Maximus IV Extreme-Z \| 16GB RAM TBA \| EVGA GTX580 @ TBA \| VID-NX580 \| Corsair AX850 \| Powdercoated CM Cosmo S \| OCZ Vertex 3 Max IOPS 120GB \| Black Ice SR1 360+120+120 \| \| Second Rig \| i5-2500K @ 4.326Ghz \| CM 212+ \| Sabertooth P67 \| 16GB Corsair Vengeance @ 1648Mhz \| Asus HD6850 @ 900/4400 \| Silverstone ST75F-P \| Fractal Design Define R3 \| 2 x 2TB Seagate ST2000DL003 \| 2 x 500GB Samsung HD501LJ \| BenQ G2420HD \| Last edited by -Sk3tChY-; 18th February 2010 at 12:05 PM.

18th February 2010, 12:16 PM	#2
Spork! Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Tasmania Posts: 1,633	Pretty sure it's one install per copy. This will obviously cost! I'd advise sister getting the student copy. Also, you can get multiple (3 and 5 I think) packs. The OEM will be lots cheaper than retail if you don't need a pretty box. __________________ http://yrbrutsapussy.mybrute.com \| ~~E5200 @ 3.837~~, ~~Q6600 @ 3.33 (3.75 bench)~~, Q9650 @ 3.7 - 1.2625 vCore

18th February 2010, 6:01 PM	#5
CAPT-Irrelevant Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Sydney Posts: 3,590	Unless the pack specifies multi-install support, 1 key per install. __________________ FALADIS - P6T-SE \| i7 920 + Zalman CNPS 10X \| 8GB XMS3 C8 \| Sapphire 5870 1GB \| Seagate 7200.12 500GB + 1TB \| FT01 \| CoolerMaster 1000W \| LG BH12LS38 \| G15 (v2) \| W7 x64 Ultimate \| Creative I-Trigue 3400 PHYRAXUS - DP67DE \| i3 2100 \| 2GB XMS3 C9 \| EVGA GT430 1GB \| Samsung F4EG HD204UI 2TB x4 \| PC-V354B \| OCZ Fatal1y 550W \| Fedora 15 x64 + 4TB MDRAID5 ASICUS - ASUS N61JQ (W7 x64 Ultimate + Fedora 13 x64) \| HYPHAERION - HP Compaq 2510p (Fedora 16 x64)

19th February 2010, 1:34 PM	#13
Phayder Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 29	I could be dead wrong about this, but i thought you had to have the machine connected to the internet to activate with the product key otherwise it locks down after a 30 day grace period?