Can I use/activate more than one PC in my house with my Vista Ultimate key?

[Arik5405]

I have a total of 5 computers (including a laptop) running in my house right now. I have a valid copy of Windows XP Pro that I have been using on all 5 computers with no problems for a couple of years now. I just purchased Vista Ultimate and was wondering if I could do the samething or would I be forced to buy 4 more additional licenses? If i tried to install Vista on all 5 computers what could go wrong?

 

[Raduque]

I don't know how you managed to use XP on five computers at once, unless you purchased a several-thousand dollar VLK license or haxed the product activation.

And for your question, no, you can't do that for Vista.

 

[Puffnstuff]

Read the EULA as it contains your answer. Congrats on pirating for so long. Maybe that's why I spent to much on licensing each machine in my house.:roll:

 

[Arik5405]

I got the key from a laptop that the college I work for uses. (maybe this key I have is a VLK license key like Raduque described) I've been using the key on all 5 computers for a couple of years now and have been able to download updates, activate, and download genuine advantage software, and other stuff with no problem.

 

[Arik5405]

Originally posted by: Puffnstuff
Read the EULA as it contains your answer. Congrats on pirating for so long. Maybe that's why I spent to much on licensing each machine in my house.:roll:

i dont pirate, I had permission from someone in IT to use the XP key and i purchased vista legally. thanks for your help.

 

[Arik5405]

also I had no idea about VLK licenses and differences in licenses that's why I thought I'd ask on here.

 

[RebateMonger]

Originally posted by: Arik5405
also I had no idea about VLK licenses and differences in licenses that's why I thought I'd ask on here.

Microsoft now requires activation of Volume License Keys for Vista because of the high rate of piracy of the XP keys. The number of uses of the Keys are counted and compared to the number of licenses paid for.

The other thing about VLK licenses that many folks don't know is that you can't "legally" use them on a "bare" PC. Under Microsoft's license terms, all VLK licenses are "upgrade only". For XP Professional, for instance, the PC needs to have a valid license for Windows 98, 2000, or XP Home in addition to the VLK license.

 

[Nothinman]

i dont pirate, I had permission from someone in IT to use the XP key and i purchased vista legally. thanks for your help.

That's still iffy, just because someone gave you the key doesn't mean it's actually legal for you to use it.

 

[pcgeek11]

I don't think that the IT Department has the authority to override the license agreement in this manner. No offense, but your IT department should know better.

pcgeek11

 

[Arik5405]

I used the vista family discount program and bought a couple home premium licenses for $50 each. so 3 out of 5 computers have vista now. the other 2 I guess I will just leave XP on them. no big deal.

 

[Puffnstuff]

I believe that the version of vista you're looking for is floating around on bt.

 

[RebateMonger]

Originally posted by: Arik5405
I used the vista family discount program and bought a couple home premium licenses for $50 each.

There's another thread here where somebody's asking of the Fmaily Home Discount Keys are any good yet. Sounds like they are working now. I've bought a couple of Keys, but I haven't used them.

 

[Puffnstuff]

I bought them the first day they were available and was one of the lucky ones who received bad keys from ms. It took them quite some time to get it right and reissue good keys which worked. Yes I was posting about the problem in all of the forums I visit because I wanted people to know about it before they bought into it. I don't believe that I'll be going that route again.

 

[Arik5405]

the keys worked for me...I didn't even read anything about them not working...good thing I didn't otherwise I probably would have scared myself out of buying them.