Help understanding Licensing on a Vista product I purchased

[Adam611]

I recently purchased Windows Vista Home Premium - OEM for a PC of mine. It's been having a few issues so I'm replacing some things on it but getting a new computer in the meantime. This computer will become a backup/kids computer. I will be formatting it when I switch it out. Here's what I'd like to do...tell me if it's within my licensing rights and if MSFT would let me do it. I know I could have with XP but I heard they were stricter on the Vista Licenses.

I want to install my old copy of XP back on the old computer (I know I should be able to do this). I would like to uninstall Vista from the old computer when I format, and install Vista on my brand new computer. This saves me having to buy Vista a second time in 6 months. Will this be a problem? I'd also like to do the x64 version which I hear you can get from there site for minimal charge. (I would still only be using it on 1 computer total though). Please let me know where I stand. Thanks!

 

[spyordie007]

If you purchased the OEM version your license agreement locks it to that single computer; installing it on anything else will violate the agreement. This is one reason why I have the Retail version, which allows you to install it on any computer you want (so long as it's not installed in more than one place at a time).

 

[Adam611]

I vaguely remember that being the case. Second question then. My kid goes to a school where they can get Vista Ultimate 32-bit for $30. If I buy this can I turn around and request the 64-bit version? I know Ultimate is supposed to have both versions in it but it seems the educational one does not. It is stamped 32-bit and says it several places. I just wanted to know if I could use the key and request the 64-bit from MSFT for just the cost of shipping? Thanks!

 

[bruceb]

The key should work ok for the 64 bit as long as it is only in use for either 32 bit or 64 bit at any one time.
As to the cost of MS sending you the 64 bit dvd, I would call them and ask about it.