Win7 family pack and activation

[VirtualLarry]

Just an FYI. I bought two Win7 family packs, which are three-user licenses for Win7 home premium, and include both 32-bit and 64-bit install media.

I installed all three licenses soon after I purchased it, which was probably a month after win7 was released.

Fast forward to today, and one of the machines with that license on it had been reformatted about four months ago. I was building a new machine for someone who had one of those win7 licenses on their machine, but this new machine had to be up and running for him, before we reformatted and scrapped that license.

So I only have three machines (inclusive of this new machine) with that license. I thought that the online activations dropped off after six months. But I had to call in to phone activate this new machine, because online activation failed.

I guess I'll have to do that again, after I reformat the old machine that has this license, so I can re-use it on another machine. Hopefully they will activate it for it.

But I think that MS has really, really, screwed the pooch by not including three seperate activation keys for Win7 family pack. I mean, the key says "proof of license", but says NOTHING about it being valid for three licenses. In fact, when I called in, the fellow asked me if I was installing Win7 Home Premium, and I had to tell him it was the family pack. Even the COA on the top of the retail box only says "Home Premium" on it, and says nothing about the fact that it's a family pack. Only the outside cardboard sleeve says it's for three licenses.

 

[ViRGE]

I'd imagine they were shooting for simplicity here (you wouldn't need to keep track of which key is on which computer) but ultimately I agree with you that they failed in providing a solid solution. It should have been separate keys.

 

[stlcardinals]

I was building a new machine for someone who had one of those win7 licenses on their machine, but this new machine had to be up and running for him, before we reformatted and scrapped that license.

You do realize that this pack is for 3 computers at the same residential address. That way the 'administrator' for the household would not have to mess around with 3 different activation keys.

 

[tibandit]

on a side note...

huh? where did you find the 3 family pack? is it still $150? i could not find it after they stopped selling it.

 

[RebateMonger]

I'd imagine they were shooting for simplicity here (you wouldn't need to keep track of which key is on which computer) but ultimately I agree with you that they failed in providing a solid solution. It should have been separate keys.

I imagine that MS didn't want folks splitting up packages among friends or selling Keys on eBay or Craig's list or having dealers buy many Family Packs and splitting each up among three computers that they sell. With only a single Key shared among three users, you have to trust the person you give the Key to. A single Key encourages compliance with the "Family Pack" concept.

 

[VirtualLarry]

You do realize that this pack is for 3 computers at the same residential address. That way the 'administrator' for the household would not have to mess around with 3 different activation keys.

The license/EULA doesn't say anything about requiring the computers to reside at the same address.

 

[stlcardinals]

Since it has been discontinued, it seems Microsoft has expunged it's site of any trace of it. Here is the FAQ from their forums.

1. What is the Windows 7 Family Pack?
The Windows 7 Family Pack is a copy of Windows 7 Home Premium that you can install on up to three PCs in your home. It includes both 32-bit and 64-bit installation discs.

2. Where do I get the Windows 7 Family Pack and how much does it cost??
The Windows 7 Family Pack is available from October 22nd until supplies last in the US and other select markets. The estimated retail price in the US is $149.99. Actual price may vary.

To purchase the Windows 7 Family Pack now, or to see a list of participating retailers, go to:
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/offers/windows-7-family-pack.aspx




3. How many computers can I activate Windows 7 on with this license?
You can activate Windows 7 Home Premium on up to three PC’s in a household (single residential address) with the Family Pack.

4. How many product keys do I get with the Family Pack license?
You will receive only one product key that will activate up to three PC’s running Windows 7 Home Premium.

5. Is the Family Pack license for an “Upgrade Version” or a “Full Install Version” of Windows 7?
The Family Pack is an upgrade version only. This means that you need to be running Windows XP or Windows Vista on the PCs that you want to install it on.

6. Where can I get more information about the Windows 7 Family Pack?
For more information please see the Windows 7 Family Pack webpage:
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/offers/windows-7-family-pack.aspx

 

[ViRGE]

Since it has been discontinued, it seems Microsoft has expunged it's site of any trace of it.

Yeah, it was a limited release item to promote Win7's launch, as MS wouldn't want to continue selling it since it's cheaper than individual copies of Win7.:|

 

[SimMike2]

It kind of sounds like if you activate it three times, you are fine. But after that, it might ask you to phone in next time you try to activate. This makes sense when you consider it is easier to keep track key activation totals, instead of checking installs and IP addresses, which is kind of an invasion of privacy.