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Windows XP allows one or two extra installs, but they're supposed to be "reinstalls."

Chances are, if you ever have to reinstall windows and try to activate it, MS will say no. Your first instinct is right, that's quite illegal.

As far as I know, you can install only one copy of Windows on one machine - for example XP can be used both for Boot Camp and Parallels, for Parallelssupports Boot Camp partitions. But if you try to install the same copy on different machine, even a Virtual Machine, it will go against EULA regulations. Am I right?

Last edited by 33specter (2007-03-26 7:12 am)

Bat wrote:

33specter wrote:

As far as I know, you can install only one copy of Windows on one machine - for example XP can be used both for Boot Camp and Parallels, for Parallels supports Boot Camp partitions. But if you try to install the same copy on different machine, even a Virtual Machine, it will go against EULA regulations. Am I right?

Yes and no. One copy of Windows can only be installed on one machine at a time, but more than one version of Windows can be on the same machine in a dual or multiboot config- e.g., '98SE and XP, or even XP and Vista. Generally best to install the earlier version first, and each to a separate partition (there are exceptions).

Oh, I see. Thanks.
Actually I meant XP when I was talking about installing only one copy on one machine - XP or any other copy of Windows can be installed once, but may work together.
That's what I like about Boot Camp support in Parallels - you use one copy of Windoze for both gaming(Boot Camp) and work(Parallels).

new20user wrote:

But few people, as far as I know, use both VM and dual booting.

There's one at least and that's me.
I can't say that I like dual boot - it's far from being as convenient as Parallels, but Boot Camp has something Parallels doesn't have: 3d graphics support!
I never play games (ok, sometimes I do, but very rarely) but my girlfriend does(yes, girls also play computer games;)). That's why I have Boot Camp on my Mac - I just taught her how to turn Boot Camp on:)

I think DX10 support may take awhile, speaking of gaming.

Bat wrote:

I think DX10 support may take awhile, speaking of gaming.

I heard that DX10 will work only under Vista - this may be rumours, but it is very possible, that Microsoft will take this stand to make gamers migrate to Vista.

Bat wrote:

DX10 uses a different driver model than previous versions. I'm not sure that makes it flat impossible for Parallels, but it won't be easy.

Yes, I was talking about different driver model. Parallels haven't made DX9 support available yet - and it will take time before they do something about DX10. Nevertheless, Parallels already supports vista, and graphics support is just around the corner.

33specter wrote:

Bat wrote:

DX10 uses a different driver model than previous versions. I'm not sure that makes it flat impossible for Parallels, but it won't be easy.

Nevertheless, Parallels already supports vista, and graphics support is just around the corner.

Vista Home Basic doesn't support Aero Glass, either, so defaults back to the old way. It does not, of course, use D3D9 for graphics accel, but it is graphics support.

Unless the game companies suddenly find that their customers howling about the change. If the market isn't there, and isn't shifitng, the game companies will move very slowly to change.