Vista license restrictions

[Devils-Blood]

Just read this on the inqiurer that the vista license restricts customers from installing vista more than twice. It doesn't say if its OEM or retail versions. If people want to be able to upgrade and have no restrictions they to buy one of the two top versions of vista.

http://www.theinquirer.net/default.aspx?article=35057


How do people feel about buying vista with microsoft confirming the restrictions. Change your more than twice and then you will have to buy and copy of vista.

[Gregoroth]

Well I don't re install and my computer runs nice and smoothly. It probably won't affect me.

[Barley]

In that case I'd probably wait for the price of the Ultimate version to come down.

[Belso]

That kinda does annoy me.

I would however like to know whether the same applies for a Vista repair?

As when you run a repair with Windows XP you have to input the CD Key.

[Devils-Blood]

I believe once somebody pays for a retail license they should be able to install it as many times they want to on their pc. If upgrading or cleaning the hard drive to re-install every 6 months.

Gregoroth

You never buy a new mainboard, your pc hard never needs cleaning to keep your pc working properly.

Barley will the price come down, I doubt it. This is another ploy by microsoft to boost profits by making consumers buy the more expensive versions of vista. How many people will buy home users premium versions and find out after a second mainboard upgrade they have wasted £150.

What does annoy me is the fact microsoft has tried to keep this secret. They should be made to put across the product in large letters only 1 install allowed when upgrading major components or re-installing.

[Anonymous]

[Removed at the request of the author]

[Belso]

Its hard for me to see it from most people eyes, as i get unlimited free licenses of Vista for myself and family from work.

So example:

I buy a new computer, i install all the hardware, and install Windows Vista.

I register Vista, 3 days later Vista becomes corrupt from a dodgy hard drive.

I reinstall Vista on a new hard drive, 2 weeks later, hard drives goes Kaput!

I have to buy a new copy?

[Barley]

Exactly

[Belso]

I think,

The Vista license can be moved to a completely different computer once.

But if just changing one piece of hardware, then it doesn't matter if you let Microsoft know.

_ _ _ _

As much as i defend Microsoft, i was quite shocked after reading this:


1) failure of a validation check results in the loss of access to specific features

So they force you to do a Microsoft Update, if you dont then your seen as having a Illegal copy of Windows?

[Devils-Blood]

Microsoft see's a new computer as a mainboard change. So what that means is if you upgrade your mainboard more than once you are stuffed. Since having XP I have changed my mainboard at 6 times.

A new build will be costing consumers a fortune with having to upgrade to a higher copy of vista.

I think the license will have to be tested in court as unfair contract. I read legal article about software licenses being so restrictive most of them would be ruled as unfair if challenge in court.

Will the EU allow consumers to be treated so badly by microsoft. I believe microsoft has gone to far this time.

[Belso]

But you can charge your motherboard without doing a fresh install of Windows.

Its easy.

But sometimes you need the reapir function. (Unsure of whether Vista asks for a Key to repair) :?

[Barley]

If I upgrade something such as a motherboard, I'm ALWAYS going to do a fresh install of Windows. And there's no way on the planet I'm going to let Microsoft dicate what I can and cannot do, ever.

I think there's will be several hundred thousand people out there with exactly the same view. They always take the attitude that they're doing us a favour with all the crap they put in their software, but they forget that the customer is always right :)

[Belso]

Well you dont have a choice really, if you decide to buy Vista!

Unless you do thing's illegaly.

[Devils-Blood]

But vista will see the mainboard as a new computer and make you re-activate or buy a new copy of vista

[Belso]

Nope you just do the same trick you do with Windows XP.

Delete the IDE controller from device manager, pop in the new board.

8/10 it works.

[Barley]

It probably won't matter because I don't see how MS could get away with shifting copies like that.

Car manufacturers don't sell cars that stop working after you've had them repaired twice. And MP3 players don't refuse to work when you've replaced the songs on the player more than twice.

[Firerat]

I guess ( and I'm only Guessing, not looked into yet ) that it will get tied to the CPU ID, so Hard drives , graphics cards etc wouldn't be a problem

But if they start restricting things like this it is bound to cause problems

[Devils-Blood]

Remember the prices.

Windows Vista Home Basic
For entry level uses who just want the basic features and functions
£154.99 inc VAT



Windows Vista Home Premium
For the home users who want productivity and entertainment at
home and on the go
£184.99 inc VAT



Windows Vista Business
For small and mid sized businesses and organisations with simple
IT needs
£250.00 inc VAT



Windows Vista Ultimate
Combine the top features of a work and home PC for the best
windows experience and exceptional security
£325.00 inc VAT


Here is a part of the license

15. REASSIGN TO ANOTHER DEVICE.
a. Software Other than Windows Anytime Upgrade. The first user of the software may reassign
the license to another device one time. If you reassign the license, that other device becomes the
“licensed device.”
b. Windows Anytime Upgrade Software. The first user of the software may reassign the license
to another device one time, but only if the license terms of the software you upgraded from allows
reassignment.
16. TRANSFER TO A THIRD PARTY.
a. Software Other Than Windows Anytime Upgrade. The first user of the software may make a
one time transfer of the software, and this agreement, directly to a third party. The first user must
uninstall the software before transferring it separately from the device. The first user may not retain
any copies.
b. Windows Anytime Upgrade Software. You may transfer the software directly to a third party
only with the licensed device. You may not keep any copies of the software or any earlier version.
c. Other Requirements. Before any permitted transfer, the other party must agree that this
agreement applies to the transfer and use of the software. The transfer must include the proof of
license.

[Robin]

Classy. Seems like every new OS is a battle to be won.