Re: two copies of xp pro on same computer

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From: Tom (noway_at_nothere.com)
Date: 08/24/04 

Date: Tue, 24 Aug 2004 17:46:31 -0400

"Mike Brannigan [MSFT]" <mikebran@online.microsoft.com> wrote in message news:eYUKSUbiEHA.2340@TK2MSFTNGP11.phx.gbl...
> "Tom" <noway@nothere.com> wrote in message
> news:OECww5ViEHA.3996@tk2msftngp13.phx.gbl...
> Abhishek wrote:
>
>> hi,
>> is it possible to install two copies of windows xp pro on a same
>> computer (on different partition).
>>
>> currently on my computer windows xp is installed to partition C:, now
>> i want to install a new copy of xp pro on partition D: to test new
>> softwares.
>>
>> is it possible?
>>
>> thanks,
>> Abhi
>
> Do it, I do, and the EULA states that one copy per PC, or on a "Computer
> System". Since it is on one physical running PC, you should have the right
> to install as many instances of that same disk, on that same PC as you wish.
> The activation will go through with no problems, since the hardware is the
> same. Hell, even that should be the allowance.
>
> Another thing, I do beta testing (a good deal for MS also, i.e. SP2) on my
> other partition, and if MS thinks that I should purchase another copy of
> Windows to install on the same PC, where I actually use that secondary
> install as a testing partition (for most part) to their benefit, they can
> kiss my holiest of holies!!!!
>
> Tom the EULA is more specific.
>
> It states
>
> 1. GRANT OF LICENSE. Microsoft grants you the following rights
> provided that you comply with all terms and conditions of
> this EULA:
>
> * Installation and use. You may install, use, access,
> display and run one copy of the Product on a single
> computer, such as a workstation, terminal or other device
> ("Workstation Computer").
>
> Your second install to the computer breaches this in that you are allowed to
> "install" (hence the explicit use of this work in the EULA) the product once
> to a computer.
>
> And yes if you are using retail or OEM media for your testing machine you
> are required to purchase a second license for your additional install.

Mot happening Mike, and you can take this to court too! I will not pay for another copy to use on the same machine, especially when I specifically use the other instance for testing, nothing else! I also use this primarily for the benefit OF MS, and they are not paying me for helping them, and I certainly will *NOT* pay them to help them. I bet most of the MVPs here do the very same thing, even Alex Nichol states this is not good; it would prevent most who want to help from beta testing for MS if they had to take on that expense which would be beneficial for MS both for technical improvements (which saves them money from having to pay their own for these tests!!!!!) and profits.

Look, it is one thing to state "One PC' "One Disk" and I agree to that. But I will not, and truly feel that myself and other, should not, be forced to have to purchase the same type of OS to use on the very same PC. What purpose would that serve since *I can only use one bootup at one time anyway*, and that right there is enough to say it is unreasonable on your interpretation on the EULA.

Even Alex Nichol, one of the few MVPs here that I trust with his advice and opinions made such a stance, where he even challenged trusting your post's position on this particular point:

http://tinyurl.com/5epcw

Tom:
>
>I have been told by Mike Brannigan (at one time) that installing two
>instances the *same* copy of Windows on the *same* PC is a violation of the
>EULA. I once had a the SAME OS installed (I have 320gigs of HDD total on two
>drives) two times on the primary drive so my mate could do her adminstrative
>uses on her install. He stated that I need to purchase another license or
>full version to use on the same PC, that two instances are not allowed.

Alex:

""I don't entirely trust his posts as being the final position. There is
a clear distinction between installation on two machines which could be
in simultaneous use and two installations on the same one where that is
physically impossible. The wording of the EULA is capable of more than
one interpretation, and, as I have said to MS at a very high level,
that particular one seems perverse. In particular it would mean that it
became impossible to do Beta testing for them""

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