VM Fusion and XP Pro

[Rip]

I've posted this question over on the VM forum and had no response, so I'm hoping you guys might know the answer.

I've just purchased a copy of WIndows XP Pro and before I install it I have a question about the Microsoft licence.

If I install under bootcamp the licence will 'register' the installation with a snapshot of the hardware so that it can't be installed elsewhere.


If I create a new VM instead, will the hardware snapshot be the same so that I can then install under bootcamp if necessary, and vice versa, or do I need 2 XP licences?

Thanks

[styfle]

I've installed XP Home like a billion times from the same disk with the same key. Although its like the one with no service packs from 2003 or whatever so it might be different now.

[Rip]

I tried to intstall the CD from my old desktop PC and it wouldn't register, kept telling me to contact the original manufacturer.

I don't want to waste this purchase with a VM install only to find I'd have preferred/needed a bootcamp install.

I have a particular PC package that needs to communicate with a serial device, via an adaptor.

If it works under VM then fine, but it will work under bootcamp.

I'd rather use VM for the convenience though.

[styfle]

Maybe the CD you have is just the upgrade version and not the full version.

[acosmichippo]

RETAIL copies of XP can be installed on one machine AT A TIME. Meaning you must uninstall it from one if you wish to install it on another.

If you're using a Restore disk from a computer from a manufacturer, it will NOT install on another machine. OEM copies of windows are good for one machine, and only one machine.



Once you get that straightened out, if you want a VM AND a bootcamp partition, VMWare can create a VM FROM your bootcamp partition, so you don't need a separate VM. I have done this, and there was no issue with licensing at all.

[Rip]

Thanks all.

I've decided to use my OEM licence up on a VM install of XP and not use bootcamp as once the partition size has been set it's a pain to increase

[acosmichippo]

An OEM license won't work unless you purchased it from a vendor like newegg.com.

In other words, if it's from a previously owned computer, windows will not activate properly.

[styfle]

Maybe I have a magical copy of XP because I have it on two computers...at the same time, both updated and connected to the internet. It was on three different ones up until I got my macbook and made my craptop use ubuntu.

[acosmichippo]

Microsoft's license validation fails sometimes. You were lucky.