64-bit main, 32-bit VM, use same license

If I have 64-bit Win7 installed on the computer, but want to use a VM to
run some software that doesn't like 64-bit, can I use the same license
key to install the 32-bit version of W7 into a VM on the same computer?

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On Tue, 03 May 2011 17:03:08 -0500, Andrew Rossmann wrote:

> If I have 64-bit Win7 installed on the computer, but want to use a VM to
> run some software that doesn't like 64-bit, can I use the same license
> key to install the 32-bit version of W7 into a VM on the same computer?

As I understand it, you cannot legally do that - they are two different
installations. Ain't Linux grand!

Andrew Rossmann wrote:
> If I have 64-bit Win7 installed on the computer, but want to use a VM to
> run some software that doesn't like 64-bit, can I use the same license
> key to install the 32-bit version of W7 into a VM on the same computer?
>

You can get the license terms here.

http://www.microsoft.com/About/Legal...s/Default.aspx

You may find a clause like this. But do your best to track down the
right version of the license, as some licenses are less restrictive than this.

"Use with Virtualization Technologies.

Instead of using the software directly on the licensed computer, you may install
and use the software within only one virtual (or otherwise emulated) hardware system
on the licensed computer."

Basically, the intention for single end users like yourself, is
to charge you for each copy used. That's why "WinXP Mode" (a copy of
Windows XP running in virtualized environment) is only allowed on
higher end versions of Windows 7, and basically getting such a
version of Windows 7 (via an Anytime Upgrade) effectively results
in a doubling of your paid fees.

It's possible a corporate license has less restrictive terms, but
the price paid could be quite different too.

HTH,
Paul