Vista / Virtualization

[spietrek]

I bought a T60p with Vista Business from Lenovo. I believe I read that you can install up to 4 VMs with Vista using the same license key as long as you it's the same device.

How would I go about nstalling Vista into a VM without disks? Can I just create some R&R disks and use those for installation? Can I just download a trial from somewhere and use my license key? If so, any recommendations on where to get the trial? Can I create an ISO from my current install?

[arni]

No you are not allowed as stated in the eula.

What you are talking about is Vista Enterprise which enables you to use a single license copy of Vista on one physical PC and up to four VMs simultaneosly. But only on the same computer and by the same user.

Once again this only applies to Vista Enterprise.

[spietrek]

arni,

Thanks for the response. I remember reading it but I wasn't sure it applied only to Enterprise. That blows! Now I need to spend an additional $299 to get another copy of Vista Business so I can put that up into a VM. I know the EULA says you cannot use any of the Home versions.

[arni]

No actually you are not permitted to use any of the home versions in an vm environment. Technically it's no problem to install these versions in an vm, but once again if you take the eula seriously then the above applies.

The only two retail versions which are usable in an vm indeed are vista business and ultimate.

But if you need the system just for demo or evaluating why not install vista in the vm and use it with no key for some time. There are some legally hints how you can extend the period of time for activating vista. Currently they are saying it's possible to use vista for one year without activation.

Take a look at Brians Livingstons post at http://windowssecrets.com/comp/070315/#story1

[spietrek]

thanks arni,

yep i was aware that home was not allowed in vm's (MS says because of security issues). I also knew about extending the trial.

Any ideas on how to get a trial for Vista? I figure stores won't be too happy if i buy it, install it, and return it. I looked at MS's website but didn't see anything on vista trials - did see a trial for office 2007 but i already have a copy of office 2007.

I like to keep my development environments separate so if something goes wrong, I won't have to reinstall os's - just need to replace the VHD file.

[arni]

One way would be to attend one of the "ready for a new day" launch events across the us. They are handing out vista and office 2007 versions for free.

Another option would be to buy one license thru windowsmarketplace and download your version http://www.windowsmarketplace.com/conte ... _id=20101b.

I would suggest you to get a copy of vista business oem that's about $150 on shelves or wait some time since there were announcements that ms will provide vista as trial download sometime just like the office 2007 trial.

Or just search your favorite bittorrent tracker sites for a vista final dvd. I don't see anything wrong with this, since you'll be doing a legitimate trial exactly as ms intended.