Are Vista product keys 32 bit specific?

[Singh400]

Holy crap, haven't seen this much eDrama since, well never. OEM copies are tied to the original machine that they are installed on. The only way you could possible use this OEM copy on a "different" PC is if the original motherboard died.

Now, you can use the OEM copy on another machine, and it will work. And Microsoft are usually none the wiser (unless you are activating the same copy 100s of time). The point is, you shouldn't. Because you (The End User) agreed to the limitations (License Agreement) of installing/using an OEM version.

So, my point is. Yes it happens. Yes people do it. Yes it's illegal. But can we all move on please?!

This is somewhat off-topic, but does anyone know if the same applies to 64-bit retail versions of Windows XP Pro? That is to say, can I switch to 64-bit XP Professional with the same product key?

Thanks,

Leggie

No you can't XP-32 and XP-64 are 2 completely different OSes. Pretty sure XP-64 is based on Server 2003 w/ SP1. And that measn the pidgen.dll is different. So the pool of Product Keys that are accepted by each is different. That being said, I could be talking bull****. And I will find out for you.

[Blastuk]

So the tack you're taking is that it's ok so long as you don't get caught?

i wasn't saying if it was right or wrong, nor was i encouraging/endorsing the act in what i posted.
my point is basically this point:

Yes it happens. Yes people do it. Yes it's illegal. But can we all move on please?!

Yes, we all know it's not allowed.
But what's done is done. now please move on?

[shaithis]

So the tack you're taking is that it's ok so long as you don't get caught?

He threw the ball into Microsofts court....said "Will you re-activate my Vista Install?" to which Microsoft replies "Sure!".....he gave Microsoft the opportunity to say no but they didn't, that in itself says to me they have legitimised his copy of Windows.

I have re-activated my OEM copy of Vista now on 4 different motherboards, the last 2 times I haven't even needed to ring them, it went through automatically.

As long as each copy of Windows is only running on 1 machine, they seem to be happy.

[Sputnik]

No you can't XP-32 and XP-64 are 2 completely different OSes. Pretty sure XP-64 is based on Server 2003 w/ SP1. And that measn the pidgen.dll is different. So the pool of Product Keys that are accepted by each is different. That being said, I could be talking bull****. And I will find out for you.

Yes, you are

If you buy Vista ultimate retail, You get both the 32 bit and 64 bit install disks and just one key which works with both.

If you buy Vista Premium retail you only get the 32 bit disk and a key but, you can apply for a 64 bit disk and use the key with it.

[Singh400]

Yes, you are

If you buy Vista ultimate retail, You get both the 32 bit and 64 bit install disks and just one key which works with both.

If you buy Vista Premium retail you only get the 32 bit disk and a key but, you can apply for a 64 bit disk and use the key with it.

Errrr Sputnik, I was talking about Windows XP and Windows XP x64. Not about Vista.

I full well know that Product Keys are interchangable with Vista.

[Sputnik]

Errrr Sputnik, I was talking about Windows XP and Windows XP x64. Not about Vista.

I full well know that Product Keys are interchangable with Vista.

Sorry I didn't Notice.

[d_b]

I've just bought a copy of Vista 64 bit for a customer - higher price than 32 bit. So I can't see that the same product key would work on both versions. Please post if you are successful.

Just finished installing and activating the 64-bit version - the 32-bit product key worked fine.

[d_b]

Out of topic

Do you think they will do this on the day w7 comes out??

I hope so. The free copies of Vista came about when Microsoft offered developers free training on writing software to integrate with Vista and Office. Any developers that signed up and went to the training events received a free copy of Vista Ultimate and Office. The problem was that far more people tried to sign up for training than could physically fit in the rooms provided by Microsoft.

The solution that they came up with was to stream the training lectures and give away free copies of the software online. To stop anyone just leaving the video streaming and then claiming a free copy you had to log into the software claim page with your Passport ID and answer two random questions about what was said during the (several hours) of lecture videos. You only got one chance to get the right answer from multiple choices.

As long as more people try to sign up for the developer training on Windows 7 than can fit in the rooms then Microsoft might repeat the online give away.

[Mr JB]

Microsoft regs are Retail if you buy 32 you are allowed to swap for 64 and vice versa but with OEM you have to use what you got.

Illegaly I am not sure if it will work but you won't be lagit by swapping.

Just to point out though not meany OEM lable from manufactures sate whether it is 32 or 64bit.

[Splash]

Response from Microsoft.

To whom it may concern,

Thank you for contacting us at Microsoft® about reactivating OEM licenses.

Firstly OEM software as it comes pre-installed on the machine when you purchase it. This software is installed by computer manufactures so the support for this product would lay with them as it is part of their OEM system builder’s agreement. The system builder will have suitable means of providing support for you with your software.

If you need to reactivate the OEM software on the same computer in was originally installed on this is fine and it is allowed. You will need to speak with our activation team though on the number below:

Product Activation Number: 0800 0188 354

(Leave it to go round twice then you will be put through to an agent.)

If you have any more questions please give me a call on 0870 60 10 100 option 3 and option 3. Our lines are open Monday to Friday 8am - 6pm. Of course if you prefer, please send me an email.


Kind regards,

Paul Attwater.
Customer Service Professional
Microsoft Licensing Sales Expert

My bold.

I'm sorry, but "I've tried it and it works" doesn't hold water for me.

[shaithis]

Nice to see Microsoft clear that all up - NOT!

Their statement makes an already grey area, even greyer.

What constitutes "same computer"? Same case? Same mobo? Same CPU? Same monitor?

Microsoft have procedures for re-activating, if they re-activate your OEM product after you made substantial changes to the hardware - great. If they won't then tough luck.

But to make a song-and-dance about it being "wrong" or "illegal" seems rather petty to me. If you have asked the owner of the software for their permission and they have agreed (i.e. they re-activated you), then that seems a lot clearer to me then the contents of their email response.

[Splash]

Thanks Paul. For the avoidance of doubt I'd like to put a scenario to you - let's say an enthusiast builds their own machine, and installs an OEM copy purchased through the retail channel, and over time this PC gets upgraded. At what point would a new license be required? I've been told that if the license is transferred to a completely new build I can call up and it will usually just be activated so long as it's only installed on one machine at a time, which doesn't seem right to me.

Thanks for your time,

And Paul's response

Thank you for contacting us at Microsoft® about OEM licensing.

That is not the case. The OEM software will live and die with the machine it is originally installed on. If they upgrade the machine and which to transfer the license to a new machine then the upgrade license will only be transferable. This is due to the fact that the upgrade license does not come as OEM but as FPP and that license is transferable. But as I just mentioned OEM software will live and die with the machine. If they transfer the upgrade license it will need to be completely uninstalled from the first device then reinstalled on the new device. The new device will require a eligible operating system license aswell.


If you have any more questions please give me a call on 0870 60 10 100 option 3 and option 3. Our lines are open Monday to Friday 8am - 6pm. Of course if you prefer, please send me an email.


Kind regards,

Paul Attwater.
Customer Service Professional
Microsoft Licensing Sales Expert

[Singh400]

Did you link Paul to this thread?

[Splash]

I did indeed, but I doubt we'll see him signing up...

[shaithis]

If they upgrade the machine and wish to transfer the license to a new machine

And he still hasn't answered the main question to which we need an answer....and that's because it's too tricky to define I guess.

When does the original machine stop being the original machine? Thanks to hardware failures and "minor" upgrades, any or all of a PC could be replaced and you could argue it is still the original machine.

I doubt they want it talked about too much as well, as there would probably be less people buying retail or multiple OEM copies!

[Splash]

I did ask for a response from Microsoft here, but I doubt the guys fielding the tickets are really allowed to do that sort of thing. Perhaps something that the powers that be at Hexus could ask the next time they speak to someone at big ole' MS?