[Ham-Computers] Vista/Virtual

[jandlmiller at bellsouth.net]

Yes, I, too, have heard moans from those with Vista "Home" but I wasn't sure why.  Several claim to have tried to use Vista as a virtual machine and install their OEM XP.  They also have tried to install assorted other hardware, and that, too, has not worked for them, at least so far.  Aaron's info below is valuable.

So far I know of only one who was apparently wise enough to start with "Ultimate" and he said he totally bombed out trying to install his XP-Home with an OEM license.  He told me that he received some cryptic error message saying that his product code was not acceptable.  Again, the info below helps.  Maybe Vista has been "tightened" to prevent just about all piracy. 

A rule of thumb saying don't buy until the first SP is issued may be good advice. I have a hard time believing that Vista SP1, when issued, will help these issues very much.

So, not knowing when Windows 7 will be released, then not knowing when Windows 7 SP1 will follow, if we must go to Vista, and if we must have a fully retail OS because an OEM won't work in Vista, can anyone recommend legitimate and reliable source(s) for XP and 98SE?

John W0IKT

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(From Aaron on 12/27/2007 to ham-computers)
(12/28/2007 Digest) -- In part,

What version of Vista, if any?
If you must use Vista, then go with the "Ultimate" Edition.  That way,
you're sure you're not missing any of the Vista "experience".  Some are
now complaining about missing features in the "Home" editions and wish
they got "Ultimate" instead.  Save yourself from possible headaches, esp
if you plan on networking the computers.

As to Windows OS licensing in the VM itself..."officially", each running
instance of a VM needs it's own license of a "retail" copy of Windows -
OEM licenses can't be used in a VM.  Do many do this?  Probably not -
just laying out the legal issues.