OT: Windows 7

[Fishy]

I have a gaggle of Windows Vista computers that I am giving away to various people and groups and I want to upgrade them to Windows 7 before I send them off.

However, I'm not excited by the prospect of spending $100 a pop to do it, but I do want to install a licensed copy - not looking to steal software.

Is there a solution beyond just paying the retail freight to Microsoft?

 

[61cygni]

I believe there is a family pack that allows installations on multiple computers and can save you some dough. However, I am not sure what the license restrictions are on the users, if it's just for immediate family, the same household, or whatever.

 

[zls44]

The family license stuff gives you up to 3 machines.

 

[jleves]

I call them my DR copies in case my primary site fails.

Sent from my SPH-D710 using Tapatalk

 

[kibblesnbits]

Look to see if you can find a copy/copies of Windows 7 Home Premium Family Pack. It allows you to upgrade 3 Vista machines for about $150. I think Microsoft stopped producing it but it still seems to be available from some vendors in Amazon's marketplace.

 

[high-post]

Was wondering about something similar because I need to upgrade but don't want to spend the money. Can you not just clone the drive on a fresh install and copy that onto multiple computers, or does it have to go through some sort of key registration/verification process?

 

[Nuzzi]

Load 'em up with Ubuntu for free!

NUZZI

 

[kibblesnbits]

Was wondering about something similar because I need to upgrade but don't want to spend the money. Can you not just clone the drive on a fresh install and copy that onto multiple computers, or does it have to go through some sort of key registration/verification process?

It periodically checks to see if the system configuration, including things that are system specific such as the network MAC address, have changed. If so, it will ask you to activate thelicense again.