As we’ve written about previously, here and here, Microsoft included some draconian provisions in the new Vista license that would have really hurt the build-it-yourself crowd. Well, the good news is that Microsoft has heard our complaints and have backed down. We’ll be able to install our copies of Vista on as many computers as we’d like, as long as we remove them from the previous systems.

Ars Technica – 11/2/06:

The new license has removed this language relating to device transfers, and now reads: “You may install one copy of the software on the licensed device. You may use the software on up to two processors on that device at one time. Except as provided in the Storage and Network Use (Ultimate edition) sections below, you may not use the software on any other device.”

Furthermore, Microsoft has clarified the licenses with regards to re-installation. “You may uninstall the software and install it on another device for your use. You may not do so to share this license between devices,” the license reads.

Additionally, Microsoft clarified transfer rights to other users. You can transfer your license of Windows Vista to another user provided that you uninstall the original copy and do not keep any of the materials from the original installation.



  1. mike says:

    “You may use the software on up to two processors on that device at one time.”

    So, what happens when quad core processors hit the market??

  2. SN says:

    “So, what happens when quad core processors hit the market??”

    I’m sure Microsoft will love to sell you an upgrade to their Vista Quad Edition.

  3. Lauren the Ghoti says:

    What did I post, right here, on October 12th?

    With the universal and unanimous rejection of this latest harebrained scheme of Billy’s (yes, unanimous – have you read one word of support for it from anyone who’s not an M$ employee? Didn’t think so…) – the Softies have absolutely no choice but to drop it; the only question is, how quickly? Next week or next month, no matter, it’s history.

  4. Roger M says:

    Hurray to us 😉

    But we’ve all seen the MS desires for the future, and that sucks pretty much like Sony’s DRM blunder. And quite frankly, I’ve noticed I’m avoiding Sony if I can these days.

    Even super corps like MS relies on their customers. And my mood is pretty “anti MS” for the time. I will invest some time on Linux regardless Microsoft’s “change of heart”..

    I think MS has some work to do. And B. Gates’ charity donations doesn’t solve this matter.

  5. GregA says:

    Microsoft views multi-core cpu’s as a single processor for licensing purposes. So you will be able to upgrade your desktop to two, 4-core processors to make up for your small penis size.

    If you want to go with the 64 cpu * 256 core penis enhancement machine, you will need to go with the datacenter version of windows.

    For maximum penis enhancement, I suggest clusters instead.

  6. Pete says:

    “So, what happens when quad core processors hit the market?”

    Still is only 1 processor, even when it will be a octo core..

  7. OhForTheLoveOf says:

    I game, therefore I use Microsoft…

    I was pretty sure everyone was getting worked up over nothing… But as I’ve said before, there are ways around any problem. MS EULAs will never stop geeks from using software.

  8. Tom says:

    If only the “die” bold machines could be this efficient.

  9. bill says:

    LINUX

  10. ECA says:

    Ummm,

    DO YOU REALLY, think that MS will keep it this way??
    OR do you think that MS with Slip it back into the program, AT UPDATES, as they do NOW??

  11. KB says:

    It’s a pretty sorry product when the best promotion you can come up with is to reverse a threat to screw the customer.

    The failure of Vista will be a wakeup call to Microsoft.

  12. JoaoPT says:

    Y’all wrong, read the next post: Windows will be Open Source….

  13. OhForTheLoveOf says:

    #5 If you want to go with the 64 cpu * 256 core penis enhancement machine, you will need to go with the datacenter version of windows.

    For maximum penis enhancement, I suggest clusters instead.

    Comment by GregA — 11/2/2006 @ 7:04 pm

    HEY! It isn’t just vanity or compensation for natural shortcomings. We NEED that kind of power. How else can we make the orcs and fairies look so realistic.

    I should smack you upside the head with a Scroll Of Thunderbolt just to teach you a lesson 🙂

  14. AB CD says:

    People changing around motherboard are probably buying illegal copies anyways.

  15. ECA says:

    Its interesting that 1/2 of this posting is about power.

    Why not compare what happened to the POWER, when the P4 got over 2Ghz??
    What was the INCREASE, in ability of the chip and the REAL processing power, as a %…
    WAIT…And compare what REALLY happens when you keep adding.. the percentage of power dont increase…
    you would think going from a 2Ghz to a 3Ghz would add 1/3(33%) boost in power…IT DIDNT in the past. Why do you think it will NOW.

    Its also been the WORD of MS that Multiple CPU’s didnt add much power increase…NOW MS and intall are building it INTO THE CHIP.
    Hmmm…???
    I wonder if I could get a 16 cpu Mobo, and run 1GHZ CPU x 16 on it, and BEAT the SPIT out of there configuration.

  16. OmarTheAlien says:

    I just hope that the changes in the EULA become one with the code; words are one thing, little dialogue boxes that pretty well stop an install in it’s tracks are something else.

  17. pawnbroker says:

    Hey Microsoft, Vista is already on the machines of half the computer tweakers in Moscow; and they laugh at activation.

  18. V says:

    The code would be server side. A DVD doesn’t know how many times its been installed, it has to call home to figure that out. That’s bad in its own right, but it’s easier for MS to fix. That’s what matters, not the EULA.

    Who reads the EULA anyway? We just expect it to be reasonable, and if its not we get very angry when we read Digg.


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