Can you install Windows XP legally into a VMWare image which is run on the same Windows XP machine where the key is already registered ?
Read your EULA. It states you can install and run 1 instance of the operating system on a single computer. Whether you are installing the second copy in a Virtual machine or simply setting up a dualboot using the same operating system ( Some do this to use one system for less secure type operations while keeping the other as a "clean" system) the same EULA applies and it would be a breach of that EULA to run two versions using the one licence.
Goin' Fishin' (Some day)
I really hate to read that EULA, since often it would end up having the same question, and I guess everybody here (regular home computer user) has got the same content of that EULA, well, relating to those kind of questions anyway. Hmmm ... that's annoying. Guess I'll have to install some Linux then ;)
As I read the EULA, it doesn't matter how many instances of the OS reside on the Machine the OS is licensed to. It only matters that you have a Valid license for the version you are using. Windows is tied to the Motherboard Hardware not to some arbitrary number of installations. You can only USE one instance at a time on any given machine. Which instance is up to you.
That's just my interpretation of the EULA.
There is nothing to learn from someone who already agrees with you.
I have XP in a Virtual set-up on my Windows 7... fully validated with no problems from MS. Home Page http://ewen.uuuq.com/
An install is an install. They count as one and two. Playing to the angels
Les Paul (1915-2009)
I see .. but I would have exact same OS, same serial and all, for both the host-OS and the OS in the VMware image ... and which means they would run at the same time, obviously.
Installation and use. You may install, use, access,
display and run one copy of the Software on a single
computer,End of story
Goin' Fishin' (Some day)
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