Windows Full version or refund question?

I currently have a 1645 on order and assuming I ever get it, I want to run Linux as the primary OS. I would like to run vmware workstation with windows as a client. The reason behind this is that I primarily use the computer for work and need linux, but I need windows for a few things.

I understand that these days Dell simply ships a re-install disk if that much. I need a full version of windows to setup vmware. Does anyone know if the dell key can be used with a full version disk to do an install?

I have read that you can force dell to refund the cost of windows. I want to legally use windows, just under a VM so I would rather not have to get the refund and buy a full version.

Any ideas would be welcome.

Thanks!

 

The version of Vista (and likely 7) that it comes with uses the BIOS to activate it. I'm not sure how long the OS would run in a VM before activation became an issue. In my case, I use an MSDN and normal retail keys/activations for Vista and 7 installs that I need to keep long term, and just delete/recreate "disposable" VMs of 7 when practicing things. You can also "rearm" them with a VBScript and I think that gives you another 90 days or so. If I get a chance, I'll try it with Vista when I get home (running VMware Workstation 7 now).

 

Hmm, that's an interesting question. I ran 7's beta in a VM without issue in Linux fine but didn't bother with trying to run Vista in a VM simply due to the lack of reason as opposed to licensing issues. I might try it out later and let you know how it went. Though I have an SXPS 1340 and Vista (Dell's OEM copy), it shouldn't be very different than an SXPS 1645 with Windows 7 in terms of licensing.

 

The COA on the bottom of your laptop has never been used. It's free and clear to use on another machine, as long as you have a normal oem install disk. Sometimes the Dell disk will work on another machine, but most likely it won't as the BIOS keeps a "key" which the install DVD will look for and if it isn't there it won't work.

OEM's use master key to mass install the OS. Called an SLP key. This key works with a SLIC table that's embedded into the BIOS. The only reason why they put a COA on the back of their maches is due to a contract with MS.

I've already used the key on my laptops COA for my desktop. I had a Windows 7 Home Premium x64 DVD from another build I did. Installed windows with it used my COA on the laptop. Works great.