Microsoft supplies a key with the operating system when they send it to the
OEM (original equipment manufacturer). This key "must" be displayed on the
computer - somewhere, by agreement with Microsoft.
The OEM then places an image of Vista, that they have created (including any
specialized drivers, programs and "craplets"), on the computer. This image
has a volume license key so that it can be used hundreds/thousands of times.
If for any reason you want to install Vista from the DVD supplied with your
computer (OEM's do not give you this without you pulling their teeth and
threatening their first born with damnation) you would use the key on the
side of the computer. If you had already used this key elsewhere you can
figure out what the consequences may be.
--
Regards,
Richard Urban MVP
Microsoft Windows Shell/User
"Leonard" <Leonard@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:61706EDC-2C66-47EE-8B8C-77B12B938F0B@microsoft.com...
> Yes, we should not gett into the ethical/moral implications. Why does MS
> give
> me a product key that is different from the one used by the Vista on my
> PC?
>
> "David B." wrote:
>
>> MS wouldn't know about it, that's why it works. Using the OEM license you
>> bought on the computer you bought it with is perfect, transferring that
>> OEM
>> license to a different PC is a violation of the EULA, whether you read
>> the
>> EULA or not, or whether you choose to violate it or not. You did not pay
>> for
>> the right to use the Product key that shipped with your OEM PC on another
>> PC. I'm not getting into the ethical/moral implications, I'm just
>> explaining
>> how the license works.
>>
>> --
>>
>> ----
>> Crosspost, do not multipost http://www.blakjak.demon.co.uk/mul_crss.htm
>> How to ask a question http://support.microsoft.com/kb/555375
>> How to Post http://www.dts-l.org/goodpost.htm
>> http://www.db-pc.com
>> _________________________________________________________________________________
>>
>>
>> "Alias" <aka@masked&anonymous.cl> wrote in message
>> news:uQQ5yhzXHHA.1240@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...
>> >
>> > And how would MS know about it, being as their flawed WPA program
>> > activates it and their flawed WGA program genuinizes it? How is using
>> > something you bought stealing? Besides, breeching an EULA is NOT
>> > illegal
>> > and is NOT stealing. It's a civil offense, not a criminal offense and
>> > stealing, be it grand or petty larceny, is a criminal offense.
>> >
>> > Of course, that won't stop the Justins of the world from declaring
>> > anyone
>> > who breeches the terms of an EULA as "thieves".
>> >
>> > Alias
>>