Windows 7 - Home Edition

[Nightshade]

So I just broke down and purchased my first actual legitimate copy of Windows 7 after beta testing with them for a year and using a free year's version of the software they offered me.

However, now I am running into a few research issues.   I actually purchased the Windows 7 - Home Edition and would like to install it on my own laptop and my family's computer.   I only have 1 key that came with the software, and I realized that the "Family Pack" which is an additional 149$ is required in order to install the software on up to 3 computers.

Is there any way around this?   I already paid what I deem is necessary in order to access the software, seems redundant to spend more money on getting 2 more keys.

[kildorn]

How's it redundant? You purchased a license for a single install. Buy one for multiple installs if you want to do multiple installs?

[fuser]

Is there any way around this?

Yes and No. Yes you could just buy another single license. No because any other way is pirating.

[Morfiend]

I wish I could only pay what I deem is necessary for stuff.

[Lantyssa]

Name Your Own Price!

[Azazel]

Change careers and go into something like Education, so you can get free/cheap education keys.

Seriously though, you've been using it for 2 years already. For free.

[Astorax]

Hate M$ all you want, I have my own beef with them over lots of stuff, but the fact of the matter is, their licensing is one key per machine.  It's been that way since the dawn of Windows.  If you want to install Windows on multiple machines, you need multiple keys.  Why on EARTH you'd think differently, or feel "entitled" to install it on as many machines as you want is bogus.

[Azazel]

[Astorax]

Dude, we just melvined death!

[Nightshade]

Hate M$ all you want, I have my own beef with them over lots of stuff, but the fact of the matter is, their licensing is one key per machine.  It's been that way since the dawn of Windows.  If you want to install Windows on multiple machines, you need multiple keys.  Why on EARTH you'd think differently, or feel "entitled" to install it on as many machines as you want is bogus.

Really?   Because I have installed Windows XP with the same key on multiple computers before... I didn't think it would be any different.  I'm not claiming to be a tech genius...

Why is it bogus for a student on a limited budget to have to purchase two versions of software for 2 computers in the same house hold, technically, the household could use my laptop, and not the desktop computer (3 people using the same system).   Is it really so far out to say that 2 computers can't have the same version of the software?   I think not, but that's just me.

[Ingmar]

If you're a student, educational copies of it are cheap anyway. Heck your school may be able to get you keys via MSDN AA.

[fuser]

Really?   Because I have installed Windows XP with the same key on multiple computers before... I didn't think it would be any different.  I'm not claiming to be a tech genius...

Congrats on pirating it. WGA should have flagged that key so the next time you reinstall and it prompts you to call I hope you honestly answer you have software installed on more then one PC.

Why is it bogus for a student on a limited budget to have to purchase two versions of software for 2 computers in the same house hold, technically, the household could use my laptop, and not the desktop computer (3 people using the same system).   Is it really so far out to say that 2 computers can't have the same version of the software?   I think not, but that's just me.

See you didn't buy a licensed copy for a household or student. You bought a licensed copy for one workstation. If you bought the family pack sure no issue.

If your a valid registered student purchase another copy at a discounted price: http://www.microsoft.com/student/en/us/software/windows-7.aspx

[Trippy]

Hate M$ all you want, I have my own beef with them over lots of stuff, but the fact of the matter is, their licensing is one key per machine.  It's been that way since the dawn of Windows.  If you want to install Windows on multiple machines, you need multiple keys.  Why on EARTH you'd think differently, or feel "entitled" to install it on as many machines as you want is bogus.

Really?   Because I have installed Windows XP with the same key on multiple computers before... I didn't think it would be any different.  I'm not claiming to be a tech genius...

Certain XP keys are "site/volume license" keys. You don't even have to "activate" copies installed with those keys. Normal people, however, shouldn't have access to them.

[Nightshade]

Really?   Because I have installed Windows XP with the same key on multiple computers before... I didn't think it would be any different.  I'm not claiming to be a tech genius...

Congrats on pirating it. WGA should have flagged that key so the next time you reinstall and it prompts you to call I hope you honestly answer you have software installed on more then one PC.

Why is it bogus for a student on a limited budget to have to purchase two versions of software for 2 computers in the same house hold, technically, the household could use my laptop, and not the desktop computer (3 people using the same system).   Is it really so far out to say that 2 computers can't have the same version of the software?   I think not, but that's just me.

See you didn't buy a licensed copy for a household or student. You bought a licensed copy for one workstation. If you bought the family pack sure no issue.

If your a valid registered student purchase another copy at a discounted price: http://www.microsoft.com/student/en/us/software/windows-7.aspx

Oh okay, that makes sense... guess I should have looked for the family pack.   Thanks for the link.

[raydeen]

I'm not sure that the family pack is still available. A friend of mine was curious about it and when I went looking, the final webpage stated that the package was no longer offered.

Did a quick google and came up with this:
http://www.informationweek.com/news/windows/operatingsystems/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=222001027

[fuser]

I'm not sure that the family pack is still available. A friend of mine was curious about it and when I went looking, the final webpage stated that the package was no longer offered.

Yeah your right, it was discontinued for a few months now. I wish they would put the preorder pricing back again on 7. Getting an upgrade version of home for $50 and professional for $100 was silly.

[Kitsune]

Students can get microsoft stuff for crazy cheap, just hit up the bookstore for your ultra discount copies.  Problem solved.  For everyone else, the preorder and family pack pricing is sadly long gone.  And given the brisk sales, I doubt microsoft's feeling very inclined to drop their prices just now.

[tgr]

Name Your Own Price!

 

[veredus]

Ya there is a way around it. Just call and activate by phone. I have always called MS with Vista and XP and explained installing on a laptop and a desktop. Have never had any problems. They'll give you a temp cd key for activation. Haven't had to try it with Win7 but I imagine it will work.

[Nightshade]

Students can get microsoft stuff for crazy cheap, just hit up the bookstore for your ultra discount copies.  Problem solved.  For everyone else, the preorder and family pack pricing is sadly long gone.  And given the brisk sales, I doubt microsoft's feeling very inclined to drop their prices just now.

Oh thanks for the information guys, yeah the salesman at my school was less than adequate with providing me with any useful information.   I was getting mixed reviews from reading posts online as well as to what version of the software would be the best.

Really appreciate the help!   -  Now to actually reformat!