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Possible Duplicate:
Can you help me with my software licensing question?

I have debated for a couple of years whether or not to purchase Microsoft's Action Pack (took the tests, and currently qualify to purchase it). I am mainly concerned with this question:

Does the Action Pack contain 10 "Full" (not just an upgrade) version of Windows 7 Pro?

The description says "Windows 7 licenses are upgrade licenses only", but a couple people I have talked to said they are able to do clean/full installs, without needing a previous Windows OS installed.

Then the next main question would be, How does Technet subscription compare to the Action Pack when it comes to the above concern regarding Windows 7 licensing.

Community
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Chris-D
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1 Answers1

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The key difference is: how do you intend to use the software from your subscription? If you are planning to use it for actual work, then the Action Pack is your only legal option.

  • Action Pack subscriptions provide fully licensed software for your internal use in your business. Note that there are some restrictions on direct revenue-generating activities.

  • TechNet subscriptions are for evaluation purposes only. (detailed list of permitted uses)

The Windows 7 "upgrade" licensing is a paperwork requirement only. If you insert a brand new hard drive into a computer with a Windows XP OEM license sticker and run the installation, your Action Pack license key will work fine. You do not need to preinstall an old version of Windows.

Skyhawk
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  • Thank you Miles. You explained it very well... legally, I would more than likely need to purchase the Action Pack. Your explination regaring the XP OEM sticker is exactly what I was looking for, thanks again! – Chris-D May 18 '11 at 14:55
  • I'd verify this, and any other MS licensing Q, with Microsoft. My MS rep has explained things differently to me. – ErnieTheGeek May 18 '11 at 15:02
  • Oh ok Ernie, thanks for the tip - it can be very confusing with licensing. – Chris-D May 18 '11 at 16:37
  • Ernie's sentiment is correct: a best-practice community like SF may be able to point you in the right direction, but only Microsoft has the final word on Microsoft licensing. – Skyhawk May 18 '11 at 23:30