Hello,
i have a PC with a Vista Ultimate (32 Bit) installation, which is running fine so far. I tried to install Virtual PC 2007 on it and created a virtual PC with the same Vista Ultimate DVD, which was used to setup the PC itself. Installation in Virtual PC 2007 also runs, so far no problem, but i cannot activate the installation. When i start activation, Microsoft server tells me, that i must use a different key !?!
Correct me if i am wrong, but i thought the advantage of Vista Ultimate was to be able to use it in Virtualization environment.
What could be the problem ? Any hints ? My DVD is a system builder edition, could this make a problem ?
BTW: My system is a dual boot (one WinXP license and one Vista Ultimate license). I tried the same under WinXP, but also there Windows Vista Ultimate under Virtual PC 2007 running on WinXP tells me: "Activation not possible - give me another key..:".
PC is C2D with E6700, 2 GB RAM, Asus P2B Deluxe Wifi, no RAID used, two SATA harddisks a ~ 300 GB.
Regards,
Martin

One licensed key per machine, that includes virtual machines.
-Michael
* Martin Maurer:

"Martin Maurer"

Correct your license for Ultimate does not include addiotnal activations additional VMs. The software may be used in a VM but you still need a new license key for that VM. The only product that includes additional licenses is Enterprise Edition where you are allowed to have 4 additional VMs running under the original key.

Yes you are allowed to use it in a VM - but you still need to license it with a new key. You do not get free VMs under the Ultimate license. Home Editions may not actually be run in a VM at all according to the EULA. So the Ultimate EULA allows you to put that copy of Ultimate on a Virtual Machine , but you will need to use your key to do that. So for a physical install and a single VM you need 2 licenses

No problem it is working as licensed - read the EULA again.

Comments above - inline
Mike Brannigan