If I activate Vista Ultimate while running under Vmware running on licensed XP pro for testing purposes till I upgrade my machines peripherals (driver support issues) But I still want to test it and get to know the OS to be ready for the MCDST upgrade exan when available, will I have any problem re-activating it when I do have the upgraded hardware I am saving up for? I checked MS site and could not find any answerd specific to my situation and i became frustrated with Microsofts phone support whom didn't quite understand me. I believe there was a language barrier as I was speaking to a heavily accented Indian gentleman.
Thank you.

You would have a problem, because a virtual machine is considered a computer, and you can only install Vista on one computer. If you talk to MS phone activation nicely, and convinced them you deleted the virtual machine, you might be able to do it. Alternately, don't activate the copy in the VM, since it will work for a while without activation, and you can learn the OS during this period.
Larry Maturo
"Chris Venuti"

Thank you Larry.
I do plan on deleting the VM, I have 25 Licenses as it stands now, but do not want to waste one on a VM when it comes time to roll out vista to oher machines.
Thanks again for the advice.
"Larry Maturo"