It works, but is it legal?

[JockMullin]

Win 7 pro machine running XP Mode in virtual machine.

VNC server is installed in the XP machine, so can connect to it remotely via network and internet.

Thus the Win 7 machine is now multi-user - one on the Win 7 desktop and one connected to the XP desktop and accessing a shared database quite nicely.

I know this type of setup will be of interest to some customers, but am wondering about the legality, given Microsoft only wants multi-user on servers.

Opinions?

Jock

 

[robmazco]

My initial thought is it doesnt matter. MS gives you the capability to use VM/XP mode, in fact you download it from them. It also doesnt stop you from setting it up like this.
I dont recall seeing any disclaimer against using it in such a manner.

 

[dilettante]

The Windows 7 EULA states:

By using the software, you accept these terms. If you do not accept them, do not use the software. Instead, return it to the retailer for a refund or credit.
:
Number of Users. Unless otherwise provided in these license terms, only one user may use the software at a time.

Find End User License Terms for Microsoft Software Licensed by Microsoft or the Computer Manufacturer

 

[linney]

You can run anything you like on the Virtual Machine as long as you are complying with any licensing requirements for the installed guest operating system.

The guest operating system licenses are not included with a Virtual PC license (XP Mode's installation of XP is already Activated and Licensed by Microsoft, so this is the exception to the rule) . Users must ensure that they are appropriately licensed for all operating systems that they install on a virtual machine.


You might want to read Windows 7 Eula and the Virtual PC's one to make doubly sure.

 

[JockMullin]

Hmmm, well my (non-legal) interpretation is 1 user per the Win 7 Eula, 1 guest XP machine per the virtual machine implementation of XP mode, and 1 user per the XP Eula.

Nowhere do I see it explicitly say those have to be the same single user. And since XP mode is downloaded and installed separately from Win 7 it is also licensed separately, it seems to me.

Also, in terms of understanding EULA's, see today's Windows Secrets discussion on the many EULAs that may or may not be in effect for any given installation:

The EULA you click may not be the one in effect

All in all a real morass.

Jock

 

[robmazco]

theres lotsa good reading:

More than one EULA in your copy of Windows

Want to know what your Windows EULA looks like? Windows XP's EULA is stored in a file located here:

C:\Windows\System32\eula.txt

XP also has a help file associated with the EULA. The help file is located at:

C:\Windows\Help\license.chm

In Vista and Windows 7, one version of the EULA is stored in the following location:

C:\Windows\System32\license.rtf

But Vista and Win7 also store other EULAs on the system. For example, Win7's license library for the US-English version of the software is at this location:

C:\Windows\System32\en-US\Licenses

 

[JockMullin]

Right, Robmazco, that's a direct quote from the Woody Leonard column in Windows Secrets I linked to in my prev.

I have looked at that XP Eula on the XP Mode C: and it says this:

1.4 Remote Desktop/Remote Assistance/NetMeeting. The Software contains Remote Desktop, Remote Assistance, and NetMeeting technologies that enable the Software or applications installed on the Workstation Computer (sometimes referred to as a host device) to be accessed remotely from other Devices. You may use the Software’s Remote Desktop feature (or other software which provides similar functionality for a similar purpose) to access a Workstation Computer Session from any Device provided you acquire a separate Software license for that Device. As an exception to this rule, the person who is the single primary user of the Workstation Computer may access a Workstation Computer Session from any Device without acquiring an additional Software license for that Device. When you are using Remote Assistance or NetMeeting (or other software which provides similar functionality for a similar purpose) you may share a Session with other users without any limit on the number of Device connections and without acquiring additional licenses for the Software. For Microsoft and non-Microsoft applications, you should consult the license agreement accompanying the applicable software or contact the applicable licensor to determine whether use of the software with Remote Desktop, Remote Assistance, or NetMeeting is permitted without an additional license.

So I think it is saying you need to license the accessing device separately if it is not the same user. Which means I should be totally legal accessing my Win 7 machine (duly licensed) as a second concurrent user via my Ubuntu laptop (duly registered; no license required from Canonical).

Jock

 

[dilettante]

Of course they have to be the same user.

XP Mode is licensed as part of Windows 7 Pro or above, it is not a separate free product. Microsoft provides add-ons for many of its products in this manner.

I'm not sure it matters much. The whole scenario is of such limited value anyway. Just get a used PC and install Windows 7, Vista, XP, or whatever.