Vista OEM version ok for use with Parallels?

What you are missing is that the EULA would mean you would not be able to use the OEM version legally.

Now whether that is something that bothers you or not is an ethical decision for you to make.

Seablade

Considering you are ordering it for a 'new computer' (the MAC) it is tough to say. Whats the difference in ordering the OS with a already built computer (mac) versus building a computer from scratch and ordering it? Kind of a loophold or catch 22 edepending on how you look at it.

It doesn't matter that it is for a new computer, the real catch is the running it virtualized.

Seablade

EDIT: To clarify, if memory serves, and it is memory as for some reason MS makes it exceedingly difficult to find a copy of the OEM EULA, while Vista Ultimate CAN be virtualized, I believe there is language in the OEM EULA that restricts the ability of OEMs to legally be used in a virtualized environment.

i thought that was only for the budget Home versions of Vista?

For the full(Non-OEM) versions yes, but for the OEM versions, I believe there is still wording in there that prevents using OEM versions for virtualization purposes. Again though I can't seem to track down the blasted license at the moment to double check this. You would think MS might actually have it on their website somewhere you don't need a password to access.

Seablade

http://oem.microsoft.com/downloads/s...SB_License.pdf

The Prez

Funnily enough, I believe that is slightly out of date as I believe they changed their wording and removed the 'non-peripheral hardware' option. But at any rate, would you happen to have a link to the EULA for the OEM version?

Seablade

Your forgetting the disclaimer on newegg.

Qualifying proof of purchase must be recent receipts showing the purchase of a mother board, hard drive, RAM and a CPU. The components can be on multiple receipts; not necessarily all on one receipt nor on the same receipt as the qualifying Windows XP/Office 2003 that you purchased.

32bit would work on parallels, 64 would not. if you dual boot, 64 would work perfect and so will 32. Parallels doesn't support 64bit drivers but that doesn't mean it won't install.

Don't yah get it? To use an OEM copy of Windows you're supposed to be the builder of the system. Obviously you didn't build the Mac, so you can't legally install an OEM Windows on it. (especially not after telling everyone you're gon do it)

The Prez

heheh, i remember sites from a while back that would consider you a system builder if you bought an IDE ribbon with your copy of windows.

You can also buy OEM versions of software from eBay and other sources. I've purchased several OEM disks from Newegg - never been asked to show proof of component purchases. Not saying a person should do this, but since it's confusing as to whether putting it on a Mac is okay or not, thought I'd share.

I will probably NEVER buy another OEM version of an OS again, though. It's a pain. Change components or systems, and you can't use the software. I also wouldn't go near Vista on my MacBook Pro. The reason I have Windows on it is for gaming ... XP is still better in that respect. (I'm not a Vista hater - have it on my desktop and quite happy with it).

Just my 2 cents...

Similar things happen with certain software copyright checks. I find virtualization to be very handy for this actually as you always have a standard set of hardware presented to the guest OS. While I use the software involved perfectly legally and as intended, it makes things MUCH easier on me to do so on occasion.

To try to simplify things for the OP....

I do not believe it is technically legal to use OEM versions of the software in the way you are describing. However I don't have a EULA for the OEM version handy to be able to check this. Even if it is technically legal as you purchased a new computer, it is against the spirit of OEM software as it is intended for system builders to be able to install software on a custom built system, either for personal use, or the intended purpose, for selling as a single unit.

This is all seperate from whether it will technically work or not. It should work fine. I can't think of any instance where it has not I should say. The above only addresses the ethical issues of it all.

Technically, I can't recall if Parallels can run a 64 bit guest OS, so I will refer to the above and say no. You would want to get 32 bit. I believe VMWare Fusion may support 64 Bit guest OS if I remember right.

Seablade