Legality?

[windows]

Which versions of Windows are legal to use on VirtualBox and programs similar to VirtualBox? I may be trying to install Windows on my Mac and I really need to know this.
Please help me! Thanks!

Also, if I bought an OEM version of Windows, and if I buy something to add to my mac, like lets say a thumb drive, or more internal memory, could I use it then, legally?

[windows]

I did some more research...

Microsoft lifted the bans on not allowing Home Basic and Home Premium to be used on virtual technologies back in early 2008. Is this still true?

Also, like said before: How do I qualify to use an OEM version of Vista on VirtualBox, legally?

[vbox4me2]

There is no such thing as a 'legal framework' for VM scenarios, it is all based on the license key and what the installer software finds. OEM's usually are hooked to specific hardware because those licenses are cheaper and persee will not install as a VM. If you have a free license all you can do it try to install it with that key, if it won't activate you need to buy a different version.

Don't ask or discuss 'loopholes' or any such issues which clearly would brake forum policy.

[windows]

What if I tell Microsoft "My motherboard died", and they give me a new key? Will the OEM work now on VirtualBox?

[vbox4me2]

It might, you can only try, there are as many OEM's as vendors with each their own ways.

[windows]

Like, what if I buy an OEM from a valid website, like Tigerdirect or Newegg.com?
Will the OEM work? Or do I still have to call Microsoft and try to get a new key?

[vbox4me2]

Again, it depends, you have a good chance it works. Only with the full version it works for 100%, but you pay for the difference.

[bobdevis]

The 'my motherboard died' approach when calling for activation worked perfectly for me when I transplanted a Vista OEM license from a brand new laptop to an older desktop PC. I did need to eh..borrow the universal Vista install DVD from a friend since the laptop did not come with any media. It just had a hidden rescue partition.
It seems MS doesn't care, as long as they don't see multiple PC's using the same key.
If this arrangement is actually legal to the letter may depend on your location. I believe here in the Netherlands it is perfectly legal to do anything you wish with any software you bought provided you do not distribute it.
The laptop is happily running Ubuntu now.

[klirik]

If I understand the OEM right, the only legal way to install it - is if (1) you have the developer's license agreement with Microsoft (actually it is come when you break the seal on OEM envelope), and (2) you installs the OEM windows as the part of the computer which you will sell to enduser. So, the only legal way to buy the OEM is to buy the computer where it is preinstalled. Another possibilities - even if you was lucky to buy somewhere the original OEM distribution ("gray" envelope with windows' disk and sticker) might be legal only if you sell the ready computer with this installed system. But this way you, and not MS became the supporter. So, all technical assistance became your burden.

However - it is a practical question, if I made the virtual machine with preinstalled OEM windows, and then sell it (for example, as vdi image written onto DVD-R, together with original OEM disk and license sticker). Who knows, if I buy such package - would it be legal OEM, or not...