Activation options for client OS when host is XP Pro?

[SubZero]

I would ask what activation options VirtualBox users find themselves using when running as guest in client OS under XP Pro?

I have XP Pro as retail host and wish to install Vista that came with the machine as Home Premium as client.

It was activated before getting XP Pro retail host and hardware profile would seem different under VM so I wonder what the options are that can be used in that situation.

Thank you for helping

[Perryg]

It's the same as when you activated it the first time.
You must go through the process of registration and authentication with Microsoft, either over the Internet or by phone.
There are no shortcuts that I know of if you want to keep it legal (as you should).

[SubZero]

There are no shortcuts that I know of if you want to keep it legal (as you should).

Thank you for reply

Two copy of Windows XP Pro and two copy of Windows XP Home (for running XP VM under Pro) and one copy of Vista Home Premium that came with that machine. So I wish to test XP under Pro and I think Vista under XP Pro also, since the license is to that machine.

I hope it is all legal that way

[Perryg]

The license is to the user, and what you are paying for is the right to use the software. If you really want to know you would need to ask Microsoft.
From what I understand (and I could be wrong) if you install it and it authenticates you should be good to go. You are allowed (3) authentications within a specified time and then you must call and explain the situation to MS to get activated after that.

[SubZero]

Thank you for reply

Good information in the post. I will be within license agreement restrictions I think. Host with XP Pro is ok but VIsta I think you cannot do with Vista Home Basic and Vista Home Premium. Moving up to Vista Business or Ultimate is required for that I have found.

[James Bond 007]

Thank you for reply

Good information in the post. I will be within license agreement restrictions I think. Host with XP Pro is ok but Vista I think you cannot do with Vista Home Basic and Vista Home Premium. Moving up to Vista Business or Ultimate is required for that I have found.

No, you can use Vista Home Basic or Home Premium in a virtual machine. Initially Microsoft prohibited their use in VMs in the EULA of Vista, but it has since changed the EULA to allow for this use.

To be sure, even at the time this prohibition clause was in effect, you were able to use these Vista versions in VMs, even though technically you were not allowed to do that. I have tried it myself at that time and they worked (in VMware Workstation).

[SubZero]

Thank you for reply

I am glad for the additional information.

My wish is to host VMs on Windows XP Pro and to have one VM be Windows XP Home (from retail copy) and one VM to be Windows Vista Home Premium (from the OEM copy that came with machine).