virtualbox.org

I have a computer that has Windows 7 installed as the main operating system. I'm going to change that by installing a Linux distribution over the top of it, but before I do that I want to ask about using the OEM Windows 7 disc to install Windows 7 as a guest. This Windows 7 disc was purchased when I built my own computer, and as I understand it is tied to the hardware. The hardware hasn't changed, but I read that Virtualbox will assign a different UUID, and Microsoft may not let it activate because it thinks it's a different computer. Does anyone have any experience with this, or is there an easy work-around?

You most probably need to talk to Microsoft or your OEM manufacturer about licensing issues. The hardware will definitely change, and not just the UUID. I've heard stories (from users in these forums) that they usually cooperate, but do not take my word for it. As for a work-around it, we don't try to circumvent copyrighted materials.

socratis wrote:You most probably need to talk to Microsoft or your OEM manufacturer about licensing issues. The hardware will definitely change, and not just the UUID. I've heard stories (from users in these forums) that they usually cooperate, but do not take my word for it. As for a work-around it, we don't try to circumvent copyrighted materials.

Yeah, I kinda figured that I would have to call them. I'd probably buy a non-OEM version of Windows 7 if necessary.

Actually, there is no legal problem running OEM Win7 on a VM on the same host that Win7 was bundled with. I believe the Win7 license even covers that scenario these days. Given that you bought the OEM Win7 separately, I expect you'll have no problems provided the last activation wasn't too recent.