Win 8.1 Activation in Boot Camp and VMware

[scotty588]

I recently wiped my bootcamp Win 7 install to update to Win 8.1. No problems with the install, everything went fine. I entered in my legitimate key and it activated. I loaded up Vmware in OSX and I find that I can't activate while in Vmware. It says the key is in use by another computer.

I've already read the 2 support articles (here and here) on the Vmware site talking about this issue. The solution states to install the Vmware tools which I already did and it made no difference even after I uninstalled and followed the steps.

I never had this issue with Win 7 with bootcamp and Vmware. It activated fine on both. Is anyone successfully running an activated copy of Win 8 in both bootcamp (native) and in Vmware with a single user license key?

 

[Gjwilly]

It might be possible but it is in violation of the Microsoft license.
One computer (physical or virtual) per license.
The reason you were successful with Windows 7 was because that OS wasn't as stringent in its hardware checking.
Windows 8 checks on every boot and it can detect that the two machines are not the same.

 

[scotty588]

Well that sucks. I don't really want to buy another license. Would that even work without changing the key depending on which I boot? Would need a multi license key.

 

[Gjwilly]

Some people have said they've had luck with calling the Microsoft 800 number and explaining the situation.
Worth a shot.

 

[scotty588]

Good idea. I'll try it

 

[maflynn]

I've done it, its not a violation of the EULA. You're running windows on a single computer. Call the number, type in the numbers you need and then answer the question (is this the only computer its on) and they'll give you a new set of numbers to type in.

 

[scotty588]

I've done it, its not a violation of the EULA. You're running windows on a single computer. Call the number, type in the numbers you need and then answer the question (is this the only computer its on) and they'll give you a new set of numbers to type in.

So when it says "is this the only computer it's on" what did you answer? It won't deactivate the key on boot camp native and activate the VMware copy?

 

[chrfr]

So when it says "is this the only computer it's on" what did you answer? It won't deactivate the key on boot camp native and activate the VMware copy?

If you answer "1" you'll get an activation code, and if VMWare Tools are installed, it will not affect the original activation.

 

[scotty588]

If you answer "1" you'll get an activation code, and if VMWare Tools are installed, it will not affect the original activation.

Looks like that worked. Thanks!

 

[Gjwilly]

I've done it, its not a violation of the EULA.

Yeah, it actually is.

Use in a virtualized environment. If you use virtualization software to create one or more virtual computers on a single computer hardware system, each virtual computer, and the physical computer, is considered a separate computer for purposes of this agreement. This license allows you to install only one copy of the software for use on one computer, whether that computer is physical or virtual. If you want to use the software on more than one virtual computer, you must obtain separate copies of the software and a separate license for each copy.

 

[chrfr]

Yeah, it actually is.

The use of Windows in a virtualized Bootcamp environment is a gray area. It's only a single installation and it's both a physical and virtual environment. Microsoft's license terms don't really address it one way or the other.

 

[Gjwilly]

The use of Windows in a virtualized Bootcamp environment is a gray area. It's only a single installation and it's both a physical and virtual environment. Microsoft's license terms don't really address it one way or the other.

It's a clear violation. Nothing gray about it.
They specifically say that a physical machine and a virtual machine each require their own license.
Bootcamp is the physical machine.
Vmware is the virtual machine.
I get that this is an Apple-focused board but that doesn't mean that other companies EULAs should be ignored.

 

[scotty588]

Technically it's just 1 install though. I'm not running Vmware off an image on my hard drive. It's using the bootcamp partition to boot to Windows.

 

[maflynn]

So when it says "is this the only computer it's on" what did you answer? It won't deactivate the key on boot camp native and activate the VMware copy?

I answered 1 because that's the truth. I have windows running on a single computer. Just because it boots up either in VM or bootcamp, is immaterial.