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Licensing XP on a Virtual Machine

Can anybody explain in simple terms the MS Licensing position on Virtual Machines?

I have created a copy of a physical machine which I want to run virtually, with the original machine switched off.  The machine has XP installed (SP3).

Because the OS recognises a change in hardware (virtual hardware) it says i must re-register/activate the software.  When I attempt to do this, the nice automated lady tells me the activation key is wrong and I may have a dodgy copy of XP.  It isn't because it is running MS security Essentials, and windows Updates - both of which check the authenticity of the OS.

Does MS allow you to build a copy of your machine with XP on and run it virtually?  Does it make a difference if the OS is an OEM version that came with the PC?

 

Thanks

SB
You cannot install a previously used OEM copy of Windows XP in a VM.  An OEM license can only be used or reused on the exact same computer it was originally installed and activated on.  A VM is considered a "new computer".
Carey Frisch
Windows Expert - Consumer

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Last updated November 18, 2022 Views 578 Applies to: