Welcome to MalwareRemoval.com,
What if we told you that you could get malware removal help from experts, and that it was 100% free? MalwareRemoval.com provides free support for people with infected computers. Our help, and the tools we use are always 100% free. No hidden catch. We simply enjoy helping others. You enjoy a clean, safe computer.

Malware Removal Instructions

MS Virtual PC......WinXP licensing issues....

Troubleshooting issues with software, including all version of Windows.

MS Virtual PC......WinXP licensing issues....

Unread postby 2Ton » June 10th, 2008, 2:19 pm

I have just installed MS Virtual PC on my Windows XP Home pc. I only have one copy of Windows XP Home, and I installed it on the vm. (testing a XP Slipstreamed .iso). Can I use the same licence on the virtual machine? Windows says I must activate within 30 days. What do I do? (Should I activate Windows on the virtual machine also? Please advise.

How do you secure the Virtual Machine? Do I have to install a firewall also on it? I have installed an antivirus and mbam and have set the Windows firewall on. Can malware on the virtual machine infect the host operating system? How do I set it up so that malware does not jump to the host system?

Thanks
User avatar
2Ton
Regular Member
 
Posts: 378
Joined: October 11th, 2007, 1:14 pm
Advertisement
Register to Remove

Re: MS Virtual PC......WinXP licensing issues....

Unread postby ChrisRLG » June 11th, 2008, 3:52 am

According to Microsoft each VM is a seperate machine - and needs its own licence.
ChrisRLG
Administrator Emeritus
 
Posts: 17759
Joined: December 16th, 2004, 10:04 am
Location: Southend, Essex, UK

Re: MS Virtual PC......WinXP licensing issues....

Unread postby 2Ton » June 11th, 2008, 9:11 am

According to Microsoft each VM is a seperate machine - and needs its own licence.


Thanks, Chris. I just wanted something to infect and practise my removal skills on. I guess I will lay off the VM's until I can afford another licence.
User avatar
2Ton
Regular Member
 
Posts: 378
Joined: October 11th, 2007, 1:14 pm

Re: MS Virtual PC......WinXP licensing issues....

Unread postby jmw3 » November 4th, 2008, 9:28 pm

I'm totally new to Virtual Machines so I have couple of questions about activation etc.
So just expanding on this a little. If I was to create a VM then activate a copy of Windows, do what ever I want to do with VM then remove it. I then create a new VM, load Windows with the same disc. Does that mean the product key is no longer valid?
I'm just wondering how the teachers get around this especially with live practice logs. Do you just not activate windows & do what you want to do within the 30 days & then remove it?
Don't get me wrong, I DO NOT want to do anything illegal here. Just need some clarification.
Thanks
John

Edit: By the way, will be using MS VPC'07, Host OS Vista Home Premium ( yes I know it's not supported), guest OS will probably be XP Pro
Last edited by jmw3 on November 4th, 2008, 9:36 pm, edited 1 time in total.
User avatar
jmw3
MRU Emeritus
MRU Emeritus
 
Posts: 4621
Joined: February 12th, 2008, 2:36 am
Location: Port Hedland, Western Australia

Re: MS Virtual PC......WinXP licensing issues....

Unread postby MikeSwim07 » November 4th, 2008, 9:35 pm

What I do is install windows for the 30 free days, usually only takes me a few days to test the malware/etc. Then after 30 days, I just delete the VM and remake it.
MikeSwim07
Regular Member
 
Posts: 4215
Joined: August 27th, 2007, 9:44 am
Location: Gone

Re: MS Virtual PC......WinXP licensing issues....

Unread postby jmw3 » November 4th, 2008, 9:39 pm

Thanks Mike

That's what I was considering doing, otherwise it would seem to be a very expensive exercise :roll:

Any other thoughts on the subject?
User avatar
jmw3
MRU Emeritus
MRU Emeritus
 
Posts: 4621
Joined: February 12th, 2008, 2:36 am
Location: Port Hedland, Western Australia

Re: MS Virtual PC......WinXP licensing issues....

Unread postby MikeSwim07 » November 4th, 2008, 9:41 pm

Well I think if you buy a licence, use it, reformat, the key will still work.

Think of how many people reformat their computers; they don't need to buy new licenses.
MikeSwim07
Regular Member
 
Posts: 4215
Joined: August 27th, 2007, 9:44 am
Location: Gone

Re: MS Virtual PC......WinXP licensing issues....

Unread postby jmw3 » November 4th, 2008, 9:47 pm

ChrisRLG wrote:According to Microsoft each VM is a seperate machine - and needs its own licence.


Yeh I did think about that but Chris's quote above makes me think that might not be possible. I mean when reformatting your loading the OS onto the same machine whereas creating a new VM is totally new machine, is it not?
User avatar
jmw3
MRU Emeritus
MRU Emeritus
 
Posts: 4621
Joined: February 12th, 2008, 2:36 am
Location: Port Hedland, Western Australia

Re: MS Virtual PC......WinXP licensing issues....

Unread postby MikeSwim07 » November 4th, 2008, 9:49 pm

Yes,

If you have 2 "computers" a normal one and a VM, then you need to buy 2 licences; one for each.

What Chris means is that a VM counts as it's own computer.
MikeSwim07
Regular Member
 
Posts: 4215
Joined: August 27th, 2007, 9:44 am
Location: Gone

Re: MS Virtual PC......WinXP licensing issues....

Unread postby Nick-YF19 » November 25th, 2008, 3:12 am

What you do to to keep from having to keep reactivating is to make your virtual machine in a good state, activate it and then save it. For MS Virtual PC, you make a copy of the virtual drive and save it somewhere safe. Then you can do what you need to and when the time comes to start over, delete the virtual drive you used and make another copy of the one you saved. It's the same computer and installation, so no need to reactivate. For VMWare, make a good clean snapshot at the beginning and make a branch off of that for newer updated clean snapshots. You'll need lots of HD space, since that's what virtual machines love to eat up.
User avatar
Nick-YF19
Admin/Teacher Emeritus
 
Posts: 4036
Joined: May 17th, 2005, 12:42 am
Location: California
Advertisement
Register to Remove


Return to Software Support (including Windows)



Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 29 guests

Contact us:

Advertisements do not imply our endorsement of that product or service. Register to remove all ads. The forum is run by volunteers who donate their time and expertise. We make every attempt to ensure that the help and advice posted is accurate and will not cause harm to your computer. However, we do not guarantee that they are accurate and they are to be used at your own risk. All trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Member site: UNITE Against Malware