In order to run Windows 7 in a VM you need a Windows 7 license. I don't believe there is a distinction between physical and virtual keys like there are for servers. Microsoft includes the XPMode virtual license in Windows 7 but that's all.
You're right the Action Pack includes 10 upgrade licenses. They are for upgrading "qualified operating systems". In your example, the 10 'Nix boxes wouldn't qualified. As long as you have the "qualified operating system" around you're good. If I remember correctly, running Windows 7 in a VM for businesses is a benefit of Software Assurance. Yes I'm being lazy and not looking it up as I am supposed to be doing something else right now. Having said that I think you can install one of your 10 Windows 7 licenses in a VM. This is because Internal-use software licenses may be used for internal business needs. If you still feel leery use your TechNet for Action Pack subscription and download one of your 10 RETAIL licenses. Art From: David Lum [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Wednesday, April 04, 2012 7:15 AM To: NT System Admin Issues Subject: Win7 in VM, pricing, and Action Pack. So. for %ownbusiness% I have an MS Action Pack subscription which gives me 10 upgrade licenses of Windows 7, but what I want is to run Win7 in a VM, but the Action Pack licensing (as I read it) doesn't allow it. While I could have 10 physical 'Nix boxes and legitimately "upgrade" all ten to Windows 7, the licensing doesn't allow P2V of said systems. Looking at pricing, full retail of non-OEM, non-upgrade Win7 is $299. I find it hard to believe anyone really pays that much to VM Windows 7 (at %dayjob% we're a non-profit so what we pay is drastically lower than retail). Anyone have any idea how I can legitimately VM a single Win7 Pro OS and not pay $300 for it, or am I stuck paying that? David Lum Systems Engineer // NWEATM Office 503.548.5229 // Cell (voice/text) 503.267.9764 ~ Finally, powerful endpoint security that ISN'T a resource hog! ~ ~ <http://www.sunbeltsoftware.com/Business/VIPRE-Enterprise/> ~ --- To manage subscriptions click here: http://lyris.sunbelt-software.com/read/my_forums/ or send an email to [email protected] with the body: unsubscribe ntsysadmin ~ Finally, powerful endpoint security that ISN'T a resource hog! ~ ~ <http://www.sunbeltsoftware.com/Business/VIPRE-Enterprise/> ~ --- To manage subscriptions click here: http://lyris.sunbelt-software.com/read/my_forums/ or send an email to [email protected] with the body: unsubscribe ntsysadmin
