Are multiple installations of Win 98se ...

[Panama Red]

permissible? I have an original disk w/ product key that came with a now retired Gateway system. It's installed on this system as a dual boot. I'm putting a system together for my son from salvaged parts but using a new mobo and cpu. I'm wondering if I can use the same Win 98 and install it on his system too. Since MS doesn't officially support the 98 product any longer, would multiple installations be permissible? And what about updating at Windows Update? Will it reject a second installation using the same product key?

[reboot]

The license specifys, one installation per product key.
If you legally want to put it on your son's system, you'll have to erase it from yours, or purchase another license.

[Panama Red]

That was my suspicion, Jim. Is there any way to use the 98se that came on the Compaq restore discs that he got with this old unit I'm salvaging? I have a product key for that one too, but no MS disc, just the Compaq stuff.

[andyms18a]

if you have 2 product keys then as long as a bit of the compaq hardware like the floppy drive is on the new computer then just use your win98 cd and the compaq licence
and you will be fine

[azscary]

The restore CD can only be used on the machine it came with. The OEM writes a file to a specail partition on the drive that allows the restore CD to run. Without this file it will not install on another machine.

[edfair]

I'm not the software police so my comments may not apply.
Your original Gateway was OEM, probably. And was licensed to the Gateway. So the move may have been outside the license requirements. MS has specified on ebay that transfer of OEM software also requires the transfer of some hardware, M/B, memory, or hard drive.
The Compaq is licensed to use the 98SE. Nothing in there that requires that it be installed from the restore disk.
So, as far as I can see, you are 1 for 2. The dual boot isn't involved in the calculation. I won't tell.

[reboot]

You have two copies of Windows. No matter if they're OEM or retail. You have two licenses, one for each.
This entitles you to have two computers, each running a copy of Windows, each with their own license.
Install 98 on your sons computer, and use the Compaq license (but NOT the disk!!!). Keep your copy, which is using the other license, and we'll assume you at least reused a cable, screw, or jumper from the Compaq to keep it legal

[Panama Red]

Is the Product key on the 98 CD anywhere and has to match or do you just enter the product key when you install the os. Thinking of my XP install on this system, Product key had to match.

[reboot]

To avoid a legal hassle here, I can't tell you...however, if you try and install it, using the product key, and it works, then you'll know for sure.

[edfair]

That's why I dislike the MS license aggreement so much. The answer depends on what the COA that came with the Gateway says. It may very well expect you to use it only on the machine it was shipped with. But I would use it anyway and at worse case move the hard drive over. Even temporarily.

If I buy 3 individual OEM copies off ebay they are only legal if I get some hardware with them. If I buy a 3 copy reseller pack they are legal without hardware.
I think James and I have argued this in another lifetime. And it is still unresolved.

[Panama Red]

Thanx again, one and all

[andyms18a]

Originally posted by edfair . If I buy 3 individual OEM copies off ebay they are only legal if I get some hardware with them. If I buy a 3 copy reseller pack they are legal without hardware. I think James and I have argued this in another lifetime. And it is still unresolved.

all mirosoft oem software must be sold with hardware the reseller packs are for you to put on to computers you build and sell to customers so you suply the hardware and the oem to the end user