[jmk909er]

I have a new laptop with windows 7 OS on it and an older Dell inspiron laptop 1520 with Vista on it. My question is this: Can I install the 7 OS on my Dell from my new laptop since they don't give you any discs anymore when you buy a new computer?

Thanks, Joe

[neil21stirling]

Im assuming you want to keep using both laptops?
if this is the case there's no legal way to do it im afraid. The copy that came on your new laptop is tied to that laptop. using the same operating system from one laptop to another is against copyright, unless your licenced to use the same version of software on more than 1 machine.

[jmk909er]

Oh I did not know that, I thought that when you bought it it was yours. Let me ask you this, if you went to the store and bought Windows 7 for example, couldnt you install it on all the computers that you have since you own it?

[neil21stirling]

I think you now get a 3 machine licence with new copies bought from stores.

[TerryNet]

With Windows (and many other software products) you don't really buy the product, but rather you buy a license to use the product. Your current Windows 7 is OEM, and is tied to that machine only.

If you buy an upgrade (discounted price) Windows 7 and install it on your Vista PC that Windows 7 will then be tied to that machine.

If you buy a full retail Windows 7 (1 license) you can move it from one machine to another, but it can be on only one machine at a time and takes a call to Microsoft to move it to another machine.

Apparently next month there will be another limited opportunity to get a 3-pack Windows upgrade for $150.