Activating vista in VMware

I know this is technically a windows problem but when i try to activate windows on vmware it tells me that my key is already in use, even though its not. I used to think this was because Microsoft did not allow virtualization of windows vista home basic or premium, but now they do, so does anyone know what the problem might be?

Have you used that license on a different installation? That would include boot camp, parallels, or another physical machine.

What version of Windows is it?

If the answer to any of these questions is 'yes', then that'll be your problem.

- Have you installed it previously on Bootcamp or a PC?
- Are you 'borrowing' it from a friend?
- Is it an OEM version?

I previously installed it in bootcamp, but i uninstalled it. I thought that i could have it on any number of computers as long as its only on one at a time. How do I switch the computer I want it on from bootcamp to VMware?

eliehass said:

I previously installed it in bootcamp, but i uninstalled it. I thought that i could have it on any number of computers as long as its only on one at a time. How do I switch the computer I want it on from bootcamp to VMware?

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You'll have to call MS. Usually they're OK with it, as long as it's a retail version.

Just got off the phone with MS, they let me activate it. They were pretty good about it, but wow, the whole activation process is a HUGE pain. Thanks all!