Microsoft switches to a "one computer only, permanently" licence with Office 2013 - Page 2

Wowbagger · 21st February 2013, 09:38 AM

Originally Posted by BenBurch

So, what stops me from putting MS Office into a VM and then just moving the VM from machine to machine?

Depends on the VM.

Most of them report the actual physical hardware specs. and IDs to the software on it. So, in those cases, Office will ask you to re-activate.

That does not rule out the possability of spoofing that data, though. If you have a VM that could do that, then.... I suggest you consult with your lawyers for further information.

OnlyTellsTruths · 21st February 2013, 06:54 PM

Originally Posted by BenBurch

So, what stops me from putting MS Office into a VM and then just moving the VM from machine to machine?

Does the VM not use the unique computer ID of the computer it is installed on??

You could compare the System Properties of the VM to the real one and see if it is the same...

Not that that would necessarily prevent you from cloning the VM to another machine, I haven't used VM software much.

21st February 2013, 09:38 AM	#41
Wowbagger The Infinitely Prolonged Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Westchester County, NY (when not in space) Posts: 13,532	Originally Posted by BenBurch So, what stops me from putting MS Office into a VM and then just moving the VM from machine to machine? Depends on the VM. Most of them report the actual physical hardware specs. and IDs to the software on it. So, in those cases, Office will ask you to re-activate. That does not rule out the possability of spoofing that data, though. If you have a VM that could do that, then.... I suggest you consult with your lawyers for further information.
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21st February 2013, 06:54 PM	#42
OnlyTellsTruths Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 5,797	Originally Posted by BenBurch So, what stops me from putting MS Office into a VM and then just moving the VM from machine to machine? Does the VM not use the unique computer ID of the computer it is installed on?? You could compare the System Properties of the VM to the real one and see if it is the same... Not that that would necessarily prevent you from cloning the VM to another machine, I haven't used VM software much.
OnlyTellsTruths Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 5,797	__________________ ________________________