Win7 virtually in Win10 with same key code?

[Diggs]

I have a customer that for compatibility reasons needs to run Win7 (or dual boot - last resort) inside of Win10 for an embroidery machine's software to run correctly. Can you use the same Win7 key code to install Win7 using VirtualBox that the machine used to upgrade to Win10? Or, can the same key code be used in a dual-boot situation?

I'm assuming not but thought I'd see if anyone had been there before.

 

[nlinecomputers]

Not legally for several reasons. Most likely the key is an OEM key which you can't run except on the hardware it was sold in. You can't run it on a VM even if the host is the same hardware.
The Windows 10 system license is an upgrade to the existing license. You are using the Windows 7 license to run Windows 10. You forfeit your right to run Windows 7 so long as you run Windows 10.

To legally do this she will need a retail copy of Windows 7.

 

[nlinecomputers]

If you plan to dual boot then you could purchase a full copy of Windows 10. Either way to run both OS you need two independent licenses.

 

[Diggs]

...and the other option I gave them is a used Win7 machine and share the monitor with their Win10 machine which for them would be the simplest.

Thanks @nlinecomputers

 

[SAFCasper]

...and the other option I gave them is a used Win7 machine and share the monitor with their Win10 machine which for them would be the simplest.

Unless they are very computer literate I'd go for this.

From past experience virtual machines just cause confusion. Clients go full screen and can't get back out. They plug in flash drives which connect to the VM instead of the host, or vice versa. Just all sorts of issues.

Dedicated PC and a KVM switch with a nice easy button to press. So much easier to use.

 

[nlinecomputers]

Yeah, there's also no certainly that the software will work in a VM when you often don't get direct access to the hardware.

 

[ComputerRepairTech]

I have a customer that for compatibility reasons needs to run Win7 (or dual boot - last resort) inside of Win10 for an embroidery machine's software to run correctly.

What software is this!? I keep hearing people say stuff about embroidery software not being able to run on such and such OS, I wonder if its all from the same developer xD

 

[Diggs]

They have never told me the manufacturer's name but checked with them several times to be sure their software would work with Win10 before upgrading and were reassured each time no problem. It sounds like there are 4 software modules and only 2 are partially compliant with Win10.

I am worried about hardware connection issues but since this was the only thing the virtual session would be doing I was hoping I could work through it and get things set up statically so running Win7 would be just part of their embroidery software procedure.

A separate Win7 machine (and KVM) is probably the best option.......

 

[LordIntruder]

Dedicated PC and a KVM switch with a nice easy button to press. So much easier to use.

or a connection via rdp instead. Works like a charm at one of my customers. Benefit of remote connection: they can use that dedicated machine from every workstation in the network. With a KVM switch they have to sit in front of _that_ keyboard.

 

[HCHTech]

What software is this!?

I have a customer with an embroidery setup that uses "Embird" software. Last time I was there she was still on Windows 7, so I don't know if she ever succumbed to the Win10 upgrade.

 

[Your PCMD]

I dont know why the software would not work on Windows 10 @Diggs. I have a client that uses software for a gas station called Phoenix - to which they have the CD for it - and it says Windows 7 compatible. I built them a new computer as theirs was failing so badly. I installed Windows 10 Pro on it. Even after I called the company that makes the software, they swore up and down it would not work on Windows 10, yet I installed it just fine and all I had to do was point the program to the proprietary database and it works without a hitch.

You know you can install Windows 7 or 8 software in compatibility mode right?

 

[Diggs]

You know you can install Windows 7 or 8 software in compatibility mode right?

Yep!

They had assurances directly with tech support of the embroidery company (I never found the name) and were working directly with them (who I assume knew of compatibility modes also). I never got a shot at the software install and it has gotten quiet despite a follow-up. Possibly they reinstalled everything in compatibility mode (I even explained this to them on my visit) and are fine but I am just guessing. (I don't feel comfortable pursuing this with them any further. This was "her" hobby and the $10,000 embroidery machine had other problems in the past. There was tension.........)

 

[Your PCMD]

I don't feel comfortable pursuing this with them any further.... There was tension

Good call. Liked the way you handled that situation.