14 DAY TRIAL // On October 16, Microsoft introduced the End User License Agreement for Windows Vista. The Vista license terms introduced access limitation for failed limitation and increased the warranty period from just 90 days to one year. But the Windows Vista EULA also restricted the transfer of the operating system between devices, permitting the reassigning of Vista to another machine a single time.
Microsoft faced an increasing wave of criticism for the transfer limitations introduced in the Windows Vista EULA. "I'm very pleased to let you know, that the Windows division has revised the retail license terms for Windows Vista in a significant way," stated Nick White, Windows Vista Product Manager.
As a consequence of the changes introduces to the Windows Vista EULA, the terms that refer to license-to-device assignment of the retail operating system are as follows: "You may uninstall the software and install it on another device for your use. You may not do so to share this license between devices. The software may include more than one version, such as 32-bit and 64-bit. You may use only one version at one time."
"We're trying to be really clear about our intention to prevent piracy," said Microsoft product manager Mike Burk. "At the same time, after listening to the feedback that came in, (we) felt that we needed to make this change."
This impacts exclusively retail versions of Windows Vista Home Basic, Home Premium, Business and Ultimate. The change in policy affects in no way Windows Vista licenses for operating systems preinstalled on OEM's devices.
"Our intention behind the original terms was genuinely geared toward combating piracy; however, it's become clear to us that those original terms were perceived as adversely affecting an important group of customers: PC and hardware enthusiasts. You who comprise the enthusiast market are vital to us for several reasons, not least of all because of the support you've provided us throughout the development of Windows Vista. We respect the time and expense you go to in customizing, building and rebuilding your hardware and we heard you that the previous terms were seen as an impediment to that -- it's for that reason we've made this change. I hope that this change provides the flexibility you need, and gives you more reason to be excited about the upcoming retail release of our new operating system," concluded White.