Need Virtual PC 6 25-digit product key for re-installation.

Question

Level 1

9 points

Need Virtual PC 6 25-digit product key for re-installation.

This is the closest topic I could find for my question. if this isn’t the correct forum, please refer me there.

Now here’s my installation question. I had Virtual PC 6 installed on my Mac G4, but when I upgraded to OS X 10.4.6 it would no longer work. I re-installed Virtual PC from the Connectix disc, but I no longer have the serial number needed to complete installation.

So I emailed Microsoft customer support and received a response referring me to their telephone support (surprise--it's somewhere in the middle east--India maybe?). The really-difficult-to-understand Microsoft Middle Eastern customer support guy said that Apple had purchased a “volume license” from Connectix (which owned Virtual PC when I bought it but subsequently sold to Microsoft) and that Apple customer support could give me the product key. When he tried to transfer me to Apple customer support I was disconnected.

How can I get a Virtual PC 6 25-digit product key from Apple so that I can complete the installation?

Thanks for your help.
Jim

17" Intel iMac and QS G4 867 Mac OS X (10.4.6)

17" Intel iMac and QS G4 867 Mac OS X (10.4.6)

Posted on Jun 24, 2006 12:19 PM

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Answer 1

Kurt Lang

Level 9

68,976 points

Jun 26, 2006 1:53 PM in response to LambAtLaw

It makes no sense that Microsoft keeps sending you to Apple. Microsoft bought VPC from Connectix and are now the sole owners and developers of VPC. The only connection to Apple is that the software runs on Macs. Other than that, Apple has no support or any other information to give you on VPC.

Chalk it up to more MS weirdness. Their insistance of sending you to Apple for something only they can resolve is like Adobe sending you to Apple for a problem with Photoshop.

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Answer 2

Kappy

Level 10

362,017 points

Jun 24, 2006 12:39 PM in response to LambAtLaw

I wouldn't waste your time. VPC 6 will not work with 10.4.6, you need to upgrade to VPC 7.0.2.

As for the serial number you will have to resolve that with Microsoft. No one here will give you a serial number to use because that would be illegal. These forums are sponsored by Apple and software piracy, illegal use of a software license or discussions related to such are a violation of the Terms of Use.

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Answer 3

LambAtLaw Author

Level 1

9 points

Jun 26, 2006 12:32 PM in response to Kappy

Thanks, I didn’t know VPC 6 doesn’t work with OS X 10.4.6. Call it a hunch, but I’ll bet I can’t upgrade from VPC 6 to VPC 7.0.2 without the elusive Virtual PC 6 25-digit product key.

As a lawyer, I’m well aware of the licensing issues, but Microsoft customer support is adamant that only Apple can give me the VPC product key. In fact, Microsoft customer support has referred me to Apple support twice now, both by telephone and online. The second time I tried Microsoft, I told them that Apple support had sent me back to them. Both times I was told that Microsoft no longer had VPC 6 product keys because Apple had purchased a “volume license” from Connectix and that Apple customer support--and only Apple customer support--could give me the product key.

What we have here is a Catch-22. This could go on forever. Suggestions?

17" Intel iMac and QS G4 867 Mac OS X (10.4.6)

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Answer 4

Kappy

Level 10

362,017 points

Jun 26, 2006 12:39 PM in response to LambAtLaw

Actually, if you upgrade to 7.x you get a new key and do not require the old key. In fact that's pretty much the case for every upgrade of VPC I've had since 1.0.

As for, "Keys, keys, whose got the keys?" I can't help you.

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Answer 5

a brody

Level 10

85,366 points

Jun 26, 2006 1:44 PM in response to LambAtLaw

Your VirtualPC product key is on the manual and/or CD jewelbox that came with your VirtualPC product. If you lost this, and didn't register your product, you may be out of luck and have to repurchase VirtualPC.

Apple support is 1-800-APLCARE. You may want to call them up and see if there is any truth to what that Microsoft representative is saying.

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