I don't want to start a big debate about this or anything like that but still I figured it was very important to explain especially to those who followed the old thread an issue regarding Windows OEM licensing with regards to the installation and use of their copy of OEM Windows.
The licensing issue is that Microsoft stipulate we MUST preinstall our purchased copies of the OEM version of Windows using the OEM Preinstallation Kit (known as the OPK).
Here is the exact words from the System Builder License:
It should also be noted that the OPK is available from Microsoft for free.
I know it sounds crazy but unless you did actually preinstall your copy of the OEM version of Windows using the OPK you have broken the System Builder License Terms and in fact until you do preinstall using the OPK it is actually illegal to install and use your copy of the OEM version of Windows!
I didn't even know about the OEM Preinstallation Kit until I came across it in the System Builder License a couple of days ago and even then it hadn't occured to me about my lack of use of it that is until earlier this evening.
What should we do about not having properly licensed copies of OEM Windows?
I really don't want to use the OEM Preinstallation Kit although it does intrigue me as to how it works and the level of customisation available. It's more the time I would need to spend learning how to use it etc that puts me off giving it a go.
The licensing issue is that Microsoft stipulate we MUST preinstall our purchased copies of the OEM version of Windows using the OEM Preinstallation Kit (known as the OPK).
Here is the exact words from the System Builder License:
6. PREINSTALLATION REQUIREMENT. When you distribute an individual software license for a desktop operating system or application software, you must preinstall it on the fully assembled computer system’s hard drive using the OEM Preinstallation Kit (“OPK”) provided in this package or otherwise made available by us.
It should also be noted that the OPK is available from Microsoft for free.
I know it sounds crazy but unless you did actually preinstall your copy of the OEM version of Windows using the OPK you have broken the System Builder License Terms and in fact until you do preinstall using the OPK it is actually illegal to install and use your copy of the OEM version of Windows!
I didn't even know about the OEM Preinstallation Kit until I came across it in the System Builder License a couple of days ago and even then it hadn't occured to me about my lack of use of it that is until earlier this evening.
What should we do about not having properly licensed copies of OEM Windows?
I really don't want to use the OEM Preinstallation Kit although it does intrigue me as to how it works and the level of customisation available. It's more the time I would need to spend learning how to use it etc that puts me off giving it a go.
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