Question about Windows XP

.Kencs · 1 Feb 2011 at 23:58

Is it 'illegal' to put a copied XP on my system if I have my own license?
My netbook is screwed and I want to reload windows but no XP cd, just the license key and no recovery partition. Currently got Linux in it but my wifi dont work with it

I was told it's the license your buying rather than the operating system...is this true?

SiriusB · 2 Feb 2011 at 01:39

You have a license to use Windows when you purchase it. The license is represented by your unique Product Key. That round bit of plastic you sometimes get is completely worthless.

So, in short, as long as the media you use matches the Product Key [i.e. Retail disc for a Retail Product Key] and your Product Key is legitimate, there should be no real legal implications. Though if possible you should try to source a proper CD or ISO.

M1k3H · 2 Feb 2011 at 02:47

yes it's true. If u own a key/license, you can use any form of the software your license covers you for.

.Kencs · 2 Feb 2011 at 08:54

So is downloading a copy of Windows XP WITHOUT a license key still illegal?

robinbredin · 2 Feb 2011 at 10:57

.Kencs
So is downloading a copy of Windows XP WITHOUT a license key still illegal?

Downloading XP is not illegal, using XP without a proper licence is illegal.

mrk · 2 Feb 2011 at 11:04

Yes the key is for the license, not the physical (or virtual!) media

CaptainCrash · 2 Feb 2011 at 22:35

.Kencs said:
So is downloading a copy of Windows XP WITHOUT a license key still illegal?

Without getting into the semantics of "illegal" in this context (we could be here all week), Microsoft don't like you making unauthorised copies of their distribution media.

Whether or not you'd be acting "reasonably" in doing so would depend on the circumstances and your intent, and would be up to a judge to decide, if things ever progressed that far. AFAIK there's no case law to swing the argument one way or another, so until there's a definitive ruling your guess is as good as anyone else's.

Having said that, installing and using Windows in breach of the EULA would, be... well... in breach of the EULA. Make of that what you will.