Why are windows serial stickers always broken?

[GarethDW]

I'll take another one with my camera in a bit...

No need for the rolleyes, mate... he as joking. A better quality pic to grab your serial number

 

[Brian Stuart]

Well technically when you agree to the EULA you are entering a contract, so breaking that contract is illegal.

It is my understanding that breach of contract is unlawful and subject to action in a civil lawsuit. Illegal means against the law and subject to criminal proceedings ( I think )
In the case of the MS EULA, it is my contention that MS would have to sue in a civil court to establish that a breach of contract had, in fact, taken place. If it were proven that the EULA was robust and a breach had taken place then there could well be a criminal case for piracy but it would be a legal minefield.

 

[Aod]

the sticker on my toshiba was worn through as shown in the OP.

when the lower casing (which the sticker is attached to) was replaced, the toshiba guys just moved all the stickers

 

[Skeeter]

It think the Vista stickers are the ones that now come 'broken'. All the XP ones ive seen are the plastic covered ones. The annoying thing witht he Vista ones is they fall apart as they arent covered by plastic.