Selling hard drive images?

[MichaelsComputerServices]

I was wondering what people thought about doing some kind of online image selling. I have a lot of computer hard drive images compiled and what would be the legality of it? Say I was to make a universal image, and sell this for a download. Then once restored it would ask them for their COA, would this make Microsoft not so happy?

 

[Martyn]

Illegal as far as I am aware

 

[anglian]

Illegal as far as I am aware

Agree, as far as I know it is illegal to download an image of any windows OS even if you have a COA.
Lost CD = buy it again

I hope no one here breaks the rules

 

[dgiles79]

Definitely not legal. This is from the Windows EULA:

you may install one copy of the software on one computer. That computer is the “licensed computer.”

You may not make more copies of the software than specified in this agreement

 

[seashore]

I was wondering what people thought about doing some kind of online image selling. I have a lot of computer hard drive images compiled and what would be the legality of it? Say I was to make a universal image, and sell this for a download. Then once restored it would ask them for their COA, would this make Microsoft not so happy?

I'm interested in what you use personally to restore the images. Acronis Universal Restore? Does it work well?

 

[iisjman07]

This is not legal. A similar example is UBCD4Win; for legal reasons you cannot just download an iso, you have to have a windows disk and create your own.

 

[MichaelsComputerServices]

Ok, thank for your input. I use Acronis for imaging. I have had used Acronis Universal resore, but not enough to really be able to give my full opinion of this feature. The one time I did try to use Acronis Universal I received BSOD on reboot.

 

[PCX]

Ok, thank for your input. I use Acronis for imaging. I have had used Acronis Universal resore, but not enough to really be able to give my full opinion of this feature. The one time I did try to use Acronis Universal I received BSOD on reboot.

I used to use restore disks all day long, but I have learned that taking the time to slipstream your own custom disks is much quicker and more rewarding in the end. For instance, I have cut down my Windows Vista Installation to about 1.5hrs. This includes ALL the latest updates and service packs, all the latest drivers, AV, and several other applications like java, flash, silverlight, reader, codecs, etc. This whole process used to take about 4 to 6 hours or more with Vista.

 

[carrcomp]

I used to use restore disks all day long, but I have learned that taking the time to slipstream your own custom disks is much quicker and more rewarding in the end. For instance, I have cut down my Windows Vista Installation to about 1.5hrs. This includes ALL the latest updates and service packs, all the latest drivers, AV, and several other applications like java, flash, silverlight, reader, codecs, etc. This whole process used to take about 4 to 6 hours or more with Vista.

You still install Vista

 

[PCX]

Vista is probably about 70% of what I install. Shoot, we are even installing XP still. People do not want to spend the extra $100 for a Windows 7 Upgrade.

 

[carrcomp]

Vista is probably about 70% of what I install. Shoot, we are even installing XP still. People do not want to spend the extra $100 for a Windows 7 Upgrade.

I have no issues with Windows XP, but I have told customers before about how much better Windows 7 tends to run, and generally they are willing to upgrade (some only after I promised a refund if I was wrong, but that was a couple of months ago)

 

[PCX]

While Windows 7 is by far the best "piece of crap" that Microsoft has created, Vista is no longer as bad as it used to be. In any case, Vista does what most people need and I am too practical to suggest the upgrade if I do not see a legitimate need for it.

 

[mraikes]

You still install Vista

Really? Despite the derisive laughter from the bandwagon I've never had problems with properly updated Vista installed on appropriate hardware.

 

[carrcomp]

While Windows 7 is by far the best "piece of crap" that Microsoft has created, Vista is no longer as bad as it used to be. In any case, Vista does what most people need and I am too practical to suggest the upgrade if I do not see a legitimate need for it.

I have to give you that.

I suppose it is finally out of it's Beta stage.

 

[seedubya]

I hope no one here breaks the rules

Who would do such a thing?