Windows 7 ISO downloads. Is it legal?

[GeekPCSupport]

I found this while searching on the internet for a Windows 7 disk for a client who wants to upgrade. I would like to know if this is legal.

http://www.mydigitallife.info/2009/11/10/windows-7-iso-x86-and-x64-official-direct-download-links-ultimate-professional-and-home-premium/

Supposeably you can download any Windows 7 ISO and use it to install Windows 7 as long as you have a valid key.

Thanks for the help,

GeekPCSupport

 

[Xander]

Whether or not it's legal, no linking, etc is supposed to take place here:

No Links to Pirate Material or Assisting with Its Use
Such as illegal torrents, copyrighted software ISOs, CD Keys or means to hack into software and/or hardware. No assisting on the forums with information to obtain or make use of pirate material.

That said, I'm fairly certain it's not and constitutes pirated software.

 

[GeekPCSupport]

Dear eHousecalls.ca:
Thanks for the quick reply. I was not aware of the rule you stated, so it was not my intention to break any of them. I thought that it was probably not legit, but I was trying to be sure.

Thanks and sorry,

GeekPCSupport

 

[maclaptech]

There is nothing wrong with downloading "any" ISO. This is because you are "not" downloading any activation keys.

You would still need to have an activation key if you use this ISO to install Windows 7 or any other operating system via the ISO.

ISO is like someone giving you a Windows 7 installation CD with no activation code. There is nothing illegal about that.

 

[JRDtechnet]

It's fine, Microsoft themselves put the files out there.

 

[vdub12]

You know this question has came up tons of times before.

the answer is as long as your using a genuine key theres nothing wrong with downloading an ISO.

 

[Thedog]

Legal, maybe not...

Morally right? Probably...

If you have accidently installed Windows from the wrong CD with the wrong serial you can make it legit by using http://www.microsoft.com/genuine/selfhelp/PKUInstructions.aspx

 

[Cypher]

I'm fairly certain the Microsoft EULA prohibits redistributing software.
I personally wouldn't have confidence installing an OS on a client's PC from an ISO that someone's posted on the net. The only source I would trust is Technet.

 

[purple_minion]

Please search the forums before asking as this has been covered to death over and over.

 

[MrUnknown]

I'm fairly certain the Microsoft EULA prohibits redistributing software.
I personally wouldn't have confidence installing an OS on a client's PC from an ISO that someone's posted on the net. The only source I would trust is Technet.

Those files are from Microsoft's Digital River online store. They are from Microsoft.

I am sure they prohibit distribution of the copies of their disks, however, they only really care about activation with a legit key as the disks are completely useless without one.

 

[Daifne]

And if you read the comments, you will see keys being posted many times... This is not good.

 

[vdub12]

Again, there's nothing wrong with using media to install a genuine license.

Please search the forum because this has been beat to death.

 

[maclaptech]

I'm fairly certain the Microsoft EULA prohibits redistributing software.
I personally wouldn't have confidence installing an OS on a client's PC from an ISO that someone's posted on the net. The only source I would trust is Technet.

These files were posted by Microsoft. They are 100% legal.

 

[bsd13]

Everyone you ask has a different answer for this, even people at Microsoft. Regardless they (Microsoft) never make much of an issue about it except in regards to having a valid key. I think they've given up trying to chase down people who don't have an "official holographic image" on their installation disc. Not having a valid key on the other hand... that's a problem.

 

[maclaptech]

Everyone you ask has a different answer for this, even people at Microsoft. Regardless they (Microsoft) never make much of an issue about it except in regards to having a valid key. I think they've given up trying to chase down people who don't have an "official holographic image" on their installation disc. Not having a valid key on the other hand... that's a problem.

Check out this link...

 

[Xander]

From the FAQ:

Can I backup to...?
Can I backup to...?
Can I backup to... ?

They are providing the tool to End Users for backing up their ISO and as an alternative installation method.

They aren't providing it as a means of distribution nor as implicit permission to that end.

 

[bsd13]

Check out this link...

But is it legal. I know it violates T&C but those are a far cry different than if something is legal or illegal.

I guess the question should be has Microsoft, or anyone else ever successfully prosecuted for this issue. Installing legal software, with a valid key using a media that wasn't theirs to begin with.

Personally I've never run into the issue of needing to scrounge up installation discs for a customer but I'd be shocked to find out if legally anyone (with the exception of microsoft) believed it to be a black and white issue.

 

[vdub12]

But is it legal. I know it violates T&C but those are a far cry different than if something is legal or illegal.

I guess the question should be has Microsoft, or anyone else ever successfully prosecuted for this issue. Installing legal software, with a valid key using a media that wasn't theirs to begin with.

Personally I've never run into the issue of needing to scrounge up installation discs for a customer but I'd be shocked to find out if legally anyone (with the exception of microsoft) believed it to be a black and white issue.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with using downloaded media if your using a genuine license. When you buy windows you are not buying a disk you are buying a license to use the software. Honestly what do they expect us to do when manufacturers don't even ship media with computers anymore.

 

[maclaptech]

From the FAQ:
They are providing the tool to End Users for backing up their ISO and as an alternative installation method.

They aren't providing it as a means of distribution nor as implicit permission to that end.

There is nothing wrong with making multiple copies of Windows Installation CD or downloading the ISO.

The only legal issue is when you deal with activation keys, etc.