Windows Serial Key Rules

[alsTech]

Alan22,

Thanks for the info, I'm sure a few jaws dropped on that one.

 

[sjlplat]

This is not intended to insult anyone.....just an observation from reading posts concerning Windows licensing.

There are some people here, computer repair professionals, who are misguided when it comes to proper Windows licensing and post inaccurate information as fact without any references to back up their claims.

Using a Windows disc that was not intended for the target system may result in being able to install & activate Windows, but it may not be legal to do so. Different Windows versions have different End User License Agreements and as computer professionals we are bound to adhere to them. It is not the end user that is agreeing to them, it is the installer....you.

All the information concerning proper Windows licensing is on Microsoft's website. I'm not referring to the forums, I'm referring to KB articles and the OEM Partner Center. I've posted links a few times....even in this thread.

In an effort to distribute accurate information, I submit the following links:
Microsoft OEM partner Center FAQs
How to replace Microsoft software or hardware, order service packs, and replace product manuals
Microsoft Software License Terms (Windows 7)

Admittedly, I find some of the licensing terms to be easily misinterpreted. As I understand it, Microsoft licenses distributors to sell software without COAs in digital form only if that software is downloaded from Microsoft.com. This is exactly how my MSDNAA downloads worked.

Any software that is not downloaded from Microsoft.com and assigned an appropriate key from the licensed distributor must include official media and a COA.

I think a lot of the confusion comes from the sourcing at http://pcprogramswholesale.com/ -- Jim is clearly not hiding his presence or his intentions. He explains that he sells keys from a spreadsheet he obtained directly from Microsoft. I don't know Jim, and I don't have any intention of defacing his image. I simply don't understand how his business works from a legal aspect.

As a small business owner, I think the site is a great resource, and I hope it is 100% legitimate. However, based on the terms from Microsoft's site I find this particular business to fit into a gray area. Microsoft does not expressly permit or forbid the sale of software licenses. The question here is, can I buy from this site legally?

 

[Alan22]

Alan22,

Thanks for the info, I'm sure a few jaws dropped on that one.

Maybe, maybe not. I've been blasted for similar posts like this - that's when I started posting reference links to backup my claims. Misguided information still seems to flood the board and I try to correct it when I see it.

To me proper licensing is very important. I am not out to convert those that use whatever disc they have to install Windows, no matter where or how it was obtained, such as illegal copying of discs, torrents, technet, action pack, whatever - I know that practice will not change. I just want to bring to the forefront that it's not correct when someone gives the advice that "you can use whatever disc you want, Microsoft doesn't care, all that matters is having a valid license key, as long as it activates you're ok". Microsoft does care (I've posted the proof direct from Microsoft) and I just think computer professionals should set a higher standard and not post misleading information when it comes to licensing, especially when it's not well understood. I think this is partially Microsoft's fault as they don't make it easy to understand and you have to dig for the information.

 

[sjlplat]

To me proper licensing is very important.

I just think computer professionals should set a higher standard and not post misleading information when it comes to licensing, especially when it's not well understood.

x2 - I want to run a reputable business, and I want my customers to know that. It' not my concern about what the other guy does, but when it impacts me and/or my customers, I want to know that I've taken every precaution to ensure my business and my customers are protected from liability.

I think this is partially Microsoft's fault as they don't make it easy to understand and you have to dig for the information.

I think this is true for most of society. Nowadays you need a lawyer to order coffee at McDonalds.