[max_carpenter]

Just wondering does Microsoft permit use of Nlite and Vlite providing the right key is used for the correct machine, only we install machines day in day out over here and what I was going to do was create a custom Disk for 2000 and XP and include as much of teh software as possbile that we install with every machine (things like winzip, pdf creator acrobat reader etc) include the common drivers then make it all unattended apart from the License Key screen

Then with all teh computers we just pop this disk in away installation goes, gets to License key we type the correct one in for that machine then away it goes again doing the rest of it I reckon it will cut down the time of reinstalling a machine by about half an hour and make our lifes alot easyier but is it actually legal to do that?

[nuhi]

Objectively while we don't do anything illegal like cracking protections it's ok, but as far as I know in some states you can't even backup your own Windows CD.
Majority of enthusiasts edit their installation cds today, it is silly to ask us not to do it. And just look at the Microsoft WAIK tool, which essentially answers your question. We probably can have 1 backup CD, it's now different with Vista than it was with XP...it's up to you to obey those things if you must.

[max_carpenter]

Ok thanks for clearing that up

[rehbar]

Ok Nuhi but microsoft dos't allow to use third party themes but nlited cd allow it. Microsoft enforce user to pass through "WGA" when you install WMP11 and IE7 but nlite solve this problem without passing "WGA" by integrate them in sorce cd. Microsoft allow these options?

[Access Denied]

I say if your legit, then its legit. Simple enough.

[nuhi]

rehbar, I don't integrate WMP directly, WMP Slipstreamer does.
IE7 when integrated isn't changed one bit, just copied. It's a nusproduct that you didn't need to setup it and then WGA didn't kick in. That doesn't mean you don't need to pass WGA to be able to access updates and what not.

And just for the record I'm not saying it's perfectly bullet proof, I'm just saying it's not hurting MS in any way, quite the contrary.

[fireware]

You can bypass WGA legally to install updates with a MS OEM tool though

[#rootworm]

yah, it's called automatic updates.

and by the way, EULA != Law

just because Microsoft doesn't allow something doesn't make it illegal, use your brain.

[redxii]

It's not like some sort of 'law representative' comes by on a regular basis to each house to make sure there aren't any modified or backed up Windows CDs either. And (thankfully) the same thing doesn't happen with RIAA and MPAA agents doing the same to make sure you aren't violating the DMCA.

[NOTS3W]

Read this:

http://forums.microsoft.com/Genuine/ShowPo...7&SiteID=25

I don't see how using a tool to help you install a legitimate copy of Windows violates anything. Although many large corporations, my employer among them, refuse to use shareware or freeware that does not have a legal EULA specifically permitting the software's use in a corporate environment. Not saying it can't be used isn't enough for corporate lawyers. They insist on seeing something that says it CAN be used that way. Short of that, they'd rather pay for a commercially available product than risk an audit and fines.

Our company routinely runs Tivoli scans on all systems from time to time looking for software for which we do not have an EULA on file.

I'm not saying I agree with it, but many larger businesses do adopt that position.

Smaller businesses are probably less likely targets of software audits.

Hope that helps.

[piXelatedEmpire]

max_carpenter, on May 4 2007, 12:42 AM, said:

...only we install machines day in day out over here and what I was going to do was create a custom Disk for 2000 and XP and include as much of teh software as possbile that we install with every machine (things like winzip, pdf creator acrobat reader etc) include the common drivers then make it all unattended apart from the License Key screen

Then with all teh computers we just pop this disk in away installation goes, gets to License key we type the correct one in for that machine then away it goes again doing the rest of it I reckon it will cut down the time of reinstalling a machine by about half an hour and make our lifes alot easyier but is it actually legal to do that?

Sounds to me like you're doing this commercially, ie, for a business? I believe this violates nLites license?

[dexter.inside]

actually if you have a OEM reseller license this procedure is quite legal. OEM Partners have been doing similar stuff for years. As for personal use, it's somewhere in the gray area of the EULA.

[boooggy]

rehbar wmp integration is the same as ie7 ...all files are getting copied....

[Madhits45]

Dexter Knows best. Become an OEM reseller. Sounds crazy but its not as hard as I thought it would be.

[Kitana]

Is no legal but no ilegal, Microsoft no penalize this software.

I no speak english

[dexter.inside]

I'd say that nLite / vLite enter the incidence of the same EULA covering the Windows AIK, which is free to use. So if they create a legal precedence for such apps, developers and beta testers everywhere would be breaking the law so no more Microsoft Connect, no more Microsoft Research and a lot of highly qualified personnel would go unemployed.

So consider the legal ramifications before asking such questions even if you go to court (I did that 3 times, and not because of Microsoft) charges would most likely be dropped. Unless they charge you for industrial espionage, that is.

[rehbar]

I am not blame on anyone. I ask these questions for my information only.
Thanks for clear my questions.

[weEvil]

Its about as illegal as jaywalking. Aka: Crossing the street.

[-I-]

few minor comments... for newbe users... and talking in general term for most european countries and US state (its still up to you to check you it a aplys to you too)...

IF you redistribute microsoft windows, as retailer (or OEM-system builder) you are required in most countries and states to deliver what you sell, that is - if you sell a licence of windows you are to deliver a full retail version of windows... its licence documents etc. (also a full orriginal cdrom containing it ) - or equivilent to the sold version: OEM, Retail, volume licence, or other...

MAYBE: with the expeption of when you being an oficial OEM partner allowed to licence a machine by installing a sticker with code...

If your an OEM reseller, YOU are the soul 'person' to provide support to a client...
and MS will genarally refuse to support any of your clients...

If you sell out customized (hacked), retail versions be aware even more, because, by hacking (tweeking) the system you may be undoing any warrenty your users have a right to... by doing this you MUST make sure your clients agrea to this, knowing what it wil meen to them if things break, -

about pre-installing 3rd party software,
You MUST be sure to have the right to distribute and/or resell ALL software on your disks....

in generall: Ask your local legal-counseler (lawyer) first before you ever use projects as this one for productional and/or (semi-)comercial use... AT ALL TIME.