Legality of software "handmedowns"

[Plato]

Oh, my God, what an unbelievable pain in the ass! Pardon my French, but it's
ludicrous. I don't blame MSoft for "preventing thievery", but these extreme
measures to be taken just when you're swapping out hardware are ridiculous.

Dont use XP then. One can run a perfectly working PC at home and get all
your work done and get all your email and print all your kids homework
and do all your business and run all your games and post to usenet
without using XP.

 

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

Dave;
Just because there may be a way around activation does not mean that
way is honest.
One license, one computer, the way it has always been with all
consumer Microsoft OSs since at least Windows 95.
The same with OEM and retail Windows.

 

[Dave]

I never mentioned "a way around activation". I've been activating it with
every install after I've upgraded something. Now let me get this straight:

1) The only time a WinXP activation will prompt me to call the 1-800# is
when a new motherboard or drive is detected? Which one? And am I correct?

2) Is it or is it not alright to install my copy of XP on my roommate's
computer after 4 months? Please explain.

3) If my roommate and I were to purchase a new OS for each of us, does that
mean the only thing to do with my current XP is to throw it out???

Thanks...

 

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

Dave;
I meant that post for Alias comment.
1. There are many things that can trigger activation.
This link explains it best:
http://aumha.org/win5/a/wpa.htm

2. No, you can not legally install a single license on more than one
computer.
If it is retail, and you remove it from yours, you can then install on
his computer.
One license, one computer.

3. What is the current XP?
If the current is OEM, yes it is a coaster since it can not be
transferred to another computer.

 

[hermes]

Oh, my God, what an unbelievable pain in the ass! Pardon my French, but it's
ludicrous. I don't blame MSoft for "preventing thievery", but these extreme
measures to be taken just when you're swapping out hardware are ridiculous.

Alright, then. Who's the hotshot I would call whenever I decide to swap out
my memory, my motherboard, my hard drive, or even get permission to take a
poop? What's the number?

You should read the eula so that you identify which parts of it you may
find unconscionable. Then you should see these websites:

http://protectfreedom.tripod.com/
http://microscum.com/mmpafaq/
http://www.windows-sucks.com

They bring attention to your fair use rights for using a copy of
software that you purchased and own in the privacy of your own home for
non-commercial usage. Research the matter then make up your own mind.
Noone has the right how to tell you to use your stuff in your own home.

--
hermes
DRM sux! Treacherous Computing kills our virtual civil liberties!
http://protectfreedom.tripod.com/index.html
http://www.cl.cam.ac.uk/~rja14/tcpa-faq.html
http://anti-dmca.org/
http://www.eff.org/IP/DMCA/unintended_consequences.php

Windows XP crashed.
I am the Blue Screen of Death.
No one hears your screams