...Then please educate the other million people out there... I'd like to see an official document from MS stating the precise terms.If it is the case, I'll consider making a retail purchase. I still don't see the logic behind that... the retail is for users who need basic tech support. Why do I have to spend a bunch of extra money for something I'm not going to use. And while we're on the topic of personal stuff, you're telling me you have a full retail version of your OS's?edit: I found the answer on the MS site... apparently the three people in this thread (myself included) are using the OEM discs illegally and should be banned from these forums immediately... and the cops should come and bust down our doors as well:http://www.microsoft.com/OEM/en/licensing/sblicensing/pages/licensing_for_hobbyists.aspx

HelloIf Ms really gave a *hit they would go after the resellers (sorry business partners) who are selling OEM disks to Joe public in the first place..

I absolutely agree - from a practical perspective... there's no issues... from a legal perspective... well... according to the link from MS... 'nuff said.The reason they don't go for joe blow is because we don't have deep pockets.Anyway since I'm now illegal, I better hurry up and forget about my daughter's baby food and drop $300 on that new retail version of the OS I already have - Win7 Pro.edit: I stand corrected, a mere $260 off Newegg... :Shocked:

I have never used a retail boxed version yet. In most cases i am about 18 months between upgrades so no problem. The build i have just finished however was only just over the 6 months and my OEM W7 validated with no problems and IMHO, thats the way it should be. If i had Mr G's money i'd burn mine.

You folks get lost in the nuances:1. From a legal perspective, OEM for home PC builders like us is a no-no. Period. End of story.2. MS seems to not prosecute this type of license infringement, so you're off the hook (for now).Cheers,- jahman.

Is using ilegal licenses OK if the publisher is a big company, such as Microsoft?How big should a publisher be to allow community members to use ilegal software?

You folks get lost in the nuances:2. MS seems to not prosecute this type of license infringement, so you're off the hook (for now).Cheers,- jahman.

I LOL at #2... It's amazing that in the last 6+ years I've built and upgraded systems I've never known OEM WAS NOT for the homebuilder... I thought that's what it was specifically made for. I figured Dell/HP/store bought stuff already had their own OS installed, they always do! Anyway well you live and learn I guess.

Is using ilegal licenses OK if the publisher is a big company, such as Microsoft?

No, it never is.When Microsoft was startup company, they were almost done-in by piracy when home PC builders (ahem, "OEM"s) started pirating their BASIC insterpreter software for the Altair 8080 home builder kit. Got BillG in a tizzy!

How big should a publisher be to allow community members to use ilegal software?

Supose the company were yours, and the investment in developing the software also yours. How large should your company be to allow community members to to pirate your software? Exactly.

I LOL at #2... It's amazing that in the last 6+ years I've built and upgraded systems I've never known OEM WAS NOT for the homebuilder... I thought that's what it was specifically made for. I figured Dell/HP/store bought stuff already had their own OS installed, they always do! Anyway well you live and learn I guess.

OEM Definition.If it's any consolation, I used to think as you did "until I saw the error of my ways". :Big Grin: Cheers,- jahman.

No, it never is.When Microsoft was startup company, they were almost done-in by piracy when home PC builders (ahem, "OEM"s) started pirating their BASIC insterpreter software for the Altair 8080 home builder kit. Got BillG in a tizzy!Supose the company were yours, and the investment in developing the software also yours. How large should your company be to allow community members to to pirate your software? Exactly.OEM Definition.If it's any consolation, I used to think as you did "until I saw the error of my ways". Cheers,- jahman.

I agree, but how many do that? Seems that some use illegal Windows copies, including Avsim Staff members. Normally an Avsim moderator would lock a thread when somebody admits to violating an EULA or committing software piracy. I'm just curious on other Avsims view on this matter. :Thinking: :Thinking: :Thinking:

I agree, but how many do that? Seems that some use illegal Windows copies, including Avsim Staff members. Normally an Avsim moderator would lock a thread when somebody admits to violating an EULA or committing software piracy. I'm just curious on other Avsims view on this matter. :Thinking: :Thinking: :Thinking:

Why go looking for a Hornets nest with a big stick in you hand?Bryan

Supose the company were yours, and the investment in developing the software also yours. How large should your company be to allow community members to to pirate your software? Exactly.

Please don't tell me i am pirating software i already legaly purhased then changed my motherboard & proc.

HelloSo basically in order to become fully legal again I should remove this OEM XP32 from my laptop.Problem there is Microsoft wont sell me a retail copy and the only place I can get one is Ebay, How does that help Microsoft?If I dont go the Ebay route then I need a new laptop as this old Thinkpad will not work well with W7.This is going to get expensive and all just to run ASE and FScommander over my network :Cry:

HelloSo basically in order to become fully legal again I should remove this OEM XP32 from my laptop.Problem there is Microsoft wont sell me a retail copy and the only place I can get one is Ebay, How does that help Microsoft?If I dont go the Ebay route then I need a new laptop as this old Thinkpad will not work well with W7.This is going to get expensive and all just to run ASE and FScommander over my network :Cry:

LOL I was going to write something identical to this. It's dam near impossible to find a retail edition of Win XP these days.

HelloSo basically in order to become fully legal again I should remove this OEM XP32 from my laptop.Problem there is Microsoft wont sell me a retail copy and the only place I can get one is Ebay, How does that help Microsoft?If I dont go the Ebay route then I need a new laptop as this old Thinkpad will not work well with W7.This is going to get expensive and all just to run ASE and FScommander over my network :Cry:

Go figure this one. The motherboard and cpu that i removed from my FSX rig that had my OEM version of W7 on, i intend moving to my other general purpose PC that has a OEM version of XP PRO (bought and payed for) So i have to go and buy another licence for an operating system to install on this motherboard?Both computers will never leave my house and they are for my own personal enjoyment and i am pirating software? Give me a break!Every single piece of software on both computers (Except Freeware) is bought and payed for and i have never been associated with any pirated software what so ever. To conclude my rant, I really do believe that it is not Microsoft's intent to fleece people to this extent. Which is why IMHO, you find that after having an OEM o/s on your pc for a period of time, a reinstall seems to validate. (My remark about Mr G's money was my feeble attempt at some humour).Regards,

...Both computers will never leave my house and they are for my own personal enjoyment and i am pirating software? Give me a break!Every single piece of software on both computers (Except Freeware) is bought and payed for and i have never been associated with any pirated software what so ever.

You are polarizing the legal argument. While what you are doing may not technically qualify as pirating (you did pay something for the software), you are in breach of contract. The contract is what's written and you agree to it every time you use the software. Mind, you also need to understand you don't own the software as you are only licensed to use it, so any argument that you paid for the software and thus can do with it as you please is moot. The only way you will ever be able to do as you please with any of Microsoft's software is if you buy the company. :Big Grin:Cheers,- jahman.