a VMware\windows question

[OogyWaWa]

is there a way to legally distribute windows distributions as a vmware image?

for example, let say i build a sweet .net programming environment with all kinds of tweaks and goodness that other people would probably want to use. so, i package it up in a quick and easy deployable vmware image. all the user needs to do is enter their product keys for the non-free apps (windows, visual studio, etc.) and they are good to go.

is this legal? is there anyone currently doing this? know of anyways to get windows and other apps installed and configured, but set up to where the next time the run they require cd keys?

thanks

 

[tatteredpotato]

IANAL, but I would say no because you are still technically "distributing" their software, regardless of if you give keys. No different than making copies of a windows CD and giving that away.

 

[sao123]

not sure why this is under programming instead of operating systesm...
but


as long as you use the repack tool and the person you distribute to has a valid license and code, I dont see why not.

now remember however that... certain versions are licensed for use in virutal machines, and certain ones forbid it. Also remember to follow those terms.

 

[OogyWaWa]

whats the repack tool? how do i find the versions built for vms?

 

[sao123]

the repack tool is called "Sysprep", it comes with most copies of windows.

as for which versions of windows are permissable as a VM guest OS is in the licensing, a google search should get you the information you seek. Also note...This only applies to vista, there was not restriction on XP.

 

[OogyWaWa]

alright, i'll check out sysprep. will this tool also de-license visual studio and other MS products?

so, there were no restrictions on XP, so it should be ok as long as it is prepped?

 

[imported_Dhaval00]

I think you should be OK with it if you're distributing the image within your organization, and your organization has a volume license (assuming you used the volume license keys). If you want to be in utter compliance, contact M$ or your legal department (if you have one).

 

[OogyWaWa]

Well, this isn't for distribution inside an org. I want to distribute it like linux VMs are distributed.

Basically, I just want to make a couple dev. envrinoments, for example .net or JAVA with all kinds of nice tools, frameworks, bookmarks to help, etc. etc. So, if you develop on that environment, you can download the VM and put in your own CD keys where needed. then you've got a pre-configged/customized environment. you would be able to get coding quickly.

 

[drebo]

No, it's not legal, unless you are providing the OEM keys and associated hardware for all included software yourself.

Microsoft is fairly explicit in stating that you cannot distribute copies of their software without licenses to go with it. Certain types of licenses carry certain restrictions (such as the requirement of OEM licenses to be sold with a motherboard, processor, or hard drive) which may require you to include other items as well.

In short, the answer is no.

In long, the answer is still no.

There really isn't any grey area when it comes to something like this.

 

[OogyWaWa]

well, guess that solves that

 

[sao123]

Originally posted by: drebo
No, it's not legal, unless you are providing the OEM keys and associated hardware for all included software yourself.

Microsoft is fairly explicit in stating that you cannot distribute copies of their software without licenses to go with it. Certain types of licenses carry certain restrictions (such as the requirement of OEM licenses to be sold with a motherboard, processor, or hard drive) which may require you to include other items as well.

In short, the answer is no.

In long, the answer is still no.

There really isn't any grey area when it comes to something like this.

not sure where you got this answer from... but

VMWare used to distribute a pre built MS windows v-machine... WITH MICROSOFTS BLESSING... until Ms bought their own VM machine and tried to make it illegal to install windows in vmware at all, then cash changed hands and all was well again.

 

[OogyWaWa]

lmfao...so...whats the word? what should i be searching for? windows virtual machine licensing?

 

[sao123]

1-800-microsoft-licensing-department

 

[drebo]

Originally posted by: sao123
not sure where you got this answer from... but

VMWare used to distribute a pre built MS windows v-machine... WITH MICROSOFTS BLESSING... until Ms bought their own VM machine and tried to make it illegal to install windows in vmware at all, then cash changed hands and all was well again.

That's an entirely different scenario.

A demonstration version of Windows (unlicensed, unable to be licensed) distributed as a proof-of-concept for VMWare Workstation/Server (or, incidentally, Microsoft's own Virtual Server) is not the same as what the OP is asking for.

There's always the option of paying for a special dispensation from Microsoft, but something tells me that the OP is not going to have that kind of money laying around.

My answer was valid for the types of licensing currently and commonly available in the market and based on the EULAs for those license types.

The bottom line is that without permission, Microsoft does not allow anyone to distribute their software without licenses. That's why you can't go to a store and by a Vista disk without a license or an Office 2007 OEM disk. That's the breaks.