Rules on reinstalling Windows on someone elses PC

[Zero]

I've helped a few friends/family over the years with their PCs and I'm wanting know when is it legal/illegal to install windows on someone elses PC. (Windows XP for example)

1. If the user has the COA on the PC but has no software, can I use my windows CD to reinstall the OS with their product key?

2. What constitutes a license? (COA, windows xp retail box, any other form of xp documentation?)

3. If the user has the OS CD(not a copy) and no COA or product key, can I use my product key?

If anyone can point me to any documentation of this I'd appreciate it!

Zero

 

[MrChad]

It's really quite simple. You can install/reinstall a copy of Windows that the owner has a valid license for. The media you use is irrelevant; it's the product key that designates an installation as unique. Your media must match the type of license you're trying to install (e.g. an OEM XP CD will not work with a retail product key). I believe that a COA constitutes proof of license ownership.

13. END USER PROOF OF LICENSE. If you acquired the Software on a compact disc or other media, a genuine Microsoft "Proof of License" label with a genuine copy of the software identifies a licensed copy of the Software. To be valid, the label must appear on Microsoft software packaging. If you receive the label separately, it is invalid. You should keep the packaging that has the label on it to prove that you are licensed to use the Software.

EULA

 

[Zero]

THanks MrChad.
It seems quite simple, but the product key is never mentioned in the license agreement as part of the license to install the product.

The EULA simply states that the media accompanied by the "proof of license" represents licensed software but does not say that it must be installed with the unique Product Key. This could be assumed but that would leave room for interpretation. And Microsoft wouldn't leave room for interpretation...would they? lol

Anyway, i'm obviously looking for other legal ways to be able to help friends/family when they are having problems with their PCs. Not all of them have their COA, Proof of License, and Media all together. They usually have one of those 3.

When I don't want to help people with their computer (needs to be reinstalled), it can easily be said that the COA MUST accompany the media. It would be nice if the EULA stated this so my brain doesn't go into auto-pilot and start trying to find ways around the EULA.

Thanks again MrChad

Zero