Is this legal?

[Hugh]

I own a legal copy of Windows XP Pro upgrade. Because of how to install Windows on my MacMini I used my friends full copy and then used my serial number.

Is this legal? I mean I do own a legal copy of XP Pro, it's just an upgrade and not the full copy.

Hugh

 

[iMeowbot]

It's legal if you also own an unused copy of Windows that would be eligible for the upgrade. I'm guessing not, if you had to borrow a different set of disks to get the software installed.

 

[Eraserhead]

If you have an old Windows 98/Me/2000 PC then it's legal.

 

[Hugh]

It's legal if you also own an unused copy of Windows that would be eligible for the upgrade. I'm guessing not, if you had to borrow a different set of disks to get the software installed.

I have Windows 98 and Windows ME. Also Windows XP Pro Upgrade.

Hugh

 

[miniConvert]

I wouldn't worry about it too much - you paid for a serial and that's more than a massive number of Windows users have done. I take it Genuine Advantage validation happens successfully on Windows Update etc?

 

[iMeowbot]

I have Windows 98 and Windows ME. Also Windows XP Pro Upgrade.

Either of 98 or Me should cover you.

 

[Hugh]

I wouldn't worry about it too much - you paid for a serial and that's more than a massive number of Windows users have done. I take it Genuine Advantage validation happens successfully on Windows Update etc?

Yes, I am able to activate the copy of Windows with my serial number with out any problems.

I was just more concerned that it might not be legal.

Thanks!

Hugh

 

[QuarterSwede]

It's legal. The upgrade is really just the same as the full installation with one exception; it checks to see if you have an older copy of windows. If you do then your straight.

 

[Hugh]

It's legal. The upgrade is really just the same as the full installation with one exception; it checks to see if you have an older copy of windows. If you do then your straight.

Thanks for letting me know.

Hugh

 

[dunawaydk]

Technically it depends on whether or not your previous licenses were OEM-based or Full Package Product (FPP). If your licenses came with a PC you purchased previously, those are OEM-based and NOT transferable. If you paid for a full retail copy of Windows 98 or later, than the Windows XP Upgrade is transferable.

Here is a text snippet from one of many docs posted on MSFT's website:

9. Can I transfer my operating system license from an old PC to a new one?
ANSWER. Not unless it was purchased as a Full-Packaged Product from a retail store (i.e., Windows in a box). Current OEM licenses for all Microsoft operating system products are not transferable from one machine to another. The End User License Agreement (EULA) governs the terms for transfer of licenses. Some EULAs for copies of certain older OEM operating system products (i.e., MS-DOS®, Windows® 3.1, and Windows for Workgroups 3.1) distributed in 1995 or earlier may permit transfer of the OEM operating system software license under limited circumstances. (See Software Product Transfer section of your End User License Agreement.)

 

[maxrobertson]

Also, I'm pretty sure that Microsoft lists Mac OS as an eligible operating system for an upgrade. Don't quote me on that, but I read an article somewhere that said that.

 

[dunawaydk]

Also, I'm pretty sure that Microsoft lists Mac OS as an eligible operating system for an upgrade. Don't quote me on that, but I read an article somewhere that said that.

That's not accurate. Microsoft lives in a "Microsoft-ONLY World" and doesn't offer competitive 3rd-party OS upgrades as an option for acquiring their OS.

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/pro/upgrading/matrix.mspx
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/home/upgrading/matrix.mspx


They don't offer 3rd-party competitive upgrades to Microsoft Office anymore either (Windows or Mac Editions):

http://www.microsoft.com/office/editions/howtobuy/professional.mspx#EQE
http://www.microsoft.com/mac/howtobuy.aspx?pid=upgrade


Not meaning to "rain on anyones parade", but it is what it is...

 

[Hugh]

Technically it depends on whether or not your previous licenses were OEM-based or Full Package Product (FPP). If your licenses came with a PC you purchased previously, those are OEM-based and NOT transferable. If you paid for a full retail copy of Windows 98 or later, than the Windows XP Upgrade is transferable.

Here is a text snippet from one of many docs posted on MSFT's website:

9. Can I transfer my operating system license from an old PC to a new one?
ANSWER. Not unless it was purchased as a Full-Packaged Product from a retail store (i.e., Windows in a box). Current OEM licenses for all Microsoft operating system products are not transferable from one machine to another. The End User License Agreement (EULA) governs the terms for transfer of licenses. Some EULAs for copies of certain older OEM operating system products (i.e., MS-DOS®, Windows® 3.1, and Windows for Workgroups 3.1) distributed in 1995 or earlier may permit transfer of the OEM operating system software license under limited circumstances. (See Software Product Transfer section of your End User License Agreement.)

My version of Windows are not OEM versions (Although I do own two OEM Windows 98 version but I wasn't counting them. Because they where OEM that I got with my E-Machines long time ago.). I have Windows 98SE (Full) and Windows ME (Upgrade).

 

[BigPrince]

I wouldn't worry about it...

 

[KD7IWP]

What you did completely makes sense since you would not be able to install windows, the upgrade, on your mini since only a full copy install works with Bootcamp. But if you own another copy of windows, then you are fine.