Windows 7: Why is still illegal to host Windows XP Home for download

As long as you have a valid key, why can't you download an ISO.

Is XP even for sale any longer?



CD's can get lost or damaged, so what's the problem.

Well strictly speaking the only "legal" way of getting a windows install cd is to buy one, downloading iso's would be a violation of MS's distribution policy. Having said that, the practice of downloading iso's is looked down upon because most of them are modded/preactivated with cracks and patches and are used by pirates to illegally install and activate windows.

But I doubt MS would hold a grudge if you managed to locate a clean iso, then activated with your own genuine key. As for disks getting lost/damaged, one solution is to backup to external media and tuck it away safely somewhere.

I agree with all of this. Even finding "clean ISO" is considered illegal, that's the problem. Not everyone is looking for a crack version. It is possible for a CD to get lost and I don't see why someone should have to pay again.

I just wanted to throw the ideal out there.

Does the word "backup" no longer mean anything to anyone?

For es long as I can remember, eer since I got my first CD-Writer, I've made copies of my install media before the disk gets used. This essentially meant that the only time my original media got used was when the copy is made. Thereafter, the OS orthe software got installed via the copies.

My Windows ME, Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, Office XP, Office 2003 and Office 2007 discs are in mint condition because of this. They are locked away in a safe, along with their associated product keys. I keep several copies handy for day-to-day use. If a copy gets damaged or lost, I have the ISOs ready to create another.

Problem solved with no need to hunt down possibly malware infected downloads...

Part of the reason it is illegal is the fact there is a license on the media. You are paying the the License key for activating the operating system, as well as the Physical Media. The same thing is true with game. you pay for the media, the game, and if applicable the anti-piracy software used with the game.

I had rep'd you if it was possible here in Chillout.

A very good post, which I hope all members could find, read and understand.

Kari

Shame I can get a Legit XP key with no prob. I just can't get the ISO to burn it (well not without finding a ride to take me quite a long distace to get it, but that is not an option for me ATM)

Very good point.

Not exactly, there are digital downloads. E.g., my bro downloaded his digitalriver iso, then shelled out the extra $13 for the disk. Thing is the iso is a copyrighted work of MS and MS doesnt offer its software via torrents or random direct download sites.

And if there was a license associated with the media, backing it up would also be akin to piracy lol...But in principle as long as one activates with ones own key, theres no difference between using copies of ones own disks or downloaded/borrowed ones (malware questions aside).

says it all

+1