Is it legal to sell Windows 7 setup disks on DVDs without a key?

Hi guys,

is it legal to sell a windows 7 setup disk without an activation key? (not even a crack or activator (these are illegal obviously))

Just the windows 7 setup DVD on DVD-R, nothing more nothing less.

Thanks.

Hello BondClint,

If you clearly and boldly disclose that it doesn't have a product key to activate with, then yes. Otherwise, it would be considered fraud and illegal. Don't expect to get much at all for it though since what you really pay for is the product key number (legal license) when one purchases Windows 7.

Although it is perfectly fine to make a copy of the installation disc, for yourself, or even give a copy to someone who needs the media and has thier own legit key
(For example, save them the download if they purchased Windows through MS store & have a key, or if they lost thier original media but have a legit key)


I would think that selling those copies however would likely fall under some form of Copyright Infringement, because you are profiting from someone elses work. And thats a big No-No.
But perhaps this is a bit different?? Im not sure.



I wouldnt do it personally.

Thanks Brink & Wishmaster (for your opinion),

but is there a part in the EULA which states that it's legal or illegal to do such a thing?

I would be doing a favor to someone who has an OEM key but wasn't supplied with an installation disk, or those who simply want to try Windows 7 before buying an activation key from elsewhere.

If you're just doing it for say a single person (ex: a friend) and charging them only for the cost of the DVD, then it should be fine.

However, if you're going to make a business out of it, or be doing this for multiple people, then it would be considered copyright infringement and be illegal.