windows question, is this legal

[jimmyrules712]

If i have a legally purchased retail copy of windows, with the bookelt and cd key and everything, and say i make a backup of the dsic and the original disc is broken, is it legal to sell the backup copy if the booklet with the cd key is given with it?

[Panama Red]

I doubt it. But to be sure, why not call MS's activation phone number and ask them?

[jimmyrules712]

its 98, not XP. You see i have a backup of the original disc which i have lost, and i have the booklet with the cd code still, so im wondering if i can put that in a system im selling.

and its a lot easier to post here on my own time, and check on my own time to see if someone who happened to know the answer to this had responded.

[Panama Red]

Originally posted by jimmyrules712
its a lot easier to post here on my own time, and check on my own time to see if someone who happened to know the answer to this had responded.

What you'll get here is opinions. What you'll get at MS is their legal position, I suspect. Or is it that you don't really want the legal answer, you just want someone to tell you it's ok? ;) :D

[glc]

It's a gray area.

[reboot]

No, it's spelled out somewhere in MS's legaleeze.
When one purchases any Microsoft OS (this doesn't necessarily apply to any of their other software), you are purchasing a license to use that software.
If your original disk is damaged/lost, you can use a burned copy to restore your system, using your originally purchased license key (coa).
You can sell that system, with the OS on it to someone, providing you give them the COA. The actual disk is a convenience.
If you inform MS that your original disk is missing/damaged, they will replace it for (almost) the cost of postage, providing you can prove that you own it.
I sell licenses for Wnidows all the time, and as a courtesy, I provide a burned copy of the OS. Completely legal.

[Panama Red]

Thanx for the clarification, Jim. That's good to know.

[jimmyrules712]

thanks reboot, exactly what i needed to know. (thats why i posted here, i figured someone would know the corret answer)