Legal Question

Hello and thanks for looking, I've never had any luck getting answers in the software forums, so thats why this is here.
The Windows COA sticker is what validates the copy of Windows Correct ? My question is this, when I sell a used computer, can I give copy of the legit disk with that computer as long as there is a COA on the case. for example I have a Dell here with windows XP home, and a valid COA on the side, I have a windows XP home disk provided by Dell from my laptop, so can I make a copy or would that be piracy/copy write enfringement.

Thanks for the help

 

You're right...you pay the big bucks for a Windows license (ie the right to USE the OS), and not the software itself. You can legally sell your Dell system with a copy of XP, since it has a valid COA.

 

But keep in mind, that cd wont have the right drivers for the Dell pc, the basic windows drivers will be there, but not all. ed

 

That's true....although, only a small percentage...Dell and Microsoft are fairly tight
Fortunately, Dell has all their drivers online at http://support.dell.com ....it might be nice to include these in the Windows CD that's being passed along.

 

Mada Milty, You are also right, I should have said it wont have ALL of the drivers that the Dell needs, Thanks. ed

 

It is my understanding that when you sell a comp the original copy of the OS must go with it. Along with any copies. Unless you uninstall it. You can legally only make copies if you have the original CD. If you keep a copy you will need to get another COA. This also applies to any other programs that are on the comp you sell.

Any copyright lawyers out there?

 

This is true for OEM licenses. They are to be installed on ONE MACHINE ONLY. Even if the OS is uninstalled from the machine, the license is not legally transferrable. This is where Dell machines fall in, I believe.

Retail versions do not have to be included with the machine.

 

"for example I have a Dell here with windows XP home, and a valid COA on the side, I have a windows XP home disk provided by Dell from my laptop, so can I make a copy or would that be piracy/copy write enfringement."

Sorry I misread this. As long as there are two separate COA's it may be legal. But could be considered a gray area. May be issue if the buyer has to reinstall. I recently reinstalled Win XP on a friends comp. She could not find her original CD so I used one of mine but her COA off sticker. But when I tried to activate it, it would not let me do it online I had to call to get reactivated. I have not recently done an update on mine so hopefully it will not be a problem.