Not wanting to start a war here, I just want to actually find something out.

In the software forum, in the thread about finding an XP CD there was a link to The Pirate Bay.

Right, here's the thing, from the way I see it (although it's probably not correct), if I have a legitimate CD Key, and I lose the CD, why can I not download an 'illegal' copy of the software and use my own CD Key? I was under the impression that you only really pay for the license key.

If anyone could clarify where I've misunderstood, that'd be great. And for the love of God, I don't people just saying "It's illegal", I want to know why it is, and what the law actually says on the matter.

Cheers 'en!

I'd say there would be a law against the unauthorised distribution of copyright material, which the files on the CD would be.

You'd have to be a bit stupid to download a Windows CD from torrents anyway, as you wouldn't know what extra "little treats" such as trojans and other fun goodies had been added.

It's like recently when there were copies of the Windows 7 Beta/RC that had been infected with something nasty. Even though it was legally downable from Microsoft people were torrenting it. How daft is that!?!

Theoretically, you should be able to download the CD, but as JV says, probably a copyright infringement.. MS only charge carriage and processing fees ISTR if you request new media - E.g. lost or damaged CD.

Problem would be getting a replacement XP CD as a private user, as it is no longer a supported product...

Problem is, most people assume you will also download an illegal key or use a key generator.

I would also avoid torrenting software, unless the torrent link comes from the developer's web site, as you cannot be sure that it is an untampered copy! Just look at the 2 Apple software cases this year, which included a trojan.

Ah, well that's sorted that one. All my copies of Windows are legal. I was thinking along the lines of software really, I've got a lisence key for Photoshop 7 (old skool I know ) But I can't for the life of me find where the CD has gone

big_D, thanks, so do you reckon I could ask Adobe for a CD of PS7?

Good question and one that was asked in the old days on the old Meeting Place forum and was debated for many weeks.

The outcome if I remember rightly was the normal 50:50 split in opinion, 50% saying that down loading of an illegal copy but installing with a license was ok the other 50% saying it was illegal to down load and install a copy from an un authorized source, my opinion was to the latter.

Thanks man, well, I would ask Adobe, but apprently they've closed their offices for a week, may be a thread in the news forum, if not, I'll link it do it, so looks like I'll be waiting a little longer.

Remember, if you torrent, you're also sharing the Windows CD/*insert whatever here* with people who don't own a licence to it and so, you should try and avoid doing it. Also, as others have said, you never can be exactly sure what you're downloading.

With MS you can change the key after installing from another disk through their web site. However you still need a legitimate CD to run the install then change the key after. I've done that a couple of times using a legitimate spare copy I had for people with laptops that had lost their install disc/scrubbed the hard disc before burning the image there - and I only did it because they had valid key stickers on the machines with one having to forget hopes of getting XP Pro pointing out his license was for Home. The process was actually pretty straightforward and quick.

I forget exactly where on the MS site but I remember it was relatively easily found via Google.

Whether other software publishers do the same at all I don't know but it might be worth a hunt on their website. I gather some are fairly easy about a disc, others will demand an original invoice or something. Worth trying though.

Richard.

The CD is key agnostic, you can use one CD to install a whole fleet of PCs, as long as you have enough keys. So you don't need to use an illegal key downloaded with the CD.

The only thing you have to do is make sure that the CD type matches your key:

Home or Pro (or MCE)
Upgrade, full or OEM

There is a way to hack the CD image to fit the key, but it is long winded.

Dont have that problem here but if we did no matter, i have about 18 copies of home and/or pro in 5 languges as long as there is a key on the machine no probs ,plus we get a lot of sp 3 ugrades going wrong so just a quick key update or a phone call job done .

Mr Vella, what have you been reading? Or are you speaking from your own experience?

You might be surprised to know that there are OS versions that are untouched and work well too. No viruses, no spyware, just pure 100% disco sh1t
You can even find manufacturer's version of OS that they supply with PCs, e.g. Dell's install disks with their propriety software included.

I am not saying they are legal, just suggesting that torrented software is not always evil as some people say. I personally don't see anything wrong with downloading uncracked software that is useless without a legit cd key. But hey, I've been wrong few times before in my life

But it is a very good question that mars-bar-man asked. If I own a dvd, why can't I get the same movie on blueray for price that equals the cost of getting that blueray to me? I paid the license once, why should I pay it again? Doesn't make sense to me...

Yes, and if you buy a CD from amazon.co.uk then why shouldn't you be allowed to download it from their online store for free from then on?

And why don't all coffee shops offer me free refills for eternity? I mean really!

Because you're buying the actual product, and not just a licence to use it?

Fair point!