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I sell custom built computers in a niche market. I include specific software pre-loaded on the systems for my customers. If the customer ends up needing to reinstall the OS then the pre-loaded software is all gone. I have had requests to include recovery media that includes this stuff.

I am aware of the technique behind building a custom windows installation disc and we already do this to image the computers when we finish building them. However, would it be legal to burn a copy of this disc and include it with the system?

BobTheBuilder
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2 Answers2

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Is it legal?

I don't know. Even if I did know, I wouldn't trust free legal advice from strangers on the Internet.

Is there a better way?

Run the built-in Windows Image Backup immediately after installation. This will make a bootable image-based backup to optical or removable media. This allows you to avoid potential legal issues while also leveraging built-in tools.

MDMarra
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You need an OEM License for each computer you sell. An OEM license from Microsoft says that you must provide support for your users and that the license can't be transferred to another machine. You must place the sticker on the machine's case. You can call a reseller, like SHI or NewEgg for advice on the OEM License.

If you want to figure it out for yourself, Microsoft has a a page for System Builders.

Update - The answer is no.: After browsing the FAQ section from the link above, you are not allowed to supply an image DVD with your computer, but you can provide recovery on a fixed disk.

Edwin
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