Windows XP Home - Retail to OEM convert - Legal?

JLamyJLamy UK
edited November 2005 in Science & Tech
A retail Windows XP disk can be converted to a OEM disk by simply editing one file on the CD. You have to copy all (or most of) the files from the CD to your hard drive, edit the file, then burn them to a new CD, being sure to make it bootable. Here is what you need to do to convert between OEM and retail CDs.
http://www.freepctech.com/pc/xp/xp00066.shtml
I would like to do the above. I have a Windows XP Home retail CD that I wish to use to install it on a eMachines desktop using the OEM key that is printed on the COA sticker on chassis. This system didnt come with a Windows XP install disc - just a system restore disc. The system restore discs dont work, as I have changed the motherboard. As it stands, the retail CD installation will not accept a OEM CD key. From reading the above link I would need to edit a setupp.ini file to make the installation accept a OEM key even tho its a retail CD. Apparently there is no difference in the software between OEM and retail CD's; just the way the installation behaves such as allowing upgrade and clean install or just clean install, and which kind of CD key to accept. Is doing the above legal. My main objective is keeping the OEM licence that came with the eMachine system legal, and not having to buy another OEM version CD with COA just to use the install CD.

Comments

  • kryystkryyst Ontario, Canada
    edited November 2005
    Is it legal? Probably not. However will it appear legal to windows activation - yes. And that is all that matters.
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