Hello all, Been wondering about this on and off for a few years. If I have a legit copy of windows, say that came with a pc and the box has a sticker on it with the key, or the sticker is in the pack that comes with the windows cd and manual, can I download an image of windows from the internet, say a torrent site, and use my existing legit keys with that downloaded image? More specifically, can I use one of those lite versions of windows that run really well (I know you can make them yourself, just don't have time at the mo) with existing legitimate keys? I'm guessing there are limitations, such as you can't use a VLK with a non VLK image of windows? Or is this the case? I'm guessing you can't use an xp home key with xp pro? Can someone please explain this whole key business to me, thanks!
Yes, you can download these images. No, it is not legal to download these images. The retail image will work with the retail key (if you have the manual and everything). If the key is on the side of the system, you would need to download the OEM version, and it still might not take the key. Oddly enough, it is legal to copy some else's XP cd for use on your own system, so long as you have a license.
Ok, so let me get this straight. The "lite" images only work with the wga cracks? I cannot use those images with a legit paid for key?
The windows that comes with prebuilt computers can only (legally) be installed on the computer it was built for and will complain if its installed anywhere else. Its the same in reverse too the keys are not transferable and will also bother you.
