Readers Questions. 

IF01716 

Q.  I have just bought a PC which comes with pre-loaded XP and does not include a Microsoft XP CD. The pre-loaded version imposes restrictions (e.g. on the ISP I can use) so I would like to reload from scratch to eliminate any non-Microsoft features. Am I entitled to a Microsoft CD? If so, how can I get it, and if not can I legally reload from a friend's CD? 

A.  I have never seen a pre-loaded version that restricts you to a certain ISP.  I have seen many that try and push you towards one ISP but it is your choice in who you end up using. 

As far as reloading Windows XP it all depends on the license agreement that you have.  The most common license that Microsoft uses, the EULA, does state that any transfer of ownership of the Operating System requires all software, media (i.e. CDs or disks), and documentation that was originally supplied by Microsoft also be transferred. However, there are other licenses and those may have more restrictive policies.

You should have received a card with a bunch of tiny writing on it. Read carefully through that card and see if there is anything in there that refers to this.

Legally speaking, you cannot use your friend's CD to install Windows unless that friend removes all traces of the software from his machine(s) and transfers all the software, media, and documentation to you.

Let me know if you need anything else.

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