Thursday, June 25, 2015

Windows 8.1 - Any way to legally obtain the ISO file?



I just bought Windows 8.1 and I would like to download the ISO file so I can make a bootable key for my new computer. Microsoft provided me an executable file called OSGS14-WindowsSetupBox-32bitand64bit-English-4141408.


Since I have a Mac laptop, I made a virtual machine running Windows 7 64bits, and I tried to run this executable, yet it fails since my screen resolution is too low (and I cannot increase it). It requires 1024x768 and I have 1280x674. Basically, it says I do not meet the standards of Windows 8.1 so I can't continue. My other computer (which I will install Windows 8.1 on) has no operating system to the Mac is my only solution.


Now I am a bit worried, is there any way I get this ISO file from a "sane" source ? I have a key any way, does Microsoft provide a link to this ISO file ?


Answer



Actually, having a backup copy of most software products is legal. The illegal thing is activating or using it without having paid for it.


That's why your computer has the serial key printed on a sticker, you can reinstall a copy of that O.S. and re-activate it. You've already paid for that license along with the hardware when you purchased your sistem.


TL;DR: You pay for a license, not for a copy of the actual binaries, so obtaining a license from an illegal source is what's really illegal.


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