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Is it legal to edit an MSI?

Adam8281

Adam8281

Platinum Member
OK, kind of strange question. I have been learning about using the MSI editor Orca, and I figured out a way to edit the MSI for the Windows Defender (Beta 2) program (their anti-spyware program for Windows) so that it does not check for a valid program key upon installation. Windows Defender is a free program, but it is part of the new Microsoft WGA validation check thingy, and it only installes on validated copies of XP, just like IE7 Beta. Anyway, I'm wondering what the legality of editing the MSI in this way is, and would appreciate it if any of you know. I know it's not illegal per se to edit an MSI, heck, Orca is distributed by Microsoft and they provide instructions on how to edit MSIs, but I'm wondering if, since the edit in question bypasses validation check, it would then be illegal. Thanks!
 
You're already running an illegal copy of XP, why should you care about the legality of editing one of their MSI's?
 
I'm not running an illegal copy of XP, I'm just interested in fooling with software. I DO wonder and care about legality, and that is why I'm asking. If you're not going to attempt to answer the question, but just make smart remarks at me, I wish you just wouldn't post.
 
LOL this is actualy pretty funny. It's like somebody who's stole a car is worried about getting parking tickets for that car.
 
Originally posted by: Adam8281
I'm not running an illegal copy of XP, I'm just interested in fooling with software. I DO wonder and care about legality, and that is why I'm asking. If you're not going to attempt to answer the question, but just make smart remarks at me, I wish you just wouldn't post.
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The mature and helpful forum is -----> that way.
 
Good grief, this is a valid question and I can't believe that 4 posters in a row only care to take pot-shots at piracy. It's not like "somebody who's stole a car" worried about getting parking tiekcts because I haven't stolen my copy of Windows. And if I HAD, I wouldn't be concerned with whether editing a stupid program is illegal. I'm just interested to know, as I don't know digital law as well as some people in this forum, I imagine.
 
Originally posted by: Adam8281
Originally posted by: Looney
The mature and helpful forum is -----> that way.
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Does this belong more in the software forums? Will I get a straighter answer over there?
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don't know but one thing you can bet on is you never get a straight answer on anything here
 
Originally posted by: Adam8281
I'm not running an illegal copy of XP, I'm just interested in fooling with software. I DO wonder and care about legality, and that is why I'm asking. If you're not going to attempt to answer the question, but just make smart remarks at me, I wish you just wouldn't post.
Click to expand...

wow in three years and 500 posts you still haven't learned jack sh!t, wow.
 
Originally posted by: smack Down
It isn't illegal it might violate the EULA but who cares.
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Also they will most likely never catch you. You have to realize though the only reason you would be doing this is if you do not have a legal version of windows.
 
If MS was dumb enough to build that feature into the MSI, and only into the MSI, have at it.

Legally, this is questionable because of the DMCA. Ethically, since you own Windows, you're doing it as a proof of concept on a security flaw.
 
Originally posted by: Zolty
Originally posted by: smack Down
It isn't illegal it might violate the EULA but who cares.
Click to expand...

Also they will most likely never catch you. You have to realize though the only reason you would be doing this is if you do not have a legal version of windows.
Click to expand...

Yeah, Its like when people go to someone for advice and says I have a friend that did "Insert crime here" but hes worried he might get caught. Right after that people will assume its you.

I am not saying you have an illegal copy but that its just that is what people quickly think in their mind.

Not getting caught still doesnt make it right..like if im going to steal from a store if i dont get caught ITS OK! 😉...right...so your saying that some of the illegal things you dont do is because you will get in trouble? where have morals gone to.

This ofcourse is not anger pointed toawards you just sometihng I wanted to say...

PS. If I have misunderstood your post then I apologize :/
 
Totally agree. This had more to do with if I would tell what I found to anybody, classmates who don't have illegal keys, etc. then me getting in trouble for anything. If it's not legal, then I don't want to spread it.
 
Have at it so I can get that thing on my comp. Hey, I'll be acquiring WinXP as soon as I get to Purdue. I swear!

Oh and what mama don't know won't hurt her.
 
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