Why not?

[bramma]

Hey, guys. Well, this question is probably dumb and has an obvious answer, but I don't know it. The question is what stops a person from using a friend's copy of Windows xp instead of buying one? And, what stops a person from buying the upgrade version, and using a friend's old win 98 cd when the install asks for a past copy of one of their programs?

 

[Sianath]

Legally: The licensing agreement (EULA for retail/OEM)
Technically: Activation

 

[mrSHEiK124]

activation is truly a beotch when it comes to xp, but you can't just borrow a friends copy. although, you sure as hell can use an old win98 cd (good old activationless days) for upgrade "verification" when installing XP. although you could get an OEM copy of XP for even cheaper-

 

[Nothinman]

What's to stop you from stealing your friend's computer altogether?

 

[jadinolf]

Originally posted by: Nothinman
What's to stop you from stealing your friend's computer altogether?

Now you're talking.