Windows Forum

Ask something
Discussion Locked

Win 98 License?

0 helpful
5 replies

by hawgfan

Closed to new repliesThis discussion is closed. It stays readable, but it takes no new replies.
Since Microsoft only supports Win 98 with security updates, except for paid instances, why do I have to buy a license for each Win 98 that I use? Or do I have to buy new licenses at all? I am asking because of a proprietary application that requires 98.

5 replies

by allthegoodnamesweregone

It's copyrighted software so you will still need to purchase a license, even if it's no longer supported. Just look at it as buying an old used car as-is with no warranty. You know you're getting a piece of crap, but you still have to pay for it.

by hal 9000

Are MS still supplying copies of Win 98?

I know when I have to install NT4 I use a OEM copy of XP Pro and install NT4 onto the computer because the License agreement with MS allows this to happen.

If you just install willy nilly copies of 98 you may get brought to the attention of MS and they can insist that their copyrighted material is protected and drag you into court for breaching their copyright. In the Last Enforcement Announcement from MS that I got they had at least 6 companies who where guilty of bulk loading 98 and they had settled out of court for well in excess of .5 Million $ AU + costs and where named in the Enforcement Alert. Not just the company but their Owners and or CEO's CIO's and the like.

I don't know about where you are but here at least MS is very protective of their software and honestly I can not see them behaving differently in most of the developed world so the few $ wasted on an unused license is well spent when you consider the possible consequences.

Incidentally if you load 98 with a copy of XP Pro you have to affix the COA for XP Pro to the Case.

Col

This discussion is closed to new replies.