Legality of XP

AntimatterAsh

AntimatterAsh

banned
Is using a program such as resource hacker along with registry editor to duplicate an explorer.exe file but change the name on the start menu to a different word(s) of your choice against Microsofts EULA, or is it just classed as personalising, if you are not actually fully modifying the files, or claiming any sort of credit for it?

This for example on a sample MCE setup... I did not do this.

Secret-Way-To-Rename-The-Start-Button-2.png


I am fully happy for mods to delete this thread if it violates the Computer Forum Rules... I am not promoting it, nor endorsing it or explaining it, just wondering whether I am allowed legally to do it or not, cause if I build my own machines, it would act as a good OEM addition. The OEM being me (even if that is not the correct term). If it is illegal though, then its stupid doing it. I know how to do it though ;), just need to know where I stand legally.
 
On the legality of this, I'm not sure.

However,

I have sent you an email to the gmail address you used to sign up your account name. Have you received it? I need you to reply back. Don't want to discuss this in the open forum.
 
So long as the OS itself is genuine and has not been pirated or installed illegally and you do not redistribute copies of XP with the modified files then I'd say it's legal to use resource hacker and certainly the registry editor to change things.

On the Microsoft Knowledge Base sometimes articles suggest using the registry editor and modifying keys/values in the registry to resolve issues within Windows, so using the registry editor is definitely not illegal so long as you are not trying to change anything in the editor which could be seen as being illegal, such as modifying keys to illegally activate Windows and other software etc.
 
johnb35 said:
On the legality of this, I'm not sure.

However,

I have sent you an email to the gmail address you used to sign up your account name. Have you received it? I need you to reply back. Don't want to discuss this in the open forum.
Click to expand...

hasn't come through yet... whats the problem?
 
vistakid10 said:
So long as the OS itself is genuine and has not been pirated or installed illegally and you do not redistribute copies of XP with the modified files then I'd say it's legal to use resource hacker and certainly the registry editor to change things.

On the Microsoft Knowledge Base sometimes articles suggest using the registry editor and modifying keys/values in the registry to resolve issues within Windows, so using the registry editor is definitely not illegal so long as you are not trying to change anything in the editor which could be seen as being illegal, such as modifying keys to illegally activate Windows and other software etc.
Click to expand...

Good :) I say, its really simple to do :) Have you ever tried it?
 
If its to do with the other account, which I guess it is, the first one I emailed mods about to get removed (scopestech) ages ago, I though they had, forgot about it, but then I was having problems with the Windos one since it would not get me into the log in on any of my pcs, I have had work experience last week and busy this week so I completely forgot to contact you. Apologies. Can you just kill both of those accounts? I dont need them and I apologise deeply for breaking these forums rules :/ I wouldn't do it on purpose. I really forgot after all the stuff I have been doing the past fortnight.

I am really really sorry about that :( I will take any action necessary from you though.
 
johnb35 said:
Email sent. All the information you need is in that email.
Click to expand...

I feel really bad that I let this happen :/

Received it. Thanks for killing those accounts :) I deeply apologize for this. It really wont happen again. I did not do it in the intention of creating spam, or whatever, it was a simple act of misjudgement, I do realize however that the rules do still apply.

Thankyou.
 
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EclipticShell said:
I mean the Start Button Mod.
Click to expand...

Nope I haven't really played around with any UI mods/themes for a while now because the last time I downloaded a theme for XP I remember I had a few problems. I like the look of Windows 7 as it is anyway so I have no reason to mod the UI.
 
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I have details in a book called "Hacking Windows XP" on how to do that. I could dig it out when I get home if you want.
 
companies like HP add stuff to the start menu you can't even remove conventionally, so don't see why this is a problem.
 
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