Microsoft Changes Position on Re-Imaging Fees Limited OEM Re-Imaging Now Allowed Byron Alley
Due to customer pressure, Microsoft has now relaxed its restrictions on volume re-imaging of OEM Windows operating systems. What does this mean?
Definition Re-imaging is the practise of taking a single snapshot of an operating system--Windows 98, for example--and using this to deploy the operating system in an organization. The advantage to this method is that it ensures a quick, uniform installation throughout the organization. Often new users and software installation conflicts can require that Windows be re-installed on the same PC. If all the PCs need to be configured in exactly the same way, re-imaging is an effective method.
The way it was PCs are usually bought with an OEM version of Windows supplied and installed. Up until Sept. 11th, Microsoft would not permit the license with that OEM version to include the ability to re-image the same operating system onto the computer. So, if the company bought a new PC with Windows ME, it couldn't re-image Windows ME onto the PC without paying a license upgrade fee.
The Changes The new situation allows a limited degree of freedom in deployment via re-imaging. The software remains under the conditions of the original EULA; this may affect other issues, such as support--see the link below.
