I've discovered that there are a couple of companies on the web that are selling promotional versions of Win7 Ultimate full version. One of them says that the software comes with a Retail License, a Certificate of Authenticity, but no technical support. Another says that it comes with no Cert of Auth but that it does come with technical support.
In both cases the companies have assured me that this version has a RETAIL, not OEM, license.
I presume that both of these companies are selling the same thing: Promotional copies that are labeled "Not For Resale". Research into this issue has led me to case law (e.g., UMG Recordings, Inc. v. Augusto and Vernor v. Autodesk, Inc.) that holds that sale of such "not for resale"-labeled items is indeed legal, the labeling notwithstanding. I also understand that MS has on at least one occasion backed off on its position against the sale of NFR copies on eBay, after having had the above case law pointed out to them.
So it would appear that it's perfectly OK for me to buy and use one of those copies, and that the license should be valid and usable.
My question is: What is Microsoft's position on this? Will they try to interfere with my use of the software in any way, or prevent me from authenticating it, or anything like that?
Has Microsoft issued any public statements addressing these issues?
Thanks for any information.
