George, you are absolutely right. I stand corrected.

What I actually meant by "go for it" was that we should always challenge the status quo. We learn - and sometimes benefit - from trying new ideas.

I apologise if I misinformed anyone.

Consider the exact definition on this issue here Lucian.

MICROSOFT WINDOWS XP HOME EDITION (RETAIL) END-USER LICENSE AGREEMENT FOR MICROSOFT SOFTWARE

Paying particular attention to sections 1.1 and 13

lucianp, you're right, we are no lawyers, and -at least in my case-as one grows older , one tends to forget..one's own endeavors...

Have to admit though, it's quite a thrill telling others not to do what I did..or considered doing.....or whatever..

George,

You are all together too right with your above statements True for all of us

Guys, this is good debate fodder but I just don't have the time. I made an observation is all. I already stated I'm no lawyer. I've also stood corrected and now I'm going to sit down but before I do, let me just give a point to ponder.

1.1 Installation and use. You may install, use, access, display and run one copy of the Software on a single computer, such as a workstation, terminal or other device ("Workstation Computer"). The Software may not be used by more than one processor at any one time on any single Workstation Computer.

If it is on a thumbdrive, then it can only be on one computer at a time, can't it?

13. SOFTWARE TRANSFER. Internal. You may move the Software to a different Workstation Computer.

Good, no laws broken here.

After the transfer, you must completely remove the Software from the former Workstation Computer. Transfer to Third Party. The initial user of the Software may make a one-time permanent transfer of this EULA and Software to another end user, provided the initial user retains no copies of the Software. This transfer must include all of the Software (including all component parts, the media and printed materials, any upgrades, this EULA, and, if applicable, the Certificate of Authenticity). The transfer may not be an indirect transfer, such as a consignment. Prior to the transfer, the end user receiving the Software must agree to all the EULA terms.

If it is on a thumbdrive then it is completely removed from the computer when the thumbdrive is removed. Isn't it? In fact, come to think of it, it is not being transfered at all because it is still on the original device it was installed on!

This is a debate that could go on for years by people more knowledgeable than me.

Anyway that was my interpretation. Now I'm going to sit down and keep quiet.

The ideology of the operating system being on a usb stick infers that it can be transferable between pc's.

No mention of thumbdrives, flashdrives or any other form of transportable media is suggested whatsoever by Microsoft in that EULA.

What exactly are you implying, Wolfeymole? And for luciamp, thank you. This information you gave proves that if I were to attempt to install the software on a USB flash drive and then use the drive on another computer, it would be legal. I just want to point out again though: A USB drive is simply a type of hard drive. There are flash drives that have terabytes of storage, while some have 1 GB. These low storage drives are called USB flash drives; but they are still hard drives, and still have a main purpose of storing information. An operating system is installed on a hard drive, requiring 3 GB to install the necessary files.

I have an HP 8 GB Flash drive. This would provide enough space for the OS and more. The process would be legal. What IS there to stop me? I just need some one to help me through the process, regarding system conversion (FAT32 or NTFS), proper installation, and booting from the USB drive from the BIOS or drive boot up selection. I noticed you guys are getting really nervous about this...as if it were some feat never accomplished before? I do not believe I am the first one to think of this, because I see many articles showing that it is possible. Most of those were from earlier dates, so I wanted to come here to get exact and current instructions. I have Windows 7 RC on a DVD, and want to use that.

For a last note, I understand that this is a very controversial topic, and it may have its doubts and legal issues, but so far, every thing seems like it could work and be completely legal. If you really believe in stopping me, then find some thing that proves to me that this is illegal. If it is, no one may give me instructions, and I will not go on with the process. Other than that, just try to help me out with what I am trying to do.

Thanks,

GravitySphere.