MSDN Universal 2003-2004 Ebay

[Lefwyne]

Hi there,
I've been searching all over the place, emailing MSDN and didn't think about checking here.

I recently won a buy-it-now item on ebay for the item:
> MSDN Universal 2003:2004.

I've been in discussion with the seller and have emailed MSDN over the legality of the sale. My intentions for using the software (OS's, visual studio 6 enterprise ect..) is purely for developing and testing my applications with the intention of commercial sale in accordance with the license.

My question has been whether it is legal for the seller to pass the package onto me. I have searched through the smallprint at MSDN FAQ and the section about selling old discs jumped out at me:

I've had an MSDN subscription for some time now and have many old discs that are duplicates or that I simply don't use. Can I give them away or sell them?
No. You may only sell or transfer your MSDN Subscription as a whole, and you must transfer all materials received with the subscription to the new owner.

I then contacted MSDN and recieved a reply this morning:

I have looked into this for you, and I would like to inform you that
buying active MSDN Universal through eBay is not a legal purchase
process.
The answer for your question if seller is allowed to pass the
subscription is unfortunately no.

So... i contacted the seller requesting a mutual withdrawl, who came back with this:

I'm giving the MSDN Card that was included with the package and a letter that indicate that i'm giving all the right and the licence according to the Microsofot policy.

What should i do now? I would greatly appreciate feedback on this its been bugging me all w/e. Thanks

[RhinoBull]

I'm afraid there is nothing to add to what you've posted - answers are pretty clear.
It's always a trade off when it comes to puchasing a software from sources like EBay - it's legitimate but it might not be as well...
As far as I know the only way to legally get MSDN and VB6 is if you subscribe MSDN directly from Microsoft.

Sorry.

[RobDog888]

AFAIK, I would take the MS response as gold seeing how he did look into it for you. Unless there is something I am missing here, the risk for piracy is just too great and I dont think just anyone can sell a MSDN subscription as new unless they are a reseller.

[Slaine]

Sorry to hijack this thread a bit.

What do you people do with all your old MSDN discs - I have a large collection of them building up and don't really want to dump them in the trash for obvious reasons.

Do you know if MS provide a dispolsal service?

[RobDog888]

No they dont and I have a bunch of dvds too. Who needs windows in every single language out there

There are paper shredders that also shred cds/dvds. Just dont throw them away as they need to be destroyed.

[techgnome]

Coasters..... photo albums (paste pic to them)... I've tossed some in to the microwave for kicks.... glue a few together and you have clay pigeons (digital pigeons?).... used them as frisbees, we built a cd/DVD Christmas tree one year.... mobiles, wind chimes, wall decorations.... birthday gifts... glue some together and you could use them as wheels for wagons, soapbox cars, training wheels...

-tg

[Hack]

Coasters..... photo albums (paste pic to them)... I've tossed some in to the microwave for kicks.... glue a few together and you have clay pigeons (digital pigeons?).... used them as frisbees, we built a cd/DVD Christmas tree one year.... mobiles, wind chimes, wall decorations.... birthday gifts... glue some together and you could use them as wheels for wagons, soapbox cars, training wheels...

-tg

OMG

I almost posted the exact same thing, but I didn't think anyone would believe me. Coasters is what I use them for the most, but I've also used them for wind chimes.

[RobDog888]

Actually my ex boss had a good idea for them, Placed them all in an arrangement on his desk under the glass top. Made it like a collage and quite artistic LOL.

You could do like all the AOL cds and put them on to a wall making a massive rtwork or something.

[Slaine]

Well to be honest I usually shoot them. It's cheaper than buying one of those shredders, a lot more fun, and is sure to get rid of the data on them.

Only problem is they shatter into thousands of pieces which are a pain to tidy up.

[superbovine]

the microsoft answer.
http://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/sub.../aa948864.aspx

I've had an MSDN subscription for some time now and have many old discs that are duplicates or that I simply don't use. Can I give them away or sell them?
No. You may only sell or transfer your MSDN Subscription as a whole, and you must transfer all materials received with the subscription to the new owner.

[techgnome]

superbovine - we know that... the question is.... what to do with all those disks and remain in the clear. Since we can't give it away or sell it, we got creative.....

-tg