Legality of installation discs, .ISO files, and USB drives

Seeing as how the X200 doesn't have an optical drive, I would prefer not to purchase an enclosure or an external drive.

Would it be possible instead to rip a .ISO file from say, a Microsoft Office disc, put it onto USB, and use Daemon tools to mount the image? Is this legal, considering I've paid for a valid key and stuff?

I know it's not hard, but some input from the experienced would be helpful. Like would I run into any installation problems since I wouldn't be using the actual disk?

 

If you have a valid key that should be fine. I'm no expert, but since you purchased the product you should be allowed to do that.

 

If you are talking one of the "mainstream" applications, like Microsoft Office, or and Adobe product, why are you trying to use physical media for the installation? You can use your key on a download.

 

I'd have to agree.

 

I agree with most of the others. As far as I’m concerned, if you purchased it, and only use the copies for personal use, it’s considered “fair use.” Let them sue you otherwise.

As for installation issues, I’ve never had any—unless the media you’re duplicating is imbued with copy protection/DRM.

 

I've never actually bought software through downloading, but I like having a physical object in my hands when I purchase something.

Yeah, my main concern is that DRM lameness.

This stuff would be mainly for clean installs/factory image restores. But it sounds like it's okay to do.

 

i think backups are allowed under fair use.