May 17, 2002

A VBScript to let you use software without accepting the End User License Agreement. This operates under the premise that until you agree to an EULA by clicking on "Yes" or "Accept" when installing software, you're legally allowed to use the software any way you choose within the bounds of existing copyright law, just like you can a book or a CD. Software companies force you to accept a much more restrictive contract of use by writing their installation software such that it won't install without your accepting the agreement. Since you're within your right to tweak your personal copy of the software up until you agree to the EULA, you're within your right to tweak the installer to operate without confirmation of EULA acceptance. The author admits this is merely a symbolic gesture, but it points out the tenuous nature of software vendors' claim to the right to insist post-sale that you have to do everything they say if you want to use the software for which you've already paid.