CrustyWin Wiki:What qualifies

From CrustyWindows, the largest archive of bootleg operating systems
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What qualifies as a "bootleg"? This wiki and the Crusty Windows collection uses the following definitions.

If an ISO matches two out of the four:

  • Adds software
  • Adds registry/program tweaks
  • Modifies the theme
  • Modifies the setup and or OOBE

Then it qualifies as a bootleg under our definition. ISOs that simply add updates or drivers (i.e. Windows XP SP5/End-of-Life 2019, Windows 7 Gen2, etc.) do not qualify as "bootlegs". Satire/ironic (builds designed to be bad looking) builds also do not qualify for the main collection, instead they go to the Community one.

Exceptions are made for any ISOs with infamy or are otherwise noteworthy, i.e. Windows Longhorn Reloaded which resulted in actual legal action from Microsoft.

Bootlegs submitted by their creator must at least be one year old. However, bootlegs that violated that rule prior to March 20th, 2023 are grandfathered in and are kept in the archive. Also, they can not have more than 10 of their own bootlegs in the archive.

Satirical/ironic bootlegs may be submitted by their creator to the CrustyWindows Community section. These bootlegs are exempt from the age rule.