If you plan to make a YouTube video or other content using bootlegs downloaded from our site, although we can't and won't force you to do anything, we greatly appreciate attribution for the large amounts of time and effort we spend finding these bootlegs. Thank you!
CrustyWindows:What qualifies
 | This page documents a CrustyWindows guideline. It is a generally accepted standard that editors should attempt to follow, though it is best treated with common sense, and occasional exceptions may apply. Any substantive edit to this page should reflect consensus. When in doubt, discuss first on the talk page. |
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". We also do not accept "ironic" bootlegs, which are bootlegs that are made with the intent of looking bad (Windows CTAC, for example).
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 cannot be submitted by their creators as of September 11, 2024. However, bootlegs that violated that rule prior to March 20th, 2023 are grandfathered in and are kept in the archive.