Not entirely true...As long as the computer you are working on has a product code then you probably can use it. I used this Windows 7 DVD to load a Gateway with a product code I had and did not have a problem. I can see this not working on all computers. I do agree that they will not work without a product code; however, there are several companies (you can find using an internet search) that you can buy just the product code from for any Windows operating system. And, as I stated these do not come with a product code.