Did Microsoft lift GPL code, used in Microsoft Store tool?

[HappyAndyK]

I understand Microsoft is a big company and that this could have been externally contracted work, but someone dropped the ball during code review/licensing.

An interesting post. Do read the comments too, however ...

Microsoft lifts GPL code, uses in Microsoft Store tool | Within Windows

[HappyAndyK]

Microsoft has taken offline the utility it supplies to help download DVD and USB images of Windows 7 purchased online, while it investigates allegations that GPL-ed code was used to develop the tool.

iTWire - Microsoft pulls download tool over GPL violation accusation

[rkonit]

Really ??? I didn't expect this... Where are MS Devs? Want ...REPLY REPLY REPLY
IMO its just like ABC for Microsoft.

[HappyAndyK]

After looking at the code in question, we are now able to confirm this was indeed the case, although it was not intentional on our part. While we had contracted with a third party to create the tool, we share responsibility as we did not catch it as part of our code review process. We have furthermore conducted a review of other code provided through the Microsoft Store and this was the only incident of this sort we could find.

Update on the Windows 7 USB/DVD Tool - Port 25: The Open Source Community at Microsoft

[hackerman1]

hi !
also on :Microsoft admits its GPL violation; will reissue Windows 7 tool under open-source license | All about Microsoft | ZDNet.com

well, they admit making a license violation:
"After looking at the code in question, we are now able to confirm this was indeed the case, although it was not intentional on our part. While we had contracted with a third party to create the tool, we share responsibility as we did not catch it as part of our code review process. We have furthermore conducted a review of other code provided through the Microsoft Store and this was the only incident of this sort we could find."

"...we will be making the source code as well as binaries for this tool available next week under the terms of the General Public License v2..."

that´s good news, it means the tool can be further developed / enhanced...