Legality of including `gdiplus.dll` and `msvcp90.dll` with my app

Question

Is it legal for me to include gdiplus.dll and msvcp90.dll with my application?

Note that I intend to release my application under the MIT license.

Answer 1

http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms235299.aspx

It's implied that you can and should redistribute the Standard C++ Library dll.

I also noted that WinSxS (don't ask me what that stands for) has multiple versions of GdiPlus.dll, though it's not in GAC on my PC.

GDI Plus Redist DL Site

Overview PLEASE NOTE: Microsoft Corporation (or based on where you live, one of its affiliates) licenses this supplement to you. The supplement is identified for use with one or more Microsoft operating system products (the 'software'). You may use a copy of this supplement with each validly licensed copy of the software. You may not use it if you do not have a license for the software. The license terms for the software apply to your use of this supplement. To read the license terms, go to www.microsoft.com/useterms. Microsoft provides support services for the supplement as described at www.support.microsoft.com/common/international.aspx.

I guess it follows that the answer to your question is yes, it's ok to redist them.

Answer 2

I'm pretty sure you're allowed to release these dll's because they're just binaries, not the actual source. Why wouldn't people just have them already though? They're pretty standard dlls.

NOTE: I am not a legal professional. I am not responsible for any negative results this advice may cause.

Answer 3

In general, you won't have problems to distribute redistributables, because that's the point of them. However, MSDN (both online and local) have plenty of resources about what you can/should redistribute and what not. Maybe this search term (redistributable) alone will help you.