With older versions of vLite, part of WAIK was included. Now, we have to download it. Why, exactly, was it removed? Having to download a 1GB+ image just to nab a DLL is disgusting...

Those files were removed because it was not NuHi's right to distribute them. You can still find the older version of vLite that has those files. Install the older version and then install the newer version over top of it.

Because redistributing Microsoft binaries, even free ones, is against the terms of the EULA, and thus in most countries, illegal. Since nuhi (and MSFN) try to abide by software vendors/developers/manufacturers' wishes with regards to redistribution, vLite no longer contains the portions of the WAIK it needs and directs you to download them from the vendor as per the vendor's EULA for the binaries. Also, since we do not allow redistribution of binaries if the vendor does not allow it, and which Microsoft forbids for the WAIK binaries, you will have to download the WAIK and copy the files out of it you need.

Once you have them, there is no need to re-download the WAIK if you have to reinstall, just keep the files from the WAIK you need someplace safe.

Those files were removed because it was not NuHi's right to distribute them. You can still find the older version of vLite that has those files. Install the older version and then install the newer version over top of it.

While you are correct that this would work, I would recommend against advising people to do so. Doing this does technically violate the EULA for the WAIK, and thus would go against forum rules.

[Closed].