[lutra]

Huh, I've been using the same copy of Windows XP for 6 years now. That's not to say my computer is six years old -- it has gone through 3 revamps and the only part that is 'original' is the backup hard drive. Six years and three computer updates later my version of XP is still legal, still getting updates. Hell, I even reformat at least once a year. I guess I've been lucky if Microsoft hasn't flagged my version or haven't tried to pry some more money out of my hands by purposefully flagging this verison -- far-fechted, I know, but this is "Micro$oft" and all they're out for is money!



Or maybe, just maybe, I bought my copy of Windows XP Professional from a reputable price, instead of using something like Google shopping to find the lowest price on a disk that perhaps the company is selling the same key over and over again.



Well, I know if I take a counterfit bill at my business, it's me who gets had in the end. Even if that little pen I use to detect counterfits doesn't detect it at first.

[quark]

Well, I dunno... I reinstall my XP Home SP 3 about 3 times a year (same PC) and the last time microsoft.co.za refused to validate and register my CD because "I had done it too many times." I was told to hold the phone, and next thing a male voice came on the line, friendly and helpful, and within a trice my XP was registered and validated. It transpired he was a Tamil, speaking from INDIA (can you believe it!). He asked me if I had ever heard of the Tamils and I told him everyone knows about the "Tamil Tigers." We had a jolly old chat together and I am still wondering my I was put through to INDIA by Microsoft South Africa, when it could have done here locally saving a heap of dough. Well, that MS for you!. Hehehe!

[Boomshadow]

Ah. Well, of course, since not everyone had the exact same problem, clearly it doesn't exist. ;)

[rgreen4]

I don't think anyone is saying that it does not exist for that member. Since the member did not mention where he purchased the copy that is now causing the problem, there is conjecture about the validity of his supplier. We all know that there are reputable and disreputable vendors and individuals on the net (and in brick and mortar stores as well).

What most are saying, is that if you use Google to find the absolute cheapest price, you may not be getting the quality and certified product you anticipate.

[chevrolet1994]

Maybe Micro$oft fishing for a little money?

I had Micro$oft stop me from using Vista Home Premium that was installed in my computer until I supplied the correct code that was printed in an box on the underside of the computer after that,no problem.

I purchased my computer from Overstock.com as a refurbished unit and it made me wonder for a couple of days if the OS in the computer was legit or not.

[Htos1]

When linux will ACTUALLY support all my hardware in the 64bit enviroment,I'll consider it.Oh,and BTW,I am an expert user,for three decades now.ALL of my rigs are at least dual-boot and some are tri-booters.I own >30 different boxes,seen done,and had it all(even 16 processor SGI's w.200gb of ram/ATT unix).I've passed every wga test since day one.MS charged me $500 as a developer,so everyone can quit crying.

[esubius]

How much did this fellow pay for Windows XP? If he paid very little, then he should have known there was a risk his copy was not legit.

And how did he check with Microsoft about the legitimacy of the product before the purchase? Did he place a call to customer service? If a Microsoft customer representative told him the seller was an authorized reseller, then call the reseller and have them fix the problem. In effect, they, the reseller, sold him a fake of a licensed product.

This isn't Microsoft's screwup. They have a right to protect their license. It seems like people like to pee on Microsoft without thinking. IMHO.

[quackadilly]

Fishing for money....... uh huh....



In your case, buying a refurbished computer, your copy of Vista was most likely already registered.....thats why you had to verify your serial key. If you buy a new computer, that should never happen.....unless the place you bought it from is a bunch of thieves.

[WinTard]

quackadilly said:

Fishing for money....... uh huh....
In your case, buying a refurbished computer, your copy of Vista was most likely already registered.....thats why you had to verify your serial key. If you buy a new computer, that should never happen.....unless the place you bought it from is a bunch of thieves.

Like buying one license and selling hundreds of them?

I agree that all licensing issues should go back to the RESELLER... (If you can find them, but that is YOUR problem for being too cheap in the first place...)

Not you quackadilly, I'm talking about this thread and bargain hunters...

;)

[jcastle]

There is no Genuine Advantage with Linux!

[JcHc3in1]

and that has exactly what to do with this story??? Don't be a troll throwing your Linux spam on something that has NOTHING to do with Linux.

[WinTard]

jcastle said:

There is no Genuine Advantage with Linux!Actually, try to update Red Hat Enterprise Linux without a proper key. Even for security patches! You can't do it. Thus Linux is like Windows, sort of ...

So you are WRONG in implying there are no keys involved with Linux. The problem with Linuxes is there are so many of them. All incompatible!
But also are right in stating there is no Genuine Advantage with Linux! However you conveniently omitted "over Windows" ... ]:)
Hey you started the Linux Hijack! Now let's get back to topic! Please...

[quackadilly]

"Like buying one license and selling hundreds of them?"



EXACTLY.