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Microsoft Replaces Your Pirated Windows, For Free
th3d0ct0r writes "ZDNet reports that Microsoft is now willing to replace your pirated version of Windows XP. As part of the recently started "Windows Genuine advantage" program, Alex Hilton explains that this incentive aims to bring out customers who bought PC's with Windows XP preinstalled from vendors that pirated the Microsoft OS. Not only do they offer amnesty to anyone coming forth with a pirated version, but also to ship an original version of their product with a valid license to replace the pirated one, each customer being able to get up to 5 such replacements. Hilton says: "Our goal is not to prosecute the individual, our goal is to get to the source".
Oh, I'm glad you said that because I didn't read the artcle.
...you'll get the free Windows CD as soon as you hand over a signed affidavit stating that you have entered into a plea bargain with Microsoft, Inc. by admitting guilt in exchange for amnesty in the case of Citizen #655321 vs. Microsoft, Inc. in the matter of the pirating of license #970834-DELL-OEM-34323. Microsoft, Inc. is now permitted to enter this as evidence against you in a court of law should the need arise again in the near future (cough) Longhorn (cough)?
There are a huge number of yeast infections in this county. Probably because we're downriver from the bread factory.
...as a gun buyback program in Iraq...
My days of not taking you seriously are certainly coming to a middle...
Microsoft will be offering anyone who's "unsure" about whether they've got dodgy software the chance to have it checked out by Microsoft, with the promise that if it does turn out to be counterfeit, they'll replace it.
Apparantly, Microsoft knows. They know everything. They're right behind you.
~Ilyanep
To get message, take amount of carrier pigeons at each stage mod 2. Then decode binary.
Thanks for the tip!!! :)
This is only a pilot program for the UK, and it requires a proof of purchase (so they have someone to go after).
Crap. I thought I might be able to scam them into giving me a free upgrade to XP Pro even though I already have a paid-for W2K Pro license.
Microsoft Replaces Your Pirated Windows, For Free
There's another group offering to replace your copy Windows, no questions asked! Check out the free downloads. And there's no limit of five free replacments. Replace as many copies of Windows as you want!
Software Wars
So if you're not a pilot, you need not apply.
This is a great idea! Linux and the BSDs should start a similar initiative.
"How do you know if you have a pirated copy of Windows?"
The flying flag screensaver is replaced with the skull and bones.
Simple... they replace the software if you hand over the key[...]
I wonder what would happen if I gave them my key...hmm FCKGW-....
our goal is to get to the source
so that is why windows is closed source, even they don't have access to it.
I also got this notice from the police station today that says I have won a speed boat! All I have to do is go down to the station to sign the title and get the keys! I hope it won't be a problem that I have like 11ty billion unpaid parking tickets!
... turning to the 3-D map, we see an unmistakable con
-Hey is this where you get the windows for free?
-Yes it is. do you have your pirate copy?
-Yup! Look, this is a stolen code.
-Good. TO THE FLOOR, NOW!!! CUFF HIM!
That's the one thing I don't understand. What if I decide that I like my dell machine, but I want to be 1337 and replace the case?
General Relativity: Space-time tells matter where to go; Matter tells space-time what shape to be.
How do you know if you have a pirated copy of Windows?
If it says "Arrr matey, thar be a general protection fault!" and the slogan appears as "Where do ya want to sail?".
Usually your computer starts running slow. Your homepage changes. Google searches report strange matches. Stuff like that. Its pretty common.
If you have a genuine copy of Windows XP, the hologram on your CD will say, "genuine". If you have a counterfeit copy, the hologram will say, "bogus".
The Uncoveror: It's the real news.
"Our goal is not to prosecute the individual, our goal is to get to the source"
Am I the only one who finds it ironic that Microsoft is asking for someone to make their source available?
What if I do the same thing, and I do get different results?
... they're "features".
Registered Linux User
Registered KDE User
"Our goal is not to prosecute the individual, our goal is
World domination - check.
If Google really cared they would fix Android Chrome to reflow text, instead of discriminating
1. Allow users to get free, pirated copies of your product.
2. Contact those users and offer to give them a free, unpirated copy of your product.
3. ???
4. Profit!!!
Shame on Google.
lol.. 1337 dudes moding a dell.. For some reason that made me laugh outloud and that don't happen too often.. But then again.. Im sure someone somewhere has done it....
Mod me whatever you want, I have to post this.
Do you have any idea how much it hurts when you laugh so hard that Chex Mix and Dr. Pepper come out of your nose?
While I am sure the Dr.Pepper was painful enough, I think the Chex Mix was particulary dangerous. Melba toast cannot be good for the sinus cavity, especial when traveling at a high rate of speed.
Repant. Thy end is sheer.
The following windows users have won motorboats.....
Your comment contains a grammatical error. You mistakenly use the word "upgrade" instead of "downgrade."
English is easier said than done.
This will cost them a fortune! Don't those things cost hundreds of dollars a piece?
-1 Uncomfortable Truth
We'll believe they don't only after they prove that they don't.
But see, we don't read the article. So summaries from readers who KNOW WHAT WE WANT TO KNOW make for awesome comments....
Where's +1 Unfortunately True?
...to replace the insecure copies of Windows XP with secure ones? ;-)
I'd love to see the RIAA or MPAA instate a program like this.
"We'll give you the DVD to any movie you have on your computer, and the CD to any songs you downloaded."
Hmmm witty sig or funny sig? Maybe elitest techy sig!
Uhoh, don't let anyone here think you dont hate Microsoft... after all, they are the big bad evil coporation! They don't care about anyone but themselves! *rools his eyes and scoffs*
Yay, I have a sig.
If you are short of a couple, it was probably a genuine copy!
Sent from my ASR33 using ASCII
It used to be like this;
1. Create a crappy OS.
2. Let every pirate copy it for free.
3. Everybody uses crappy OS.
4. Every company switches to crappy OS because everybody already uses it.
5. Profit
Now they've protected WinXP a bit too good;
1. Create a crappy OS.
2. Nobody can pirate it.
3. Nobody uses it.
4. No company switches.
5. No profit.
So they're fixing it like this;
1. Create a crappy OS.
2. Nobody can pirate it.
3. Distribute it for free to pirates.
4. Everybody uses it.
5. Every company switches.
6. Profit.
Sounds familiar?
Slashdot social media options: AIM, ICQ, Yahoo, Jabber and Mobile Text. Why no MySpace?
Guess they didn't read my sig
-1 Uncomfortable Truth
Even the following sentence is grammatically correct: :-)
:p
The invisible red ball is floating in a green love with very loud lemon flavour.
Not that it made any sense, of course
I deduce you've never done LSD, then.
Some mods use "the real" +1s on funny because "+1 Funny" does nothing for that persons karma, so that "+3 Funny, -1 Overrated" actually lessens the karma of the poster.
Different variations on this reason can be given, I'm just too lazy to type them, so I'll let you think for yourself.
CDs can be made for $1-$2 per disc in quantity. Throw it in a jewel case, slap on a certificate of bugginess, and you might be up to $3.
How am I supposed to fit a pithy, relevant quote into 120 characters?