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Microsoft to Disable Online Windows Activation
CasterPod writes "As of February 28, Windows users who purchased their PC will no longer be able to reinstall without calling Microsoft and answering a series of questions. The move is part of an anti-piracy effort to close 'a loophole that enabled unscrupulous resellers to use Windows XP product keys that were stolen from large OEMs.' Specifically, Certificate of Authenticity (COA) labels on PCs are often unused because OEMs preinstall Windows and bypass product activation. The product keys can therefore be stolen and reused. First WGA, and now this."
What the catcher is, you calling them to activate is technically a support call.
I forget how I found it, but on a part of their site I read that support calls are 78 dollars for the initial call, and 2 dollars every minute your on the line with them.
Seems like they've pulled that page though, since "site:microsoft.com support rates" on google doesn't return anything.
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