Windows XP pirate copy?

[NetSquirrel]

Stupidly, I fell for an auction on ebay that claimed to be selling Windows XP Professional (apparently brand new) for under �40. When I received the disc, it turned out to be a copy, of course. I was disappointed that the seller would "forget" to mention such an important detail as this, so I asked him if this was legal, whether the disc would still work or not, and I also pointed out that it is against ebay's rules to sell backup copies of software. His answer was that it is legal to make as many copies as he wants, but none of them can be installed successfully unless he buys the "licenses" - I assume from Microsoft. This is what he claims to have done prior to selling me the copy.

My question is: can you really buy "licenses" from Microsoft that can be used to activate copied XP discs? If so, surely not for less than �40? I have some serious doubts about the validity of what this man is saying.

[GuavaHalf]

No. You are being fed cowpoo. Did you really expect to get a full legit copy for �40?

[LeMarchand]

eBay are notoriously lax about doing anything about such problems from what I have heard. (They certainly don't do anything about removing the many VCD "seasons" of TV shows that people have downloaded and burnt to disc). I suggest contacting eBay and/or giving him a bad rating. If you paid by Paypal or credit card, you could try them as well.

[rekstout]

When you go to a store or dealer and pay �150 for a box with a disk in it you are actually buying the license - the packaging and CD/DVD are pretty much irrelevant anyway. What you have bought is a pirated CD which was sold under false pretences - probably worth advising Microsoft and the BSA (British Software Alliance). You have been fed total rubbish from the vendor. It is typically legal to make a single backup copy of a CD but not certainly for distribution whether for profit or not.

[robber1]

I use a copy of XP prof. I have an XP crack prog which makes it appear legitimate. I have sent it to friends in the USA and it works fine. Trouble is, I cant give it to you can I? I was a member of a group which you could have joined, to get it from there, but I am "groupless now".:o)

[Oneeyedvic]

Re guavahalf's answer. I bought a legitimate copy of XP PROFESSIONAL on ebay for �50.00 including postage. I looked for ages and always asked the seller if it came with a COA and genuine disc. There are plenty of genuine bargains to be had out there on ebay

[tomd]

I would have thought that your best bet is to ask for a refund in exchange for not alerting the authorities. You should have his home address within the emails from Ebay.

[Mattk]

basically if youve bought a pirate copy for �40 he has well and truly ripped you off !!!!! he can only make copies as back-ups for his own use - he cannot sell them. if you fell uneasy using a copy then get your money back as he hasnt got a leg to stand on(make a copy 1st ;-)!) btw this copy will work fine as long as you have a cd key

[dodgyshirt]

What you have bought is a copied version of the Corporate Edition of XP Pro which doesn`t require activation. It will install ok as long as you do not allow the dynamic update during install,but be careful which code you use as the original one universally used beginning FCKGW etc is known to Microsoft and you will find that you cannot install Service Packs to it. These copies have been available for ever on QXL at about �10. Another point about Ebay is that if you use Paypal with the Pay Now button, you do not get to find out the sellers address.

[NetSquirrel]

Thanks for your answers! Given what you've said, I think I will just post his disc back and get the refund. There might not be a sure way to prevent him from simply relisting it on ebay, but reporting him to ebay and the BSA sounds like a good start. Also, thank you for answering so quickly!