Microsoft fraud

[cas49]

Almost two years ago a new neighbour offered to build a computer for us.This he did and we paid him �1000.

This morning I have had a message from Microsoft saying that my copy of XP is not genuine and I have just stumped up �92 to purchase a genuine copy.We were also told a while ago that our �1000 computer would probably only have cost about �700.

I know Microsoft want to know the people who are carrying out these frauds but is there anyway I can tell them without giving our name and address

[SteveSxx]

Two years is a long time in the computer world - so if it cost �1000 then - thats equivalent to �700 today - technology moves on - prices drop

as for the XP problem - were you conned by Microsoft ?

Microsoft NEVER send you any messages telling you that your OS is not genuine - so I guess that you were conned by someone else.....

[cas49]

I am sure it is Microsoft as I have just had another message appear telling me that my version of XP is not genuine

[theren_911]

Sounds kinda dodgy. I've been using a pirate copy on my spare computer for years and never had a popup from Microsloth demanding money!

And while your PC cost �1000 thats dependant on what you got in the box. A 2 year old PC would probably be worth no more than half it original value now.

[rojash]

Microsoft will indeed inform you that your copy of XP is not genuine, if that is the case and you attempt (either manually or automatically) to update it.

[hal]

rojash is correct - when you try to install security updates from microsoft they validate your software.

[vehelpfulguy]

You could contact the Federation Against Software Theft (FAST) here:

http://www.fast.org.uk/

Send them an anonymous letter giving details of the person who did this.

Let them know it is something they are doing a lot of and they are more likely to react.

[theprof]

I can also confirm that rojash is correct. I've had more than one student over the last few years that were unable to pay the full price for their copy of XP Pro for various reasons. They installed pirate versions downloaded off the web.
When they tried to update their systems with SP2, they received messages saying that they were using pirate software, and they were unable to update their PC's.

You could try writing to Microsoft UK HQ anonymously. You may be able to find details of the correct department on their website.

[Oneeyedvic]

Just to let you know, there is a NEW security update released over the last couple of months that will verify the software.

I have a friend who this happened to. The start up screen (after reboot) came up with a "this is not a genuine copy..." screen.

[Kerplunk]

Why on earth would you trust a new neighbour with �1000? You should at least have got a second quote from someone else to compare prices. 2 Years ago I was building top of the range machines (P4 2Ghz, 512mb RAM, 15" TFT Monitor etc...) with full licensed software for about �600 - �650. And charging between �700 and �800 for them, which included delivery, installation and 1 year warranty on parts.

[cas49]

Thank you all for your replies - yes,I suppose we were rather gullible in handing over that amount of money,but,as somebody has said,that would be about the going rate at the time.

Oneeyedvic has described exactly what happened to us.When I turned the computer on this morning the message came up saying my version of XP ws not genuine.Also I have had several meassages throughout the day.I suppose they must be having a purge.

Many thanks to you all once again.

[Oneeyedvic]

What you could do is:

1) Use the features of XP and roll back before the installation was done
2) Change your settings so that it notifies you before installing updates.
3) look at the updates that it has downloaded and tried to install.
4) Don't let it update "Validation Tool"

This will stop the messages - however you will still obviously have an iilegal bit of software

[cas49]

No thanks all the same but I have paid my �92 pounds now !!!