1 in 5 Windows installations are non-genuine

Mike Howes 24 Jan, 2007 at 4:56pm ET Article published in Tech

Since Windows Genuine Advantage was launched in July 2005, over 512 million users have attempted to validate their copy of Windows of which 22.3% proved to be non-genuine. These figures do not include those who know their copy of Windows is pirated and will not pass scrutiny and therefore don’t use WGA.

To date, 56 000 customers have reported their software to be counterfeit, which entitles them to a free replacement copy of Windows.

As it prepares to launch both Windows Vista and Office 2007 to the public next week, Microsoft has initiated the “Genuine Fact Files” campaign in the hopes of educating consumers on the downfall and risks associated with non-genuine software.

Acknowledging that potential customers may be tempted to “try before they buy” by using pirated software, Microsoft has posted an online “Business Test Drive” of Windows Vista. A 60 day trial download of Office 2007 is also available.

Comments

24 Jan 2007 ~ 6:16pm airbornflght

Winga wrote:

Since Windows Genuine Advantage was launched in July 2005, over 512 million users have attempted to validate their copy of Windows of which 22.3% proved to be non-genuine. These figures do not include those who know their copy of Windows is pirated and will not pass scrutiny and therefore don't use WGA.
To date, 56 000 customers have reported their software to be counterfeit, which entitles them to a free replacement copy of Windows.

As it prepares to launch both Windows Vista and Office 2007 to the public next week, Microsoft has initiated the "Genuine Fact Files" campaign in the hopes of educating consumers on the downfall and risks associated with non-genuine software.
Acknowledging that potential customers may be tempted to "try before they buy" by using pirated software, Microsoft has posted an online "Business Test Drive" of Windows Vista. A 60 day trial download of Office 2007 is also available.

Why does this not come as a surprise to me?
24 Jan 2007 ~ 6:48pm Sledgehammer70

Winga wrote:

To date, 56 000 customers have reported their software to be counterfeit, which entitles them to a free replacement copy of Windows.

Wait 1 minute? if you report you have a counterfit copy of Windows you get a free replacement copy?
24 Jan 2007 ~ 6:50pm Linc I think that's if it came with your system... you'd get the new copy from the PC distributor.
24 Jan 2007 ~ 6:52pm lewicron

Sledgehammer70 wrote:

Wait 1 minute? if you report you have a counterfit copy of Windows you get a free replacement copy?

you thinking what i'm thinking?
24 Jan 2007 ~ 6:58pm shwaip I'd guess there's some sort of proof of purchase required. Your internet bill does not count.
24 Jan 2007 ~ 7:00pm Kentigern You'd probably have to send them the cd as well
24 Jan 2007 ~ 7:04pm airbornflght will a memorex cd suffice?
24 Jan 2007 ~ 7:05pm lewicron Not that I would EVER partake in the evilness that is software piracy, but surely you could make some really bad fakes of all those things (72dp scan of a windows disk, printed out and glued to a cd with prit-stick, etc.) and then just claim pathological stupidity? You could write them a letter in crayon just to add impact.
24 Jan 2007 ~ 7:54pm airbornflght

lewicron wrote:

Not that I would EVER partake in the evilness that is software piracy, but surely you could make some really bad fakes of all those things (72dp scan of a windows disk, printed out and glued to a cd with prit-stick, etc.) and then just claim pathological stupidity? You could write them a letter in crayon just to add impact.

nah, at least 600dpi scan. You gotta make it look like someone at least tried.
24 Jan 2007 ~ 7:59pm Leonardo

will a memorex cd suffice?

If you could provide satisfactory evidence to Microsoft that a vendor sold it to you, purporting it be genuine Microsoft.
24 Jan 2007 ~ 8:25pm nonstop301 With a good VLK all Windows installations are genuine
24 Jan 2007 ~ 8:58pm danball1976

Sledgehammer70 wrote:

Wait 1 minute? if you report you have a counterfit copy of Windows you get a free replacement copy?

My Mom didn't get a free copy, however it was the other way around. WGA installed on her computer and it told her that it wasn't a legit copy (Yes I know, I had been using that original leaked version with SP1 and SP2 slipstreamed in on her computer and mine. I no longer use this version, as I bought my own WinXP CD, she just entered a the key on that copy when she recieved it, and now the illegal version is a legal version with some file updating). She had to pay about $130 to get a new key and a CD of WinXP Pro SP2.
24 Jan 2007 ~ 10:51pm primesuspect When you turn in a pirated copy, you must give them the name and number of the place you purchased it from. Basically, your ratting out the pirate is what buys you a legit copy from MS.

If you pirated it yourself, I suggest you don't try turning it in for a free copy.
25 Jan 2007 ~ 3:15am Jengo LMAO

nuff said'
25 Jan 2007 ~ 10:10am Sledgehammer70 LOL, I don't have illegal copies myself... But that one part just sounded really funny...
25 Jan 2007 ~ 6:16pm airbornflght

primesuspect wrote:

you must give them the name and number of the place you purchased it from.

Well, that computer store down the street did screw me over...
24 Feb 2007 ~ 10:05pm yagga For some reason, my friends computer, which is a mid-end eMachines that was bought from tigerdirect.com came up as pirated. When I was working on it one day I discovered this. That kind of annoyed me, partly because it was Microsoft, partly because it should be legit, and partly because his place is 70 miles from my place and dial up is all his location has access to, so pirates, I suggest to you to work harder!

edit/ oops, forgot I was looking through old news... oops