Toolkit

Story: Microsoft claims latest scalp in war on counterfeit software

• 
• 

On the 21st November 2004 I purchased from a internet company Dabs.com. A Windows Computer programme. Microsoft Windows XP Professional SP2 operating system (Boxed Version) for the sum of £238.52 plus £6 postage.

This I installed on my computer and due to several faults and a computer re build
I had to reinstall and activate the product 5 times. When I tried to re activate the product 17/18 November 2005. I was informed by the computer activation on the Internet, that I had used the reactivation too many times and to purchase another copy of the operating system purchase and enter the number. It even directed me to the Microsoft site to purchase same.

When I contacted the operator by telephone and told him the code given and what it said. He told me that he could not hear me and the line went dead.
There is no limit to the number of re activations one can do. I have verified this by a complaint Vanessa Moodley, Customer Service Professional. Microsoft Customer Services licensing@microsoft-contact.co.uk . Replied by Email 5th December 2005. I have been assured that I shall be able to activate it over the telephone between certain hours Monday to Friday etc.

There is absolutely nothing on the box exterior regards activation of the product, nothing inside in print other than the Code to enter to activate it. How ever they fall back on a clause you agree to when installing the system….You have to infringe the rules in EULA…(End User Licensing Agreement)

I would like you to look into this surreptitious, paranoid, pursuit of piracy, they are well aware that the majority of the products used by pirates are already activated. Used by 60 % of the younger population I would think. This is just a means of frightening genuine users to purchase another copy. The intention to replace those lost, to piracy I imagine.

I have incidentally; no intention of purchasing another Microsoft Product.
I only wish over the past 20 years, I had not, as my time around is limited, due to age and health now.

I have provided them with my proof of purchase, the verification of the label and serial number of the product.

Another ploy is when all else fails try and add confusion in the Emails by not understanding the difference in a O.E.M (Original Equipment Manufacture) version of the product and the boxed version. Their is and not just the price. I will explain this if required. Perhaps Vanessa Moodley would elucidate these points to you as I am sure she in her position must be aware of them.

Contrary to being a stupid old man on a computer I have been using the same since Clive Sinclair brought out the Z80 in the 1980. I have had all, operating systems. Building the computer and installing system and registering them with Microsoft. I certainly know how to activate the system over the internet and over the telephone.

As stated this practise is to catch pirates and they should be able to differentiate between the genuine and those not, before it is put to use.

I would be obliged if you could see if others have similar complaints and put a stop to the heavy handed, easy to do approach and that they be more selective in its application.

I can send a copy of Emails they contain both what was sent and received. You will see one or two errors on my side because I used Microsoft Word to compile them and like all Microsoft products it likes to take over the way things are done unless shut them off.

Should my re activation fail, I shall re contact you and others to progress my complaint.

Yours truly,

Ernest Bate
5, Elm Road
Shildon.
Co. Durham.
DL4 1BH

Email. Ernest5366@btinternet.com.
Tel:- 01388 774466

• 
• 

• 
• 
• 

Full Talkback thread