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Story: Microsoft 'frightened' by police XP hack

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She really needs to hammer them. She got cheated.

The story really was relating to a system that as far as I know was totally legit. At least it wasn't a physical assault but if she can get over her own shame at being taken for a fool, she can strike a blow for all of the future victims of the store sharks. That's the only way to fix the brick and mortar pirates.

Yes everybody in the US sues everybody else but she should take the store to small claims court at least or whatever is its equivalent in that jurisdiction. In the Houston area, filling a claim costs around $50 bucks. The Justice of the Peace usually will rule in her favor if the store sharks don't show in court or don't send a legal representative.

Be sure that you have your facts clearly defined and simple. They sold her a computer with an illegal copy of Microsoft software and have refused to give her a rebate, or make it right. The computer doesn't work right and it cost her $XXX. Explain that because the computer operating system is pirated, Microsoft will not update the software and make it more secure from virus and worm infestations and because of that it doesn't work right. That's it. The JP doesn't give a rats a__ about copyright law but if you tell him that they sold her a computer with an illegal copy of Microsoft software that will be enough. You'll need to have a receipt from the store showing its name. Be prepared because he'll only want to spend 5 minutes on the case or even less. He may have already had a case or two connected with these scum. If the store sharks don't show, be prepared to wait and be prepared to NOT get any money back.

Assuming you get a judgment against them, that can be reported to credit agencies and the Better Business Bureau. It can also be reported to Microsoft. They might be willing to give her a clean copy BUT don't count on it. It also gives you ammunition to protest in front of the store in the option listed below.

If you can find other victims, you might be able to file a limited class action suit or pool resources and nail the pirates for multiple claims and get Microsoft know what's going on. They love situations like this. They put 15 to 20 stores here in Houston out of business for doing EXACTLY the same thing they did to her. Offer to send a cloned copy of the drive (on a DVD) to them and let them know where and who the store owners and/or managers are.

In the US the BSA offers up to a $1US million (which now might only be worth a couple of Euros!) which from everything I can tell has never been awarded. However if you go in with her and scare the SOB's maybe they'll at least cough up a full refund. Just make sure that the hard drive goes back wiped so none of her private data can get tagged as evidence. Even better, replace the drive with an new identical copy of the drive but leave it blank and leave it disconnected to power and tell them why you did.

The simplest (and cheapest) way is to protest how they treated her. If walking around with a sign complaining about how she got taken is possible, that will prevent her from having to walk back inside the pirate's den. It will also make them come out and try to get her to stop. She needs to make them come outside the store to deal with her. Do not go back inside the store. DO NOT ENTER THE STORE. This is REALLY important. Depending on local laws, if you enter the store with no intention to shop, you can be charged with trespassing. Stay off the store property.

If they intend to stay in business, they will be very worried about people walking around telling other potential customers how she got cheated. If they don't come out to talk to her or the group, they may already know they are in trouble.

Have 3 or 4 friends there with her and with signs to back her up. Everybody stays off the property. You might not get anything refunded BUT if you do it enough they will either capitulate or close up shop. If you can get them to close their doors for 3 or 4 days they've probably lost more mon

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