“Genuine microsoft windows” farce

By Angsuman Chakraborty, Gaea News Network
Sunday, March 6, 2005

I went to download a script debugger from microsoft site. It told me that I can download it only if I allowed a program to verify that I am running genuine microsoft windows. I naturally allowed, wondering how it could verify it (using activex obviously) through firefox. In the next screen however I was offered an option to skip it and proceed to download directly!

What kind of joke is this?

Looks like ms is testing the waters to see how people react to this and how many people opt for it and go to the next screen. I wouldn’t be surprised if they track the IP addresses for later analysis.

So here’s my suggestions:
1. Don’t play around with your users.
2. Stop using the stupidly worded campaign.
Even copied versions of Microsoft’s software are genuine by all
definition of the term. A software copy is bitwise identical to the original.
We all know it is a FUD to misguide ignorant users about the true nature
of copied software.

Is it an admission that the campaign against pirated software has failed to deliver?

Filed under: Microsoft, Technology
Discussion

alexander manuel tromp
May 20, 2007: 2:03 pm

windows media player


Me
July 22, 2006: 10:49 pm

P.S. The Key is probably genuine.


Me
July 22, 2006: 10:39 pm

I have a copy of XP it validates and updates. I didn’t expect it to. I use a Mac. I installed the pirate on an old Microsoft machine to check web pages I was making. Maybe the machine will self destruct if I ever have occassion to use it again:)) :))


danny
July 11, 2006: 9:30 am

I have a dell key, and guess what?! Not geniune!

Good game microsoft…. ya jerks!


Les
June 22, 2006: 7:03 pm

I have an old upgrade version of Windows XP upgraded from Windows 98.
I have the box of purchase, but the disks since have been broken.
I have purchased the WIndows XP upgrade. Not stolen it.

I get a notice that the windows I am running is not genuine.
I have the box and the receipt of purchase. It is just that the disks have been broken.

Why doesn’nt microsft ask for an input for a certificate of authenciticy. I have the original box.

microsoft you are too greedy.


Dee
May 30, 2006: 3:37 pm

We just experienced the Genuine Advantage nightmare. Microsoft locked our computer in error!!! It took 6 days of lost work and stress to make them fix it! If anyone hears about a class-action lawsuit, please post it and we will gladly join in.

June 3, 2005: 8:03 pm

I too think they are making the field ripe for class action lawsuits, specially with their customers who got their software along with hardware as part of OEM deals.


Mark Forte
June 3, 2005: 2:56 pm

I have a Dell with Win XP home Ser pack 2. Genuine fails to validate with an error. I hope they don’t cut me off of updates in the future. Do I hear Class Action anybody?

March 17, 2005: 7:10 pm

@Keith
I don’t question the fairness. They are providing a service. They can impose restrictions as they want. However it should be consistent.


Keith Lea
March 7, 2005: 9:27 am

Microsoft said that the Genuine check will be mandatory for many MS downloads, in the future. For now, they’re probably beta-testing the software.

Anyway, if you used a keygen to make your Windows XP key, then the genuine check fails. So, it makes sure you didn’t use a keygen. I think it’s fair.

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