Thursday, November 25, 2004

Pirated Windows? MS Will Replace It, Free!

Microsoft proposes piracy amnesty | Tech News on ZDNet: "Microsoft has announced what it hopes will be a new attack on piracy. The company has decided to give away software to those who bought machines with fake copies pre-installed.

Microsoft will be offering anyone who's 'unsure' about whether they've got dodgy software the chance to have it checked out by Microsoft, with the promise that if it does turn out to be counterfeit, they'll replace it.

The deal only covers Windows XP, and only five copies per person can be swapped. It's all free, besides the initial postage and packing. The offer only applies to pre-installed home or professional Windows XP bought before Nov. 1.

Hilton also said anyone found with the pirate program won't suffer legal repercussions--but that their suppliers might. 'Our goal is not to prosecute the individual; our goal is to get to the source,' he said, adding that a decision on prosecution would be made on a case-by-case basis.

To get a replacement copy of Windows XP, PC users will need to send off their receipt and complete a witness statement, revealing where they bought their knock-off software."

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