why do this Microsoft ?

[Swordfish]

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;Q328874

The above link is from Microsoft's site...it seems they have posted somethin to change the product key for WinXP on their own website.

Now why would they do that?

[bushmaster]

So that when you have to legitimately change your product key because yours was one that somehow got leaked they don't have to talk you through it step by step. As would they have to for quite a few people that are using legit copies of the corp edition that had their serials leaked or cloned.

[Swordfish]

I wonder what their stance is on piracy...i mean if they can post such thing on web...kinda confusin.

[AllGamer]

I guess you missed bushmaster point

the reason M$ does it is so you have to call them and RENT for a new key :t

[mpc2]

It has nothing to do with a "stance" on piracy. All they are doing is explaining how to replace your invalidated key with a valid one.

This is for business users on the open license program who had their keys invalidated due to someone illegally releasing them.

Rather than go through a whole reinstall with a new key, they're showing you how to replace your old one with your new one....that's all.

[bushmaster]

Ain't dat what i said???

[AllGamer]

Exactely, and at the same time earning more money when you request a new key :)
for those that has an Invalid ;) key that requires "re-activation" :r

re-activation = renewing Rent/Lease agreement

:D

[bushmaster]

The funny thing is I wonder how many total chimps are gonna look at the bottom of that page and try to use AB123-123AB-AB123-123AB-AB123 which is posted on the page as a valid key.

[NJEnviroguy]

Some FYI,

After reading this thread I gave Microsoft a call and managed to get a "straight" answer concerning the product keys and the act of re-charging the customer for a new one. In the case relating to the link of the threadstarter (i.e., you have purchased a retail copy of Windoze and upon installation or whatever it kicks the key b/c it is invalid due to a leak), if the company/individual calls up and gives the original key, M$ will give that person a new and valid key at NO COST. However, the guy did say if a person called up and had bought a retail copy and lost their product key, that person would defineatly be charged for a new one.

Seems fair enough.

[AllGamer]

Originally posted by bushmaster
The funny thing is I wonder how many total chimps are gonna look at the bottom of that page and try to use AB123-123AB-AB123-123AB-AB123 which is posted on the page as a valid key.

I can see the numbers growing and growing :D

[mpc2]

Exactly...and the reason for this is because Open Lcense users don't have Product Activation, whereas consumers do.

They charge consumers for another key because there is no way for them to know whether you really did lose your key or whether you're just attempting to install on another machine.

For Open License users this isn't an issue.