Counterfeit Windows

My 3-year-old Gateway desktop developed startup and shutdown problems in mid-January. Called a national "fix it in your home" company. The tech said I needed new harddrive

He took the computer to his shop on January 20th and returned it on February 5th. He had done a fairly good job of recovering most of my personal files and installed XP Professional on a new harddrive (told him I originally had XP Home Media - he says they are the same).

Exactly 180 days after he installed XP I get a message at startup that I "may be the victim of counterfeit windows" because my "product key is not valid for my region." I call the tech to have a look. He looks and tries to fix using the OEM Product Key from the sticker on back of computer. No success.

He calls Microsoft and they tell him he will have to call Gateway and then call Microsoft to get it fixed. Wants to take the computer to his shop for 3 days and charge me $169. He denies having installed a short-term version of XP back in February. Told him I'd have to think about it. The next day I startup and click on the "Resolve Now" button to get to Windows Genuine Advantage.

For $149 (plus 12.50 tax) Microsoft fixes it for me and I have a new Product Key. Microsoft follows up with a recovery CD in the mail. Did the national company sell me a bad copy of Windows XP but they won't admit it? Do I have any recourse?

 

I'd sue!

 

Thanks PeteC. I took a quick look at the Report Piracy link this evening. Will most likely do the reporting some time Thursday. Really busy Wednesday (out of the house most of the day).

Chinaman. I have already considered that. But I think I'll go the report thing first.

 

August 26, 2009. I went the piracy reporting route. Have heard back from Microsoft's Piracy team. Talked on the phone with them this morning. Although they cannot report their findings directly to me they are initiating an independent investigation of the company that installed my new hard drive and Windows XP. I will be keeping an eye on the piracy web site for any new information. If I see anything posted there that seems to even hint at this company providing me with bogus software I intend to then pursue legal action. 71Sigma.

 

Please post updated information when you get it. I will subscribe to this thread.

I just had to write an article about "The Pirate Bay" Now I like to hear updates about piracy