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Thread ID: 54907 2005-02-25 16:22:00 Permission From Microsoft Required For Reinstall For Machines Bought After Feb 2005 vinref (6194) PC World Chat
Post ID Timestamp Content User
328161 2005-02-25 16:22:00 As of the end of February, if you buy a OEM-Windows machine, and you want to reinstall for some reason, you need to get the OK from Microsoft to do so first. You have to call them up and answer a few questions over the phone. Story from Slashdot here (it.slashdot.org). It is meant to stop unscrupulous dealers from selling the same PID code over and over again. vinref (6194)
328162 2005-02-25 19:50:00 Only if yuo get it from a top 20 worldwide pc maker

Solution: Buy from someone local
Edward (31)
328163 2005-02-25 20:45:00 Thanks vinref,
Now I'm more confused than ever :-) but it looks as if I'll have to phone MS on my hands & knees and ask nicely if I can use my windows software. That's if the XP box ever works again & after that, every time I reinstall.

2/3 years ago you couldn't even find a new windows computer in NZ without an XP OEM install. Now any one who bought one of these boxes is treated as guilty of piracy till they can somehow prove otherwise? :badpc:

Stuff them.......... Mac mini to make use of the Display, Keyboard & Mouse or Linux if the box ever works again.
Sue (33)
328164 2005-02-25 21:36:00 does this count for new computers only or all computer with win xp sambaird (47)
328165 2005-02-25 21:46:00 Only if yuo get it from a top 20 worldwide pc maker

Solution: Buy from someone localFrom that article, it says that MS plans to extend the internet product activation to all pre-activated OS's from the next quarter.

It isn't any big deal having to re-activate Windows via phone anyway.
Jen (38)
328166 2005-02-25 21:49:00 It's not that it's a big deal that's worrying me. It's that MS is treating everyone like criminals just so they can get a bit more cash. Edward (31)
328167 2005-02-25 21:54:00 I have to ring MS constantly due to their invasive tactics anyhow,and can spend up to an hour on the phone with them each time.

Now no matter what anyone wants to do with gear they have purchased they have to do the same?

answer 20 questions, My naked arse.

It is a big deal,and if they start laying that crap on me then they will get my views directed straight at them, and I don't care if the guy ansering the call is a long suffereing help desk lacky.

Are MS just going to keep on pushing and pushing this BS untill they have alianated their entire customer base?
Metla (12)
328168 2005-02-25 21:55:00 It isn't any big deal having to re-activate Windows via phone anyway.
For some people it is.
FoxyMX (5)
328169 2005-02-25 22:02:00 The internet is just so much more convenient! What's wrong activating that way? Edward (31)
328170 2005-02-25 22:06:00 Just like usual, this will prevent "casual pirates". It won't affect the real ones at all. Jeremy (1197)
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