You may be a victim of software counterfeiting...

[mattpant]

Hi Guys,

Has anybody else experienced this problem from a recent MS Update?

We have a number of Tablet PCs, they were bought from RM Computers and have a LEGAL version of Windows XP Tablet Edition Installed on them. Following from a recent Microsoft Update, a number of the Tablets prompt the user with a messgae box and a countdown timer (To select the ok button) just after logging on stating that "You may be a victim of software counterfeiting" and once logged into the system a little "clog" type icon appears by the clock randomly popping up with the message "You may be a victim of software counterfeiting" double clicking on the icon takes you to the microsoft page regarding purchasing legal copies of windows!

It looks as though when RM produce the Tablets PC's they roll them out from a singal image file which seems to have a Volume License Key installed, not all the Tablet PCs throw out this error.

It looks bad on the school when they are being used with Projectors as the Kids see the messgae popping up and think we're using "dodgy" copies, and I also think that there is something crafty in this little annoyence that slows down the computer.

Any thoughts?

Regards,

Matt

[Norphy]

Chances are that the key RM used to activate the copy of Windows got leaked and MS cancelled it.

Presumably there is a COA attached to the bottom of the tablet? You could try to reactivate Windows using the key on that COA.

Failing that, contact RM and shout at them.

[StewartKnight]

I've been having the same problem with.... Dell laptops!

Typical Micro$haft, they won't believe you when you try to get it sorted.

The cheapest and best solution was "ahem", we bought from eBay, a WGA removal tool.

Some might say that was naughty, but in my defence, all our copies of Windows are legal. It used to be "innocent until proven guilty", but microsoft believe in "guilty, because we say so"!!

[mark]

That's disgusting.

Compo claim from RM I recon. Hassle a lot at least!

[tominyork]

We have had this issue, after contacting Microsoft I found out that you get this message if you are a schools license customer and don't install Windows XP Home before installing XP Pro.

We though under the terms of the license you just had to own the original XP Home license , not actually upgrade from it every time you rebuild a machine.

Unfortunatly all our laptop images are straight XP Pro.. d'oh!

[Geoff]

If your updating your PC's using WSUS, the WGA checker doesn't get installed.

[mattpant]

hmmm, well I glad it's not just us then having this problem!

@tominyork - That does seem a little crazy doesn't it!!! But going by what you say Microsoft have told you, I wonder why it happens on the factory installed RM Machines?!?

[tominyork]

Yeah it does seem a bit over the top!

It seems that WGA does check for lots of different scenarios though - so your RM tablet incident could be linked to using a leaked installation product key - but whatever it is, contactng RM should be a priority in getting this sorted out..

[apeo]

We've had a similar problem here when one of us logs in but if another user (say me) logs in it gets rid of it. Really odd.

[plexer]

Am I right in thinking then according to one of the posts above that if you are subscribing to the m$ schools agreement then every client must have a version of windows licencsed to it then you can upgrade them to current windows under the agreement? or can you just buy bare metal machines and install XP Pro on them?

Ben

Had this problem with some HP laptops which are imaged via a ghost image with a VLK. Just deleted the WGA folder and went to microsofts website to re authenticate and all is well.

[Roberto]

Am I right in thinking then according to one of the posts above that if you are subscribing to the m$ schools agreement then every client must have a version of windows licencsed to it then you can upgrade them to current windows under the agreement?

Yes. You must be upgrading an existing licence.

or can you just buy bare metal machines and install XP Pro on them?

Ben

No. And I don't believe Linux counts for the competetive upgrade.

[CyberNerd]

lol in the US MS actually publish the names of those their sueing!

http://www.microsoft.com/piracy/partners/alerts.mspx

(knowing we owe at least 4K in subscription, I informed SMT, which is ok because its bosses jailtime not mine

[john]

How strange, touching lots of wood, mines are all ok, but they better stay that way!

[Geoff]

or can you just buy bare metal machines and install XP Pro on them?

Ben

No. And I don't believe Linux counts for the competetive upgrade.

Dell/IBM/Lenevo sell machines with FreeDos if you know the magic word.

The other option is to not agree to the MS EULA and ask for your refund once you/ve returned your software.