I purchased Windows XP Pro from a "reputable" internet
firm that said this was an OEM disk. What I received
were 2 disks---1 was from Dell and the Key code didnt
work with it and the other was a No-Label that the key
did work with. I am worried that I have accidentally
purchased a pirated disk!! How do I tell if it is and
what do I do know?

Think I Got Took wrote:
> I purchased Windows XP Pro from a "reputable" internet
> firm that said this was an OEM disk. What I received
> were 2 disks---1 was from Dell and the Key code didnt
> work with it and the other was a No-Label that the key
> did work with. I am worried that I have accidentally
> purchased a pirated disk!! How do I tell if it is and
> what do I do know?

http://www.howtotell.com/

--
<- Shenan ->
--
The information is provided "as is", it is suggested you research for
yourself before you take any advice - you are the one ultimately
responsible for your actions/problems/solutions. Know what you are
getting into before you jump in with both feet.

Get your money back.

"Think I Got Took" wrote:

> I purchased Windows XP Pro from a "reputable" internet
> firm that said this was an OEM disk. What I received
> were 2 disks---1 was from Dell and the Key code didnt
> work with it and the other was a No-Label that the key
> did work with. I am worried that I have accidentally
> purchased a pirated disk!! How do I tell if it is and
> what do I do know?
>

Not true, I know of people who use Warez copies that have been activated,
unfortunatley its arseholes like these that keep prices up for the rest of
us.plus there are patches so you dont have to register any version.
Brian UK
"Dave Senior" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
news:(E-Mail Removed)...
> If the Windows activates online or by telephone then it must be legal.
> Microsoft will never activate a product which is illegal or pirated. That
> is the whole idea of activation system on which M$ has spent millions
> perfecting it!!!
>
> hth
>
>
> Think I Got Took wrote:
>
>> I purchased Windows XP Pro from a "reputable" internet
>> firm that said this was an OEM disk. What I received
>> were 2 disks---1 was from Dell and the Key code didnt
>> work with it and the other was a No-Label that the key
>> did work with. I am worried that I have accidentally
>> purchased a pirated disk!! How do I tell if it is and
>> what do I do know?
>
> --
> I use non Microsoft products wherever possible which requires no
> activation.
>
> I use Netscape 7.2 as my default browser which has everything I need for
> my work.
>
> I believe in good Financial Management!! I do not believe in enriching
> rich jerks!
>
>
>

If the Windows activates online or by telephone then it must be legal. Microsoft will never activate a product which is illegal or pirated. That is the whole idea of activation system on which M$ has spent millions perfecting it!!!

hth


Think I Got Took wrote:

> I purchased Windows XP Pro from a "reputable" internet
> firm that said this was an OEM disk. What I received
> were 2 disks---1 was from Dell and the Key code didnt
> work with it and the other was a No-Label that the key
> did work with. I am worried that I have accidentally
> purchased a pirated disk!! How do I tell if it is and
> what do I do know?

--
I use non Microsoft products wherever possible which requires no activation.

I use Netscape 7.2 as my default browser which has everything I need for my work.

I believe in good Financial Management!! I do not believe in enriching rich jerks!

Think I Got Took wrote:
> I purchased Windows XP Pro from a "reputable" internet
> firm that said this was an OEM disk. What I received
> were 2 disks---1 was from Dell and the Key code didnt
> work with it and the other was a No-Label that the key
> did work with. I am worried that I have accidentally
> purchased a pirated disk!! How do I tell if it is and
> what do I do know?


If that Dell OEM CD was not accompanied by an entire Dell
computer, you may be sure that it is most definitely *NOT* legitimate.
Similarly, if you received a blank CDR (iow, a CD with no holographic
images embossed onto the front, onto which someone copied the
installation files, you may be sure that it is most definitely *NOT*
legitimate.

For verification, check here:

How to Tell
http://www.microsoft.com/resources/h...s/default.mspx

--

Bruce Chambers

Help us help you:
http://dts-l.org/goodpost.htm
http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html

You can have peace. Or you can have freedom. Don't ever
count on having both at once. - RAH

Dave Senior wrote:
> If the Windows activates online or by telephone then it
> must be legal. Microsoft will never activate a product
> which is illegal or pirated. That is the whole idea of
> activation system on which M$ has spent millions
> perfecting it!!!
>
> hth
>
>


How could this possibly verify that the copy is legitimate?
Please do not lie to the OP.

--

Bruce Chambers

Help us help you:
http://dts-l.org/goodpost.htm
http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html

You can have peace. Or you can have freedom. Don't ever
count on having both at once. - RAH

"Think I Got Took" <(E-Mail Removed)>
wrote in news:2cef01c4a352$1a724a40$(E-Mail Removed):
> I purchased Windows XP Pro from a "reputable" internet
> firm that said this was an OEM disk. What I received
> were 2 disks---1 was from Dell and the Key code didnt
> work with it and the other was a No-Label that the key
> did work with. I am worried that I have accidentally
> purchased a pirated disk!! How do I tell if it is and
> what do I do know?

The Dell copy won't work because it is BIOS locked. It can only be
installed on a Dell (and maybe only on certain models) because the
install copy of Windows must match the Dell BIOS signature. Unless you
can get confirmation from Dell that they permit 3rd parties to
distribute their Dell-labelled installation media then it is likely you
got a pirated copy from this "reputable" company (which you never
bothered to mention). The other one with no label is also pirated. Say
goodbye to your money and to any support from Microsoft. Hope you
didn't use a credit card because now you are susceptible to credit card
fraud and identity theft (better kill that account before it gets
abused).

--
_________________________________________________________________
******** Post replies to newsgroup - Share with others ********
Email: lh_811newsATyahooDOTcom and append "=NEWS=" to Subject.
_________________________________________________________________

It sounds like you did.
The Dell CD can only be distributed by Dell with a Dell computer.
The "No-Label" is also not legitimate:
http://www.microsoft.com/resources/h...w/default.mspx
Whether it works now or not and whether you can activate now or not, I
would suggest contact the seller.
There is no guarantee that sometime in the future Microsoft will not
block this illegitimate Product Key.
If the seller is uncooperative, contact law enforcement
Also contact Microsoft:
http://www.microsoft.com/piracy/Reporting.mspx

Get your $ back.
If you used a credit card, cancel it immediately.

--
Jupiter Jones [MVP]
http://www3.telus.net/dandemar/


"Think I Got Took" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
news:2cef01c4a352$1a724a40$(E-Mail Removed)...
>I purchased Windows XP Pro from a "reputable" internet
> firm that said this was an OEM disk. What I received
> were 2 disks---1 was from Dell and the Key code didnt
> work with it and the other was a No-Label that the key
> did work with. I am worried that I have accidentally
> purchased a pirated disk!! How do I tell if it is and
> what do I do know?

Vanguardx wrote:
> "Think I Got Took" <(E-Mail Removed)>
> wrote in news:2cef01c4a352$1a724a40$(E-Mail Removed):
>> I purchased Windows XP Pro from a "reputable" internet
>> firm that said this was an OEM disk. What I received
>> were 2 disks---1 was from Dell and the Key code didnt
>> work with it and the other was a No-Label that the key
>> did work with. I am worried that I have accidentally
>> purchased a pirated disk!! How do I tell if it is and
>> what do I do know?
>
> The Dell copy won't work because it is BIOS locked. It can only be
> installed on a Dell (and maybe only on certain models) because the
> install copy of Windows must match the Dell BIOS signature.

The BIOS lock only means it will need to be activated if the setup does not
recognize the BIOS. It will install on a Dell without the need to activate.
A non-Dell will need activation.
But this particular purchase the OP made is not legal.
--
Michael Stevens MS-MVP XP
(E-Mail Removed)
http://michaelstevenstech.com
For a better newsgroup experience. Setup a newsreader.
http://michaelstevenstech.com/outloo...snewreader.htm