is this illegal?

[astocker]

I took my compaq notebook to a local computer shop and said it
wouldn't boot to Windows XP. They said they install Windows XP for
79.95. The kid said as long as I had a valid pass key it would be ok.
I received no software, my wife picked up the notebook the other day
and it asked me to activate windows. Well, the pass key on the back of
the notebook doesn't work. I've been told in another forum that what
they did was illegal, I need a second opinion. I would find it hard to
believe, because they are a huge computer store here in Evansville
Indiana that has been in business for 10+ years. HOwever, the strange
thing is that they sell XP Home OEM version for $130 there...I did
wonder what the difference was. My Compaq disk doesn't work, so I
didn't have any disk to take them when I went in there. They said that
was fine, that they used their own CD's and said as long as I have a
pass key I would be allright. So, where do I go from here...and why
doesnt my Compaq 25 digit number work now? I would assume its because
they installed windows that needed that CD's pass key?? So I feel like
I have a valid license for Windows XP, because I had it when I bought
the notebook, and I am only trying to restore it back to that
point...so before I called Microsoft I figured I would ask here. Do I
call microsoft, compaq, the shop, the police or all ? haha...all i want
is for windows xp to work like it did hopefully without having to spend
another 100 bucks for a license I feel I shouldnt have to buy, but will
if I have to...

is this too confusing? sorry if it is, but if you have any suggestions
that would be great

Thanks

Andy Stocker

 

[Carey Frisch [MVP]]

On the computer in question:

Please follow this diagnostic troubleshooting procedure:

1. Download and run the MGA Diagnostic Tool:
http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=52012

2. After running the MGA Diagnostic Tool, click
on the "Windows" tab and then click on "Copy".

3. Next, visit the following website and create a post in the
"WGA Validation Problems" forum and paste the
results of the WGA Diagnostic Data in a detailed post.
http://forums.microsoft.com/Genuine/default.aspx?SiteID=25

4. A WGA troubleshooting specialist will analyze the data and
recommend an appropriate solution.


--
Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows - Shell/User

Enjoy all the benefits of genuine Microsoft software:
http://www.microsoft.com/genuine/default.mspx

---------------------------------------------------------------------------­---------------------------------

Andy Stocker wrote:

| I took my compaq notebook to a local computer shop and said it
| wouldn't boot to Windows XP. They said they install Windows XP for
| 79.95. The kid said as long as I had a valid pass key it would be ok.
| I received no software, my wife picked up the notebook the other day
| and it asked me to activate windows. Well, the pass key on the back of
| the notebook doesn't work. I've been told in another forum that what
| they did was illegal, I need a second opinion. I would find it hard to
| believe, because they are a huge computer store here in Evansville
| Indiana that has been in business for 10+ years. HOwever, the strange
| thing is that they sell XP Home OEM version for $130 there...I did
| wonder what the difference was. My Compaq disk doesn't work, so I
| didn't have any disk to take them when I went in there. They said that
| was fine, that they used their own CD's and said as long as I have a
| pass key I would be allright. So, where do I go from here...and why
| doesnt my Compaq 25 digit number work now? I would assume its because
| they installed windows that needed that CD's pass key?? So I feel like
| I have a valid license for Windows XP, because I had it when I bought
| the notebook, and I am only trying to restore it back to that
| point...so before I called Microsoft I figured I would ask here. Do I
| call microsoft, compaq, the shop, the police or all ? haha...all i want
| is for windows xp to work like it did hopefully without having to spend
| another 100 bucks for a license I feel I shouldnt have to buy, but will
| if I have to...
|
| is this too confusing? sorry if it is, but if you have any suggestions
| that would be great
|
| Thanks
|
| Andy Stocker

 

[R. McCarty]

"Their own CD ?" - What they did was illegal. They supplanted your
OEM licensed XP with probably a Volume License Key for their own
branded in-house PCs. This is one aspect of license violations that MS
is interested in pursuing. I would take the unit back to the shop and
tell them to give you a "Valid" single-use licensed disk/key or you will
promptly report them to Microsoft's Piracy hotline.

Here's a MS document on reporting piracy:
http://www.microsoft.com/piracy/Reporting.mspx

 

[Richard Urban]

May I ask why you don't just get replacement disks for your laptop from
Compaq? They only cost a few bucks. Keep them in a safe place when you
receive them. They will bring your computer back to the way it was when you
purchased it. Remember to backup your personal files to CD's before you
start the restore process.

--

Regards,

Richard Urban
Microsoft MVP Windows Shell/User
(For email, remove the obvious from my address)

Quote from George Ankner:
If you knew as much as you think you know,
You would realize that you don't know what you thought you knew!

 

[astocker]

are you talking about the 3.5 floppies? Or cd's? Now that my code
doesn't work anymore, will these disks work?

Thanks

 

[Frankster]

"Their own CD ?" - What they did was illegal. They supplanted your

OEM licensed XP with probably a Volume License Key for their own
branded in-house PCs.

You are being totally irresponsible stating such speculation. "Their own CD"
could just as easily mean their own OEM CD. I don't know. You don't know.

-Frank

 

[Frankster]

Don't mess with this. Playing around trying to decide if what they did was
illegal is just a waste of time. Just go back to the store and tell them it
won't activate. Make them activate it for you (whatever it takes to do that)
and forget it.

-Frank

 

[Rock]

Don't mess with this. Playing around trying to decide if what they did was
illegal is just a waste of time. Just go back to the store and tell them
it won't activate. Make them activate it for you (whatever it takes to do
that) and forget it.

-Frank

It's not as simple as getting them to activate it. What he do the next time
the OS needs to be repaired or activated? What the store did was bogus. He
needs to get it straightened out with a legit CD, COA and documentation.

 

[Richard Urban]

Call them and see what they can do for you and how much it will cost.

--

Regards,

Richard Urban
Microsoft MVP Windows Shell/User
(For email, remove the obvious from my address)

Quote from George Ankner:
If you knew as much as you think you know,
You would realize that you don't know what you thought you knew!

 

[PA Bear]

Did you pay with an AX, VISA or MasterCard?

 

[Frankster]

It's not as simple as getting them to activate it. What he do the next
time the OS needs to be repaired or activated? What the store did was
bogus. He needs to get it straightened out with a legit CD, COA and
documentation.

The store won't be able to activate it until they *fix* whatever they did
wrong. Illegal or not. Once fixed, it will be fine in the future. He should
make the store correct whatever it did wrong. That's what I'm saying. If it
means *fixing* their illegal install, so be it.

-Frank

 

[astocker]

Did you pay with an AX, VISA or MasterCard?

yes, mastercard

 

[astocker]

Did you pay with an AX, VISA or MasterCard?

yes, mastercard

 

[RobertVA]

I took my compaq notebook to a local computer shop and said it
wouldn't boot to Windows XP. They said they install Windows XP for
79.95. The kid said as long as I had a valid pass key it would be ok.
I received no software, my wife picked up the notebook the other day
and it asked me to activate windows. Well, the pass key on the back of
the notebook doesn't work. I've been told in another forum that what
they did was illegal, I need a second opinion. I would find it hard to
believe, because they are a huge computer store here in Evansville
Indiana that has been in business for 10+ years. HOwever, the strange
thing is that they sell XP Home OEM version for $130 there...I did
wonder what the difference was. My Compaq disk doesn't work, so I
didn't have any disk to take them when I went in there. They said that
was fine, that they used their own CD's and said as long as I have a
pass key I would be allright. So, where do I go from here...and why
doesnt my Compaq 25 digit number work now? I would assume its because
they installed windows that needed that CD's pass key?? So I feel like
I have a valid license for Windows XP, because I had it when I bought
the notebook, and I am only trying to restore it back to that
point...so before I called Microsoft I figured I would ask here. Do I
call microsoft, compaq, the shop, the police or all ? haha...all i want
is for windows xp to work like it did hopefully without having to spend
another 100 bucks for a license I feel I shouldnt have to buy, but will
if I have to...

is this too confusing? sorry if it is, but if you have any suggestions
that would be great

Thanks

Andy Stocker

What about the COMPAQ CDs isn't working? Provide some more details about
the failure and the contents of any error messages you are getting.

There MAY be issues associated with the files on the CDs being older
than a subsequently installed Service Pack. Search Google for "Windows
XP Slipstream". Do this BEFORE the activation countdown runs out.

This seems to be a common problem that has resulted from Microsoft's DRM
schemes. The Activation and Genuine Advantage programs are ONLY
satisfied if the product key and installation media come from the SAME
source. Unfortunately repair people don't always have access to the
proper media for OS re installation UNLESS they sell a new license to
the customer OR the customer provides the original media from the
computer manufacturer. When they use the mismatched media the customer
ends up having trouble using the product key from the computer
manufacturer with Product Activation (PA) or Windows Genuine Advantage
(WGA) doubts the legitimacy of the OS.

INSIST that the store get the OS activated AND get WGA satisfied WITH
the product key you got from COMPAQ. Take the recovery or installation
disk(s) you received with the computer along. If they respond as
unwilling or unable to accomplish that, ask for a refund. If they aren't
willing to give you a refund, dispute the charge with you credit card
provider, but be prepared to NEVER shop or get service there again.

 

[Guest]

I am guessing nobody will suggest that the code in question is a CD Key and
the code that he needs is the Activation code in which he will have to call
microsoft for or use the internet to activate?

 

[PA Bear]

yes, mastercard

Call Mastercard /immediately/, tell them what happened, that you're avery
dissatisfied Mastercard customer and you want to contest the charge.

Now call the store and tell them what you've done & see what they say now.

PS: Also write to (e-mail address removed) about your experience. In your
email, cite your thread here.

 

[astocker]

I sent them an email yesterday and this is what they sent back, I am
going to call them tommorow.

"Hi Andy,

When Windows is asking to activate you either have to activate online
or
call into the Microsoft activation center. The easiest way to activate
is
to walk through the activator and choose online activation. It should
not
ask for any product key. The product key is enter into the Window
setup
when its being installed. Try to activate you computer through the
online
process. If it does not work call our service department and describe
what
message you are getting and we will try to assist you the best we can
so you
don't have to call Microsoft."


The last sentence strikes me as odd because that almost seems like they
are afraid I will call Microsoft, in any case I am going to take your
guys advice and make them fix it.

Thanks

Andy

 

[PA Bear]

Here's something else you can do, courtesy of MS MVP Carey Frisch:

1. Download and install the WGA Diagnostic Tool
http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=56062

2. After running the WGA Diagnostic Tool, click on the "Windows" tab and
then click on "Copy to Clipboard".

3. Next, visit the following website and create a post in the "WGA
Validation Problems" forum and paste the results of the WGA Diagnostic Data
in a detailed post:
http://forums.microsoft.com/Genuine/default.aspx?SiteID=25

4. A WGA troubleshooting specialist will analyze the data and recommend an
appropriate solution.

I'd /still/ call Mastercard.