Stolen Software and Licenses

[Guest]

I recently had a bag containing every CD and license of all software I use on
my computers including XP, VISTA, 3 versions of Office and Visio along with
various non-microsoft software. Is there anyway of finding out my activation
keys (the 25 digit code) so that should I need to re-build a machine I can do
so without having to buy all the software again?

 

[Teneo]

Hi

Try www.belarc.com , free for personal use.

Aswell as detailing hardware specs it will list license keys for software.

 

[Richard Urban]

The activation key is known only to the purchaser of the software - and now
the thief. If you didn't record the keys somewhere safe, you are screwed. If
you try to install Vista on another computer, using the original key, you
will be denied activation. They key is already in use.

You did record the keys. So, now you make that phone call to activate. You
are golden - right? Unfortunately, no!

The next time the thief turns on his computer he will "likely" be informed
his system is not genuine. So, he makes the same phone call and his system
is now activated and valid.

The same day you turn on your computer. Guess what? You are "likely" no
longer genuine because the key is, again, used elsewhere. This sequence may
be repeated till you turn to dust. Your only joy is knowing that it is YOU
who are causing the thief so much grief.

Unless you obtain new keys for your major software, this round-robin "could"
go on forever.

--


Regards,

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

 

[Ike]

Hi

Try www.belarc.com , free for personal use.

Aswell as detailing hardware specs it will list license keys for software.

Thanks for this link --- a wonderful resource!

 

[Guest]

Thanks for the responses. Un fortunately I don't believe in piracy and i have
always bought genuine software so the offer to go visit a clandestine site
and download licenses does not appeal to me. What i really need to know is
how do I notify Microsoft that my software has been stolen? I assume they
know my product authorisation code due to the registration process and can
therefore block that code, issue me with new software disks (at a cost I
acknowledge) and new keys. Does anyone know how to contact Microsoft in a
meanigful manner to resolve this issue?

 

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

AFAIK, there is not way to do this.
However if they are retail, you may be able to get replacements:
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=326246

 

[Michael Solomon]

Thanks for the responses. Un fortunately I don't believe in piracy and i
have
always bought genuine software so the offer to go visit a clandestine site
and download licenses does not appeal to me. What i really need to know is
how do I notify Microsoft that my software has been stolen? I assume they
know my product authorisation code due to the registration process and can
therefore block that code, issue me with new software disks (at a cost I
acknowledge) and new keys. Does anyone know how to contact Microsoft in a
meanigful manner to resolve this issue?
--
Nigel Timothy Salm
Software Consultant and Developer
www.sleepygecko.co.za
(e-mail address removed)

First, Richard didn't say or imply you should go to a clandestine site and
download licenses. He stated, you would need to obtain, meaning purchase
new licenses from Microsoft.

That said, if your product keys were not included with the software in the
bag that was stolen, it is the thief that would need to use a clandestine
site. If the keys were included then you are just about out of luck though
it may be covered under your homeowners insurance in which case, you might
be reimbursed for new licenses up to your deductible.

Assuming you have your keys or retrieved them with Belarc, you still need to
deal with the fact the thief may have your keys. As Richard stated, it's
your word against his and it could go around and around unless you move on.
Microsoft does have a program for replacing damaged disks but this is
different and thief may have your product keys. If that's the case, it
would seem your best bet is to file a police report and a file a claim with
your insurance company. Given that the keys would have to be used for
installation, the police, working with Microsoft might be able to ultimately
trace the thief but my sense is, this is not for his personal use, rather,
he intends to copy the software or sell it to someone who does that sort of
thing.

 

[Richard Urban]

File an insurance claim and purchase new software.

--


Regards,

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

 

[Teneo]

my pleasure

OP hasn't commeted... ;-)

Thanks for this link --- a wonderful resource!

 

[Guest]

HI Everyone

Thanks for your responses. The insurance route is certainly feasible though
the software and licenses were stolen from my guesthouse not my home so I
will have to investigate my insurance rights. However the question I have
that still seems unresolved is that I registered all of my products with
Microsoft so there must surely be some way that I can contact MS and get keys
re-issued or new keys issued and the old keys disabled. I don't mind if I
have to pay a nominal fee for replacing the software CD's. We have logged a
report with the police however I live in South Africa and am quite sure that
our police force is less than capable of doing something as innovative as
working in collaboration with any other agency. I think I shall phone MS
myself and see what they say. Some of the sofwtare was recently purchase
including my Vists Ultimate and Office 2007 and it may be possible they can
help me with those licenses

Any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

While I am on the subject of Vista here is a little tip that I discovered
the other day. I have a Dual - Dual Core 64bit Intel machine with enhanced
graphics and sound cards and for weeks now I have lived with a look and feel
that was kind of underwhelming and I had a problem that whenever a played a
CD my machine died and went straight to a blue screen. I was on the brink of
taking the machine back to the manufacturer until I stumbled across the
Performance Tuning facility in the control panel. My machine had a
performance rating of 1 (very low LOL) so I ran an update and my machine was
re-evaluated with a rating of 5.5. Suddenly Vista licked in with awesome
graphics, translucent skins and all the other bells and whistles. And the
CD's play just fine. Obviously Vista was treating my devices as low spec poor
performing devices and sending them suitably dumb instructions which of
coiurse caused my devices to malfunction. With the re-evaluation Vista
started treating them with more respect and now everything is purring along
beautifully.

 

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

Nigel;
Did you contact Microsoft following the link in my other post?

 

[Guest]

Nigel, I am so excited that you mention the Tuning facility in the control
panel. I need you to tell me how to find it exactly performance rating of 1
(very low LOL) so I ran an update and my machine was re-evaluated with a
rating of 5.5. I feel i have low spec poor performing devices and sending
them dumb instructions that caused my devices to be confused. With the
re-evaluation Vista started treating them with more respect and now
everything is purring along beautifully.
I also am ready to return my new dual core vista ultimate with office 2007
32bit because i am having so many issues that cost me big bucks. I still
think the 64 bit is the answer and gateway will not listen to me.
Can you remember the files that you mention of how to find that tuning
device. I am still stumbling all around and learning this version.
Any other comments are so very welcome. I hope that Microsoft can do what
you asked and i think is a very EXCELLENT IDEA INDEED!