Working on a client's PC, and it's pirated?

[NETWizz]

Most of the time, they'll have a pirated *upgrade* (e.g. Vista) and a legitimate COA for XP. I'd offer to reinstall XP on their box using their proper code.

Exactly; I could not say it better myself. There is NOTHING wrong with XP; in fact, some people like it better than Windows Vista and it is supported at least until July of 2013 for security updates.

Seems reasonable to support XP until Microsoft no longer does.

This is the only, legal solution to not perpetuate piracy if the customer doesn't want to buy a valid Windows 7 Upgrade licence (or full retail).

 

[MobileTechie]

Like others here I don't really care about them using pirated software. I just won't supply or install it.

So repairs are AOK with me but if it's an N&P job then they have to provide a legit key.

 

[Krstwo]

I actually won't fix a computer if I feel its necessary for a fresh install of windows and they cannot provide me with a legit key. Try using the OEM key on the case. I have done this in the past but over time I've grown pretty against it. More often then not a fresh OS install isn't necessary as much as it is a quick fix.

 

[AlaDes]

Here's one for you. You have a customer come in with a branded PC and they don't have the recovery CDs, nor are they available, and the COA is so worn that you can't read it. Do you install the OS using the brand's cert (Vista/7), by using a branded OEM CD for that machine (XP), or do you require that they purchase a new license altogether?

Personally, if I know the machine was licensed properly when purchased, such as an HP or Dell, and it's a matter of not being able to read the license key on the COA, I have had to use some of these methods. I don't feel as if it's circumventing Microsoft's licensing rules because I am simply using the same method in which the manufacturer used originally as means to reinstall an OS. However, if I can't read anything on the COA, such as the OS version, then I would recommend they purchase a new license.


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I am here: http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=41.520937,-83.461653

 

[YeOldeStonecat]

If it's a pirated OS...I generally will stop working on it..and let the customer know. Part of what we do when working on a computer...is ensuring that it has all updates done. Microsoft Update will usually halt when it detects a pirated OS. Thus I cannot do my work properly.

I know, you can bypass Microsoft Update by running your own offline update tools.....but to me, that is circumventing Microsofts enforcement thus...on the shady side..and I won't cross that line.

 

[YeOldeStonecat]

Tons of ways.
.

Another one I'll add to the list....seen plenty of times when looking at possible new business clients and their networks.

Microsofts eOpen/volume licensing, MAPs...they have some unique software versions which are available. MAP (Microsoft Action Pack) was a common one that "wanna-be shady techs" often used and abused.

Not long ago, I was called to look at the network at a law firm. They had all cloner built PCs...and every single one had the WGA failure alert. I looked at their server...also a cloner built one. Server 2000 Enterprise. Yeah...a small law firm purchased Server Enterprise edition for a stand alone server...LOL...I don't think so. The law firms past tech was pirating the builds from his MAPs bundle.

They were having issues with their SQL server on that box...I told them that the server and workstations were running "hot" installs of Windows. I quoted them a new server...saying if I was to take them on...I need a legit server....and I'd want them to agree to replace the workstations with good ones within a year later.

 

[Tony_Scarpelli]

Here's one for you. You have a customer come in with a branded PC and they don't have the recovery CDs, nor are they available, and the COA is so worn that you can't read it. Do you install the OS using the brand's cert (Vista/7), by using a branded OEM CD for that machine (XP), or do you require that they purchase a new license altogether?

Personally, if I know the machine was licensed properly when purchased, such as an HP or Dell, and it's a matter of not being able to read the license key on the COA, I have had to use some of these methods. I don't feel as if it's circumventing Microsoft's licensing rules because I am simply using the same method in which the manufacturer used originally as means to reinstall an OS. However, if I can't read anything on the COA, such as the OS version, then I would recommend they purchase a new license.


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I am here: http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=41.520937,-83.461653

I'd try magic jelly bean to get the coa and do the reinstall. if it has a coa, and i can get the code either from the coa or from the installed os, then i figure I am within a good margin of doing it right. Actually using the HP supplied disc to load the os is the required way to do it. (hp or any brand).

 

[AlaDes]

I'd try magic jelly bean to get the coa and do the reinstall. if it has a coa, and i can get the code either from the coa or from the installed os, then i figure I am within a good margin of doing it right. Actually using the HP supplied disc to load the os is the required way to do it. (hp or any brand).

I have rarely used the above methods, but I have had a couple instances of hard drive failure and a badly faded COA in which the only thing visible was the OS edition and the recovery partition was lost as well.


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