Re: Cheap OS software for real?

From: Miss Perspicacia Tick (misstick_at_lancre.dw)
Date: 01/29/05 

Date: Sat, 29 Jan 2005 23:30:01 -0000

Bruce Chambers wrote:
> jtsnow wrote:
>> I see things like Windows 2000 or XP for $50. I would like to
>> replace the OS on a old Dell PII latitude company laptop I have with
>> a fresh install (there is nothing I need to keep). Is that stuff
>> for real or is there some hidden gimmick there like wont let me use
>> it after 30 days or something like that. I see it on Ebay and here
>> is url too. Any tips appreciated. http://fansoft.info/os/win2000.html
>>
>>
>
>
> Actually, if you were to clicked the links provided and then read
> the site's self-contradictory,broken English "FAQ," you'd probably
> have known it was a scam. Full OEM CDs that are full retail versions
> that are legal as backup media? Shipped from eastern Europe? All CDs
> shipped with the serial number included in a text file? Definitely
> not legitimate CDs.
>
> Those people who have reported back here after making purchases
> from several of such web sites have indicated that what they actually
> received was a copy of the widely-known-to-be-pirated Volume Licensed
> version of WinXP Pro. They couldn't even install SP1 without being
> informed that the had an invalid Product Key. And then there were the
> mysterious charges that started appearing on some of their credit
> cards....
> Additionally, be very careful buying any software on eBay, as eBay
> makes no prior effort to ensure that such sales are legitimate; they
> react only after someone has been ripped off and files a complaint.

And very often not even then. Let me tell you a tale. Eighteen months ago, I
paid £200 for a "fully licensed retail version" of Photoshop 7. The seller
had 5000+ positive feedback and I took that to be a guarantee that I would
be receiving legitimate software - I received a CD-R in a plastic wallet,
with a 1118 installation key (in case you didn't know 1118 keys are the
Adobe equivalent of the FCKGW key). I complained to the seller - no
response. After six weeks, and umpteen emails (and texts) I left negative
feedback and said I'd been ripped off (because, obviously, I had). He
retaliated, calling me a liar, and that the product he sent me was legit. I
contacted eBay and got nothing but automatic responses (unfortunately,
unlike the US, eBay UK has no contact phone number). I eventually went to
Square Trade and they sent him a nasty letter and he refunded my money. 

-- 
Facon - the artificial bacon bits you get in Pizza Hut for sprinkling
on salads.