New
#11
i guess we can close this topic....i dont wanna post something to get me banne on accident. sorry for the post on the hacks. please close topic. thanks
Well, if you buy a new PC/laptop from a real vendor (not ebay or craigslsit), you probably are safe.
If you buy a real box with DVD, safe too.
If you downland a version and pay, make sure it actually is the one from MS (like digitalriver etc.). Actually, if it is not a special student version from digital river, always insist on the package. I bougth another student version from my university store, that also is a safe source.
Once you have it installed, try one of the methods mentioned above. If it shows up a pirated "talk"to the guy who sold it to you.
I once ordered a textbook at 30% of the MSRP. It turned out it was a PDF (that part wasn't clear, I thought it was a used textbook and therefore cheap). Well, since I can download pirated PDF myself for free and print them, I sent the seller an email and he refunded my money. See, even pirates have honor i then paid a near full price for the real textbook in paperback. but you see, not even the "old" media is safe nowadays.
MS is pushing through a Windows Update right now designed to notify you if you have acquired non-Genuine Windows 7.
It is labeled clearly and should be welcomed and installed by all running legal copies, or who want to be sure they are. They will even help you replace non-geniune Win7.
So there you have it: Keep updated and MS has got you covered.
While this thread may walk a fine line, I think this is something that should be discussed. People need to know if they are being scammed/lied to.
Just remember this is a discussion on how to tell if you have a fake/pirated copy, NOT how to get one, or crack one.
~Lordbob
Strange about that "validation" update-It wasn't checked off automatically on my system when I went to the update site. I checked it and installed it anyway although I've got a legal copy obtained from Microsoft and the install has been "activated" and all installs of requiring me to have a valid copy before they will be downloaded have of course been approved by the lords of Microsoft updates.
I had fully expected that update to be forced down peoples throat but maybe they will find that to make certain updates that that this particular update must be installed.
I'm glad to see it. I suspect that the use of pirated copies will decrease markedly in the next few months and that a lots of those (from my experience primarily colllege kids) who had counted on being able to "hack" Win 7 to avoid purchasing same are going to be in for a big surprise.
Oh well, enough of thought.
karl
IMO having the physical media and a product key is the only sure way of telling. And the only time you could possibly be unsure is if you have brought a second hand machine and not recieved the Windows 7 DVD.
There is no reason why "a friend should be giving you a copy" etc etc...