I know we are not supposed to talk about this but MAS script any EOL versions of windows. Imo Microsoft does not care about OS that are not supported so the consumer should do the same in return.
If they want to turn off the activation server or the access to it naturally then that already tells you its free reign. As customers we paid for something its not our fault they made it an easier decision.
I have better things to do like use the computer not wait for some Ai to call me back.
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I prefer to buy a valid code. the true problem is, NOT easy to buy it anywhere. I gave up after I had bought three copies of Microsoft Office on ebay. they all hit the maximum number of times (3). the code invalid.
Ebay is where bottom barrel key sellers are going that are often sourcing keys that have been through several traders stocks already, it means increased factor for a key to be used or the wrong key or one for a totally different product. If you looke for good reputation stats then usually you will be getting a key that will ok.
Then there is just the same risk like many other places of buying a key that is used because you came across a seller that is selling dodgy keys.
That are selling these keys on Purpose which i would say is rare because that business model does not last long.
The issue is that there is bad eggs that sell keys on to other buyers and no one knows those keys have been used. You cant tell unless you try to claim the key. So it means that the person you are buying from got a bad key or batch of bad keys because they usually buy in bulk.
There is a third issue that someone gets hold of keys illegitimate and the developer knows or finds out x amount of keys for their software are compromised so they actually deactivate them, who ever ends up buying those keys gets a key that is bad and wont work.
it does not mean that every key on Ebay will be bad i have bought keys on there before and they work fine, but i have also bought bad keys and not only from Ebay.
There is no real risk involved over other places except that you need a stronger sense heading. If a seller has no reviews or rep stats then that means right away no sale.
You also look on the ad to see if it says anything about reimbursement on bad keys, this means the buyer is being honest and knows that some key they may be selling are bad. That is just the nature of being lower on the ladder and buying keys that have gone through multiple sellers, or sourced in ways that they are not sure on the integrity of the key they know this but want to honor good practice.
Like for example unless you buy right from the dev you don't know those 100 keys are actually for xyz game 3000 until they are claimed.
The other way to know for sure us by going to someone who is getting keys first hand and that would be someone like Greenham Gaming. But they are generally well for me anyway no cheaper than buying full retail much of the time so there is no incentive.
Long winded rant, as long as you buy from somewhere that can give you a refund then at least you can always get your money back.
