Keep IT real says Microsoft

Microsoft said it recognised the difficulty consumers have in recognised counterfeit copies of software so will use newspaper advertising and will also direct people to a website giving information on how to identify genuine software.

It will therefore be driving take-up of its Windows Genuine Advantage (WGA) online software validation programme launched in August last year. This scheme lets consumers know if they have genuine Microsoft software.

Windows 2000 and XP Professional, Home and Tablet editions are all affected by the WGA scheme. On the first visit to an update site, a user is prompted to download an ActiveX control to determine whether they have a genuine Windows product.

The PC then stores a special download key on the PC for future verification. From then on they will be able to receive all updates, said the company.

The company said some customers who have unknowingly acquired counterfeit software may be eligible to receive a genuine copy free of charge, or at least be able to obtain a discounted copy of Windows.

The company said it would deal with these on an individual basis but the user would need to give the company information on whom and where they bought the fake product from.

Additionally people can report piracy to Microsoft via its website.