Tip #4538 - WGA for Vista
Printer Friendly Version | E-Mail This Tip
WGA
for Vista
Chances are, you've
seen ads on TV and at the movies about piracy. Am I right? Well, software
counterfeiting is the same thing and it can be very dangerous. Counterfeit
(or non-genuine software) could contain all kinds of spyware and you
could get into legal trouble as well. Today's tip will show you how
to identify bootleg Windows Vista software and Microsoft Office 2007
software. Let's get to the bottom of this!
You can follow
these instructions to test whether or not your Vista or MS Office
software is genuine:
1.) First, you
need to visit this Web
site.
2.) Once you're
there, click the Validate Windows button located
in the top right hand corner. (If you want to validate Microsoft Office,
click that instead).
3.) If you're
using Internet Explorer, you may need to click on the bar that runs
across the top of the screen that says Install ActiveX Control.
4.) You’ll
then just need to wait a minute or two and you’ll be done! If
it worked, you'll know right away that your copy of Windows (or MS
Office) is genuine. If you couldn’t perform the test, click
Try Alternate Method and follow the instructions.
Now, if you’re
certain the software you tested is legitimate, the test may have failed
because you entered the product activation key incorrectly when you
first installed the software. The product key should be inside the
packaging of the CD. (Note: If your computer came
with the software, take your computer back to where you bought it
and they can help you).
To fix this problem:
1.) Click Start
and then right click on Computer.
2.) Next, click
Properties.
3.) Click Change
Product Key, just like the screenshot below:
4.) Now, follow
the prompts on the screen.
5.) Next, go here
and validate your copy of Windows again. The software should pass
this time.
If you think your
software may not be genuine, you can click here
to see some examples of common counterfeits. Once you’ve examined
those, you can then visit this link
to begin filing a report.
To do so, just
follow the instructions. Once you’ve submitted the report, someone
from Microsoft will follow up with you (if you opted for a reply).
You may be eligible for a complimentary copy of the pirated software
from Microsoft. If you still aren’t sure what to do, call Microsoft.
They can help! Below is a list of Microsoft’s phone numbers
in various countries:
- United States:
1-866-530-6599 (Windows) or 1-800-590-6423 (MS Office)
- United Kingdom: 44-0870-60-10-100
- Australia (and surrounding islands, excluding New Zealand): 13-20-58
- South Africa: 0860-22-55-67 (0860-CALL-MS)
I hope this has
been helpful!
~ Brandon Zubek
Want To Comment On This Tip? Click Here! We'd love to hear from you :-)
Like These Tips? Get 'Em Free In Your E-mail
