Microsoft targets FAKE copies of OFFICE

[Gulfstreamaviator]

I have been advised by Microsoft that my copies of office 2003 are fake.

As I bought these two computers many years ago with pre loaded software, I have no way of disputing this claim.

So they are advising me that I am running fake copies of office.

Is there any way I can resolve this without buying more copies of office. ???

Thinking of any open equivelent software.

Thanks in expectation., but not hope.

glf

[Saab Dastard]

There's also free online alternatives such as Google Docs, Ajax Windows, Edesk online, Glide, Peepel, Thinkfree and Zoho Personal.

PCW has a review of these in the current (April) edition - Thinkfree got the editor's choice award.

SD

[Jofm5]

Quite often if you actually get in contact with Microsofts fraud department and explain to them what you have to us they will treat you like a victim and in return of details of which vendor was passing off their software as legit they will furnish you with licences for what you already have gratis.

[MacBoero]

When Microsoft pop the message up to say your running 'fake' or illegitimate software, there is usually a button you can click to resolve the issue. Very often doing this gives you an option to pay for the software at a price that is very hard to match anywhere else.

[PPRuNe Pop]

GSA, good advice that. I got to the end of loading XP Home on a friends computer and it turned out to be duff.

I called Microsoft and it was as if they were watching it load! Anyway within 5 minutes they gave a MS licence key that is still in use today. That you have a copy bought in good faith will, I am sure, get you a MS licence in minutes.

PPP

[Gulfstreamaviator]

Thanks PPPOP

I will investigate the free alternatives.

I will also try to communicate with the master of the universe, and see if that route is viable.

Many thanks.

glf