[ubuntu-uk] Dad's Computer - for want of a better subject

[Rob Beard]

On 22/06/2011 11:32, Dave Hanson wrote:
>
> I think it may just be easier for companies like that to do a complete 
> re-install rather than diagnose the actual problem and blame it on 
> dodgy hardware, as for the Vista install, if they did actually take 
> the parts from another PC perhaps they switched the license over and 
> scrapped the other PC - perhaps they thought they were doing him a 
> favour by giving him a more up to date OS. I'd certainly check that 
> the license is valid with someone (Not sure who, Microsoft?) as there 
> may be a load of computers in your area all running the same Vista 
> install - they won't be able to get licences for free will they?

Actually it is easy to get round the Vista activation with a BIOS 
modification (as it is also with XP and Windows 7) so I wonder if this 
is what they have done?

Doesn't make it legal though.

My other thought was that maybe they are a registered Microsoft 
refurbisher and provided a licence that way, that is until I read that 
the options are Windows XP or Windows 7, NOT Vista...

http://www.microsoft.com/refurbishedpcs/Programs/registeredRefurbFAQ.htm

Rob