Microsoft has cited "numerous" examples of individuals selling Certificates of Authenticity (COA) to back up its decision to disable internet activation of Windows XP on OEM'd machines
The software giant says people have been deliberately removing COA labels from OEM's PCs or copying COA labels for re-sale to customers and distributors.
Disabling internet activation is the latest stage in a long-running campaign designed to stop illegal copying and use of its software. Previous efforts included use of special holograms on CD versions of Windows that Microsoft said would are difficult to forge, to prove the authenticity of the software contained on the discs.
However, it seems, people not just the forgers - have a penchant for copies of Windows that are either free or available below official prices, making Microsoft a prime target for forgery and illegal use, especially in emerging markets.
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