Microsoft offers Windows amnesty deal

updated 5:39 p.m. ET Nov. 26, 2004

LONDON - Owners of pirated copies of Microsoft Corp.'s Windows XP operating system can trade them in for the real thing as part of a bid by the software giant to fight counterfeiting.

Microsoft said the deal, open only to residents of Britain, would help it fight the proliferation of "high-quality counterfeit versions" of its software.

(MSNBC is a Microsoft - NBC joint venture.)

The company said users unsure of the legitimacy of their Windows XP software could submit it to Microsoft for analysis, along with sales receipts and other documentation. Software found to be counterfeit will be replaced.

Microsoft said the project would help it gather intelligence on counterfeiting and "work with the authorities to act decisively against illegal traders."

The offer is open until Dec. 31 and applies to pre-installed versions of Windows XP bought before Nov. 1. It is limited to five submissions per person.

Microsoft said no decision had been made on whether to extend the exchange scheme to the United States or other territories.

MORE FROM TECH AND GADGETS

Tech and gadgets Section Front

YouTube's best viral mashups Smthg gr8 4 brkfst? Twitter's recipes British royal family joins Twitter 9 gadgets we covet How exactly does Twitter plan on making money? Boston airport tests radar to avoid bird strikes Google to introduce PC operating system Is another global superstar possible in Web era? Windows 7 is on sale. Should you buy it now? Michael Jackson, King of Facebook Tech and gadgets Section Front   Add Tech and gadgets headlines to your news reader: