The programme, known as the Windows XP Counterfeit Project, aims
to allow Microsoft to "collate intelligence quickly and work with
the authorities to act decisively against illegal traders". It
follows the discovery of high quality pirated versions of the XP
software, said Microsoft.
"Our goal is not to prosecute the individual; our goal is to get
to the source," said Alex Hilton, Microsoft's licensing compliance
manager, according to reports.
The programme specifically targets pre-installed versions of the
software purchased before 1st November. It is limited to UK users
aged over 18 and only five copies of the software per person can be
swapped.
Users taking up the offer will have to send in the software, a
completed witness statement, the original product documents and the
sales receipt or supplier invoice.
The deal follows the September launch of another pilot
validation scheme known as Windows Genuine Advantage, which asked
visitors to the Microsoft Download Center (as opposed to the
Windows Update site) to check that the Windows software installed
on their machines is in fact a legitimate and licensed copy.
If it is, the user can access the downloads and updates
available on the site. If not, the user still gains access to the
material but first has to wade through some information about
software piracy.
The Counterfeit Project will run until 31st December.
