I bought 2 desktop PCs for my business from a (seemingly) proper computer shop on Samui. The offer at the time was that the pre-installed Windows XP OS is included. Turns out that the installed software is an unauthorised counterfeit, which has some annoying effects on using the system (can't register or upgrade, compatibility issues, irritating pop-ups...).

When I complained at the shop they said I could buy the genuine software for 6,000 Bt (for each PC), but I don't want to do that since it was supposed to be included in the offer, and obviously I thought they refer to the genuine product. Silly me...

Any advice or recommendations what to do..? Should I report the shop to someone? If so, to whom? Is there such a thing like Trading Standards? Do the police care?

Thanks for your thoughts.

I'm not condoning the practice of the business that sold you the machines, but generally as a rule of thumb if you want genuine software you have to specifically ask for it.

If you have a sales agreement/contract, what does it say about the operation system? Obviously, if say genuine OS and you have a copy, you could demand compensation or an original OS. If they refuse, you could report to police for theft. IP violations are taken more seriously by police than before and if threaten to report matter to police the shop may relent. Just don't forget Samui is a small island

There are also gov't. consumer protection agencies in Bangkok and again, if your contract called for a genuine OS install you could complain. Also, the Business Software Alliance in Bangkok would be interested in your info.

As a practical matter, however, unless you are buying a branded computer, all OS installs at most custom build shops are OS copies, unless specifically a genuine OS is requested. If you got a copy OS, I'm sure the shop didn't charge you much if anything for it and if you had wanted a genuine OS it would have been B 6000 more each to buy...so just go ahead and buy them now.

buy a better copy, mine updates itself and doesn't have any popups

If there isn't an OS mentioned in Bill or PO, you can't do anything. A verbal offer of an OS isn't anything.

Possibly OT so I may start a new thread on this...

I have a Hong Kong bought Fujitsu laptop which came with a genuine XP Pro install. Accidentally damaged the recovery CD, and unfortunately had to reboot recently with copy XP pro while I wait for a replacement CD from Fujitsu Japan.

Disabled Windows Genuine Advantage Notification - so have been able to update, install, etc but have one problem which is causing me grief:

The Intel Display (Mobile Intel 915 GS/915GMS) drivers will only show menus in Thai. No matter what I have tried so far, cannot get the Intel interface to load in English..

Yes - the copy of XP was a Panthip bought version....

any ideas??

Possibly OT so I may start a new thread on this...

I have a Hong Kong bought Fujitsu laptop which came with a genuine XP Pro install. Accidentally damaged the recovery CD, and unfortunately had to reboot recently with copy XP pro while I wait for a replacement CD from Fujitsu Japan.

Disabled Windows Genuine Advantage Notification - so have been able to update, install, etc but have one problem which is causing me grief:

The Intel Display (Mobile Intel 915 GS/915GMS) drivers will only show menus in Thai. No matter what I have tried so far, cannot get the Intel interface to load in English..

Yes - the copy of XP was a Panthip bought version....

any ideas??

Normally you can use an Corporate Version, even an Copy with the CD-Key provided by Fujitsu. I had simalr with an NEC Computer (from Japan) and used an corporate version with the NEC Key and it was working well.

Cheers.

Normally you can use an Corporate Version, even an Copy with the CD-Key provided by Fujitsu. I had simalr with an NEC Computer (from Japan) and used an corporate version with the NEC Key and it was working well.

Cheers.

Thanks Reimar - so if I use a corporate version, with the original serial on the bottom of the Fujitsu - this will work do you think?

If so - clean install again or is there anyway to keep current files and 'upgrade' to the corporate version with the original license serial#?

Normally you can use an Corporate Version, even an Copy with the CD-Key provided by Fujitsu. I had simalr with an NEC Computer (from Japan) and used an corporate version with the NEC Key and it was working well.

Cheers.

Thanks Reimar - so if I use a corporate version, with the original serial on the bottom of the Fujitsu - this will work do you think?

If so - clean install again or is there anyway to keep current files and 'upgrade' to the corporate version with the original license serial#?

You can try the following way (but I'm not sure it will works):

1.: boot from XP-CD;

2.: ignore the first screen which offers Repair;

3.: after the EULA screen an other Repair option maybe there, use that one by hitting "R"

If the second Repair did not come, you need to do a clean install! If it come, it will re-install XP by keeping the original Drivers and Data files and programs as well.

Hope you've luck.

Cheers.

EDIT: forget to mention that upgrades have to done again.

Reimar - many thanks for the advice.

I'll back up the drive and give it a go....

If you are using one the XP discs available in Thailand, don't neglect to go into Regional and Language settings whilst installing, in order to select the correct language, especially the Non - Unicode settings under Advanced.