Stolen Software and Licenses

I recently had a bag containing every CD and license of all software I use on
my computers including XP, VISTA, 3 versions of Office and Visio along with
various non-microsoft software. Is there anyway of finding out my activation
keys (the 25 digit code) so that should I need to re-build a machine I can do
so without having to buy all the software again?
--
Nigel Timothy Salm
Software Consultant and Developer
www.sleepygecko.co.za

Hi

Try www.belarc.com , free for personal use.

Aswell as detailing hardware specs it will list license keys for software.


"Nigel Timothy Salm" <> wrote in message
news9C17AF0-7799-43AF-9A57-...
>I recently had a bag containing every CD and license of all software I use
>on
> my computers including XP, VISTA, 3 versions of Office and Visio along
> with
> various non-microsoft software. Is there anyway of finding out my
> activation
> keys (the 25 digit code) so that should I need to re-build a machine I can
> do
> so without having to buy all the software again?
> --
> Nigel Timothy Salm
> Software Consultant and Developer
> www.sleepygecko.co.za
>

The activation key is known only to the purchaser of the software - and now
the thief. If you didn't record the keys somewhere safe, you are screwed. If
you try to install Vista on another computer, using the original key, you
will be denied activation. They key is already in use.

You did record the keys. So, now you make that phone call to activate. You
are golden - right? Unfortunately, no!

The next time the thief turns on his computer he will "likely" be informed
his system is not genuine. So, he makes the same phone call and his system
is now activated and valid.

The same day you turn on your computer. Guess what? You are "likely" no
longer genuine because the key is, again, used elsewhere. This sequence may
be repeated till you turn to dust. Your only joy is knowing that it is YOU
who are causing the thief so much grief.

Unless you obtain new keys for your major software, this round-robin "could"
go on forever.

--


Regards,

Richard Urban
Microsoft MVP Windows Shell/User
(For email, remove the obvious from my address)



"Nigel Timothy Salm" <> wrote in message
news9C17AF0-7799-43AF-9A57-...
>I recently had a bag containing every CD and license of all software I use
>on
> my computers including XP, VISTA, 3 versions of Office and Visio along
> with
> various non-microsoft software. Is there anyway of finding out my
> activation
> keys (the 25 digit code) so that should I need to re-build a machine I can
> do
> so without having to buy all the software again?
> --
> Nigel Timothy Salm
> Software Consultant and Developer
> www.sleepygecko.co.za
>

Teneo wrote:
> Hi
>
> Try www.belarc.com , free for personal use.
>
> Aswell as detailing hardware specs it will list license keys for software.


Thanks for this link --- a wonderful resource!

Thanks for the responses. Un fortunately I don't believe in piracy and i have
always bought genuine software so the offer to go visit a clandestine site
and download licenses does not appeal to me. What i really need to know is
how do I notify Microsoft that my software has been stolen? I assume they
know my product authorisation code due to the registration process and can
therefore block that code, issue me with new software disks (at a cost I
acknowledge) and new keys. Does anyone know how to contact Microsoft in a
meanigful manner to resolve this issue?
--
Nigel Timothy Salm
Software Consultant and Developer
www.sleepygecko.co.za



"Richard Urban" wrote:

> The activation key is known only to the purchaser of the software - and now
> the thief. If you didn't record the keys somewhere safe, you are screwed. If
> you try to install Vista on another computer, using the original key, you
> will be denied activation. They key is already in use.
>
> You did record the keys. So, now you make that phone call to activate. You
> are golden - right? Unfortunately, no!
>
> The next time the thief turns on his computer he will "likely" be informed
> his system is not genuine. So, he makes the same phone call and his system
> is now activated and valid.
>
> The same day you turn on your computer. Guess what? You are "likely" no
> longer genuine because the key is, again, used elsewhere. This sequence may
> be repeated till you turn to dust. Your only joy is knowing that it is YOU
> who are causing the thief so much grief.
>
> Unless you obtain new keys for your major software, this round-robin "could"
> go on forever.
>
> --
>
>
> Regards,
>
> Richard Urban
> Microsoft MVP Windows Shell/User
> (For email, remove the obvious from my address)
>
>
>
> "Nigel Timothy Salm" <> wrote in message
> news9C17AF0-7799-43AF-9A57-...
> >I recently had a bag containing every CD and license of all software I use
> >on
> > my computers including XP, VISTA, 3 versions of Office and Visio along
> > with
> > various non-microsoft software. Is there anyway of finding out my
> > activation
> > keys (the 25 digit code) so that should I need to re-build a machine I can
> > do
> > so without having to buy all the software again?
> > --
> > Nigel Timothy Salm
> > Software Consultant and Developer
> > www.sleepygecko.co.za
> >
>
>

AFAIK, there is not way to do this.
However if they are retail, you may be able to get replacements:
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=326246

--
Jupiter Jones [MVP]
http://www3.telus.net/dandemar
http://www.dts-l.org


"Nigel Timothy Salm" <> wrote in
message news:46215AC9-D785-4642-9354-...
> Thanks for the responses. Un fortunately I don't believe in piracy
> and i have
> always bought genuine software so the offer to go visit a
> clandestine site
> and download licenses does not appeal to me. What i really need to
> know is
> how do I notify Microsoft that my software has been stolen? I assume
> they
> know my product authorisation code due to the registration process
> and can
> therefore block that code, issue me with new software disks (at a
> cost I
> acknowledge) and new keys. Does anyone know how to contact Microsoft
> in a
> meanigful manner to resolve this issue?
> --
> Nigel Timothy Salm
> Software Consultant and Developer
> www.sleepygecko.co.za
>

"Nigel Timothy Salm" <> wrote in message
news:46215AC9-D785-4642-9354-...
> Thanks for the responses. Un fortunately I don't believe in piracy and i
> have
> always bought genuine software so the offer to go visit a clandestine site
> and download licenses does not appeal to me. What i really need to know is
> how do I notify Microsoft that my software has been stolen? I assume they
> know my product authorisation code due to the registration process and can
> therefore block that code, issue me with new software disks (at a cost I
> acknowledge) and new keys. Does anyone know how to contact Microsoft in a
> meanigful manner to resolve this issue?
> --
> Nigel Timothy Salm
> Software Consultant and Developer
> www.sleepygecko.co.za
>
>
>
> "Richard Urban" wrote:
>
>> The activation key is known only to the purchaser of the software - and
>> now
>> the thief. If you didn't record the keys somewhere safe, you are screwed.
>> If
>> you try to install Vista on another computer, using the original key, you
>> will be denied activation. They key is already in use.
>>
>> You did record the keys. So, now you make that phone call to activate.
>> You
>> are golden - right? Unfortunately, no!
>>
>> The next time the thief turns on his computer he will "likely" be
>> informed
>> his system is not genuine. So, he makes the same phone call and his
>> system
>> is now activated and valid.
>>
>> The same day you turn on your computer. Guess what? You are "likely" no
>> longer genuine because the key is, again, used elsewhere. This sequence
>> may
>> be repeated till you turn to dust. Your only joy is knowing that it is
>> YOU
>> who are causing the thief so much grief.
>>
>> Unless you obtain new keys for your major software, this round-robin
>> "could"
>> go on forever.
>>
>> --
>>
>>
>> Regards,
>>
>> Richard Urban
>> Microsoft MVP Windows Shell/User
>> (For email, remove the obvious from my address)
>>
>>
>>
>> "Nigel Timothy Salm" <> wrote in message
>> news9C17AF0-7799-43AF-9A57-...
>> >I recently had a bag containing every CD and license of all software I
>> >use
>> >on
>> > my computers including XP, VISTA, 3 versions of Office and Visio along
>> > with
>> > various non-microsoft software. Is there anyway of finding out my
>> > activation
>> > keys (the 25 digit code) so that should I need to re-build a machine I
>> > can
>> > do
>> > so without having to buy all the software again?
>> > --
>> > Nigel Timothy Salm
>> > Software Consultant and Developer
>> > www.sleepygecko.co.za
>> >
>>
>>
First, Richard didn't say or imply you should go to a clandestine site and
download licenses. He stated, you would need to obtain, meaning purchase
new licenses from Microsoft.

That said, if your product keys were not included with the software in the
bag that was stolen, it is the thief that would need to use a clandestine
site. If the keys were included then you are just about out of luck though
it may be covered under your homeowners insurance in which case, you might
be reimbursed for new licenses up to your deductible.

Assuming you have your keys or retrieved them with Belarc, you still need to
deal with the fact the thief may have your keys. As Richard stated, it's
your word against his and it could go around and around unless you move on.
Microsoft does have a program for replacing damaged disks but this is
different and thief may have your product keys. If that's the case, it
would seem your best bet is to file a police report and a file a claim with
your insurance company. Given that the keys would have to be used for
installation, the police, working with Microsoft might be able to ultimately
trace the thief but my sense is, this is not for his personal use, rather,
he intends to copy the software or sell it to someone who does that sort of
thing.

--
Michael Solomon
Backup is a PC user's best friend
DTS-L.Org: http://www.dts-l.org/

File an insurance claim and purchase new software.

--


Regards,

Richard Urban
Microsoft MVP Windows Shell/User
(For email, remove the obvious from my address)



"Nigel Timothy Salm" <> wrote in message
news:46215AC9-D785-4642-9354-...
> Thanks for the responses. Un fortunately I don't believe in piracy and i
> have
> always bought genuine software so the offer to go visit a clandestine site
> and download licenses does not appeal to me. What i really need to know is
> how do I notify Microsoft that my software has been stolen? I assume they
> know my product authorisation code due to the registration process and can
> therefore block that code, issue me with new software disks (at a cost I
> acknowledge) and new keys. Does anyone know how to contact Microsoft in a
> meanigful manner to resolve this issue?
> --
> Nigel Timothy Salm
> Software Consultant and Developer
> www.sleepygecko.co.za
>
>
>
> "Richard Urban" wrote:
>
>> The activation key is known only to the purchaser of the software - and
>> now
>> the thief. If you didn't record the keys somewhere safe, you are screwed.
>> If
>> you try to install Vista on another computer, using the original key, you
>> will be denied activation. They key is already in use.
>>
>> You did record the keys. So, now you make that phone call to activate.
>> You
>> are golden - right? Unfortunately, no!
>>
>> The next time the thief turns on his computer he will "likely" be
>> informed
>> his system is not genuine. So, he makes the same phone call and his
>> system
>> is now activated and valid.
>>
>> The same day you turn on your computer. Guess what? You are "likely" no
>> longer genuine because the key is, again, used elsewhere. This sequence
>> may
>> be repeated till you turn to dust. Your only joy is knowing that it is
>> YOU
>> who are causing the thief so much grief.
>>
>> Unless you obtain new keys for your major software, this round-robin
>> "could"
>> go on forever.
>>
>> --
>>
>>
>> Regards,
>>
>> Richard Urban
>> Microsoft MVP Windows Shell/User
>> (For email, remove the obvious from my address)
>>
>>
>>
>> "Nigel Timothy Salm" <> wrote in message
>> news9C17AF0-7799-43AF-9A57-...
>> >I recently had a bag containing every CD and license of all software I
>> >use
>> >on
>> > my computers including XP, VISTA, 3 versions of Office and Visio along
>> > with
>> > various non-microsoft software. Is there anyway of finding out my
>> > activation
>> > keys (the 25 digit code) so that should I need to re-build a machine I
>> > can
>> > do
>> > so without having to buy all the software again?
>> > --
>> > Nigel Timothy Salm
>> > Software Consultant and Developer
>> > www.sleepygecko.co.za
>> >
>>
>>

my pleasure

OP hasn't commeted... ;-)


"Ike" <> wrote in message
news:f738e2$k42$...
> Teneo wrote:
>> Hi
>>
>> Try www.belarc.com , free for personal use. pleas
>>
>> Aswell as detailing hardware specs it will list license keys for
>> software.
>
>
> Thanks for this link --- a wonderful resource!

HI Everyone

Thanks for your responses. The insurance route is certainly feasible though
the software and licenses were stolen from my guesthouse not my home so I
will have to investigate my insurance rights. However the question I have
that still seems unresolved is that I registered all of my products with
Microsoft so there must surely be some way that I can contact MS and get keys
re-issued or new keys issued and the old keys disabled. I don't mind if I
have to pay a nominal fee for replacing the software CD's. We have logged a
report with the police however I live in South Africa and am quite sure that
our police force is less than capable of doing something as innovative as
working in collaboration with any other agency. I think I shall phone MS
myself and see what they say. Some of the sofwtare was recently purchase
including my Vists Ultimate and Office 2007 and it may be possible they can
help me with those licenses :-)

Any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

While I am on the subject of Vista here is a little tip that I discovered
the other day. I have a Dual - Dual Core 64bit Intel machine with enhanced
graphics and sound cards and for weeks now I have lived with a look and feel
that was kind of underwhelming and I had a problem that whenever a played a
CD my machine died and went straight to a blue screen. I was on the brink of
taking the machine back to the manufacturer until I stumbled across the
Performance Tuning facility in the control panel. My machine had a
performance rating of 1 (very low LOL) so I ran an update and my machine was
re-evaluated with a rating of 5.5. Suddenly Vista licked in with awesome
graphics, translucent skins and all the other bells and whistles. And the
CD's play just fine. Obviously Vista was treating my devices as low spec poor
performing devices and sending them suitably dumb instructions which of
coiurse caused my devices to malfunction. With the re-evaluation Vista
started treating them with more respect and now everything is purring along
beautifully.
--
Nigel Timothy Salm
Software Consultant and Developer
www.sleepygecko.co.za



"Richard Urban" wrote:

> File an insurance claim and purchase new software.
>
> --
>
>
> Regards,
>
> Richard Urban
> Microsoft MVP Windows Shell/User
> (For email, remove the obvious from my address)
>
>
>
> "Nigel Timothy Salm" <> wrote in message
> news:46215AC9-D785-4642-9354-...
> > Thanks for the responses. Un fortunately I don't believe in piracy and i
> > have
> > always bought genuine software so the offer to go visit a clandestine site
> > and download licenses does not appeal to me. What i really need to know is
> > how do I notify Microsoft that my software has been stolen? I assume they
> > know my product authorisation code due to the registration process and can
> > therefore block that code, issue me with new software disks (at a cost I
> > acknowledge) and new keys. Does anyone know how to contact Microsoft in a
> > meanigful manner to resolve this issue?
> > --
> > Nigel Timothy Salm
> > Software Consultant and Developer
> > www.sleepygecko.co.za
> >
> >
> >
> > "Richard Urban" wrote:
> >
> >> The activation key is known only to the purchaser of the software - and
> >> now
> >> the thief. If you didn't record the keys somewhere safe, you are screwed.
> >> If
> >> you try to install Vista on another computer, using the original key, you
> >> will be denied activation. They key is already in use.
> >>
> >> You did record the keys. So, now you make that phone call to activate.
> >> You
> >> are golden - right? Unfortunately, no!
> >>
> >> The next time the thief turns on his computer he will "likely" be
> >> informed
> >> his system is not genuine. So, he makes the same phone call and his
> >> system
> >> is now activated and valid.
> >>
> >> The same day you turn on your computer. Guess what? You are "likely" no
> >> longer genuine because the key is, again, used elsewhere. This sequence
> >> may
> >> be repeated till you turn to dust. Your only joy is knowing that it is
> >> YOU
> >> who are causing the thief so much grief.
> >>
> >> Unless you obtain new keys for your major software, this round-robin
> >> "could"
> >> go on forever.
> >>
> >> --
> >>
> >>
> >> Regards,
> >>
> >> Richard Urban
> >> Microsoft MVP Windows Shell/User
> >> (For email, remove the obvious from my address)
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >> "Nigel Timothy Salm" <> wrote in message
> >> news9C17AF0-7799-43AF-9A57-...
> >> >I recently had a bag containing every CD and license of all software I
> >> >use
> >> >on
> >> > my computers including XP, VISTA, 3 versions of Office and Visio along
> >> > with
> >> > various non-microsoft software. Is there anyway of finding out my
> >> > activation
> >> > keys (the 25 digit code) so that should I need to re-build a machine I
> >> > can
> >> > do
> >> > so without having to buy all the software again?
> >> > --
> >> > Nigel Timothy Salm
> >> > Software Consultant and Developer
> >> > www.sleepygecko.co.za
> >> >
> >>
> >>
>
>