Microsoft Legal Notice

demonofaj · Post by **demonofaj** » Mon Apr 03, 2006 3:55 pm

In the mail, me and my mom got this weird letter, from Microsoft and about 'legal notice'. Something about it needing what products I own. I think the summary was that Microsoft was sued for 'overcharging' people, and now they need our records or some crap like that...I got scared like "OMG, AM I BEING SUED OR SOMETHING"...but I read on...anyone else get this letter, note it said for all NY (state) residents

sniper_spike · Post by **sniper_spike** » Mon Apr 03, 2006 4:00 pm

Post by **SpongeBuell** » Mon Apr 03, 2006 4:06 pm

There was something similar in Minnesota once... if it's anything similar, which wouldn't surprise me, it's real

demonofaj · Post by **demonofaj** » Mon Apr 03, 2006 4:06 pm

Uh...it said Important Legal Notice to Owners of Microsoft Softare /quote.

Nevertheless, it says that if I don't play in, I have to give up my rights to my Microsoft Software, but I got it free from Dell, WTF?!!!!!!!?!?!?!?!?!?

What do I do? I'm confused as hell, damn Microsoft and your corporate, big-word ways!!!! Geez, I want Linux now, I'm sick of this crap....

teraflop122 · Post by **teraflop122** » Mon Apr 03, 2006 4:08 pm

I agree with sniper_spike, this stinks heavily of phish. You'd do best by deleting the email and forgetting you ever got it. What specifically does it ask for? Be as detailed as possible.

Kurt_ · Post by **Kurt_** » Mon Apr 03, 2006 4:09 pm

If you're that concerned about its genuine-ness (yeah i know shush) then wait for a second notice. It's not like they'll give you one warning and that's it.

Try typing a line or 2 into google and see if any scam things pop up.

blackbox_dev · Post by **blackbox_dev** » Mon Apr 03, 2006 4:09 pm

He said it was a real mail, not email.

Post by **SpongeBuell** » Mon Apr 03, 2006 4:10 pm

if it says that you'd lose your rights otherwise, then I'm pretty sure it's a trap. You paid for the software through Dell when you bought the computer, they can't take away the rights to using the software for reasons like that.

What does it tell you to do with the information, anyway? Address?

demonofaj · Post by **demonofaj** » Mon Apr 03, 2006 4:15 pm

It says to list my products....here is a transcript...kinda.

The settlement will provide vouchers that people..........................The potential value of the settlement, if all eligible Class Members made a claim is estimated to be approximately 350 million. The settlement applies to consumors that acquired Windows, Dos, Word, or Excel from 1994-Jan.1, 2005.

The Settlement will resolve private lawsuits about wheter New York antitrust and unfair competition laws.

A lawsuit filed in NY claims that MIcroSoft violated NY's antitrust and consumer fraud laws and thereby overcharged consumers for certain of its operating systems..............as part of settlement, Micro. agreed to give vouchers....and OHHHH!

I think I get it, but you guys should help me decipher this crap, I'm scared, but basically I thing it's getting M$ out of being screwed with the law, and to get a voucher that as soon as I get it, will expire in 5 sec.

sniper_spike · Post by **sniper_spike** » Mon Apr 03, 2006 4:24 pm

If it's real, still don't reply. We want M$ to go down the drain. Up with freeware! Down (the drain) with commercial software!

demonofaj · Post by **demonofaj** » Mon Apr 03, 2006 4:27 pm

But it says if I don't reply I'll have to go rid of M$, and my dad isn't ready for that...seeing he finally mastered it...well basically...so I guess I just have to reply...but I want your guy's say on exactly WTF this thing is.........I'm confused....just confused

blackbox_dev · Post by **blackbox_dev** » Mon Apr 03, 2006 4:27 pm

Look in the Microsoft EULA and see if Microsoft has the right to do that. Then theres more of a chance its real. If not, this is definatley a fake.

Torvalds would never do such a thing to his people...

Harshboy · Post by **Harshboy** » Mon Apr 03, 2006 4:29 pm

yup...screw MS Office.....Openoffice is way better! And they can't do crap to any of your M$ Software, you own it.....do whatever you want with it

Even kill it

Don't do crap basicly. If they do anything i'll beat the hell out of them.
EDIT: OMG! Wait, it's on TV.......dude, it's real

sniper_spike · Post by **sniper_spike** » Mon Apr 03, 2006 4:30 pm

They can't take away your software if you rightfully own it.

Kurt_ · Post by **Kurt_** » Mon Apr 03, 2006 4:47 pm

From the Windows XP MCE EULA:

10. RESERVATION OF RIGHTS AND OWNERSHIP.
Microsoft reserves all rights not expressly granted to you
in this EULA. The Software is protected by copyright and
other intellectual property laws and treaties. Microsoft
or its suppliers own the title, copyright, and other
intellectual property rights in the Software. The Software
is licensed, not sold.