In the UK, Microsoft has launched a fascinating new program under the Genuine Product Verification label. If you purchased a computer that was pre-loaded with a counterfeit copy of Windows, you can send them the CD and a statement showing where you purchased the computer. Here’s what happens next:
If your copy of the Windows XP Home or Professional Operating System is genuine we will return it to you along with the documentation you submitted. If your copy of the Windows XP Home or Professional Operating System is not genuine we will retain it along with the documentation you submitted. If we retain your submission, we will replace your software with a genuine copy of Microsoft Windows XP Home or Professional Edition (as appropriate).
The goal, of course, is to gather evidence against counterfeiters without punishing their victims, who no doubt bought the computer in the good faith belief that the software on it was legal. I wonder if a similar program will be available in the USA anytime soon?
Ed Bott 
i bought a windows xp pro and i try to doenload updates from windows and i cant valiadte can you tell me why the cd i got was 100.oo $ that is alot of money to me thanks cassandra
someone i know bought a laptop off ebay and paid 200 quid, we have just discovered it is counterfeit windows. no disc was sent with the purchase, where does that leave him as far as free replacement goes?