So... advertising CD Key sites

[Nokiron]

https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us...official/9d99e568-1804-425c-ba0f-06b050f9db06 but OH NOES its not an official answer from a rep.....

This one is also helpful.

When buying Microsoft software as a digital download, we recommend that you avoid auction sites and peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing sites. At the moment there are a limited number of sites where you can legally purchase digital downloads of Microsoft software. One example is the online Microsoft Store, where you can buy a wide variety of genuine software and hardware directly from Microsoft (in select markets). Additionally, you can purchase a digital download of Windows at www.windows.com/shop.

With the exception of Product Key Cards distributed with Certificates of Authenticity (COA’s), Microsoft does not distribute products keys as standalone products. If you see a listing on an auction site, online classified ad, or other online page advertising product keys, it’s a good indication that these keys are likely stolen or counterfeit. Learn more.

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/howtotell/Software.aspx?tab=PackagedSoftwareTab

 

[lexluthermiester]

Because there is no guarantee provided by the seller that the keys are unique?

Sure they do. They have a guarantee that if something goes wrong they'll make it right or give you a refund.

You could have gotten, say 5 different MAK-keys sent to you and 5 other people got them and you have no way of knowing.

Sure we would, the keys wouldn't activate automatically if they've been used more than once.

When you actually do buy from a validated legitimate source and a Microsoft dealer then you are guaranteed to get one.

You're assuming they are not legitimate sellers. And you have no way of knowing they are not.

I'm not sure how you possibly can not see the issue with these sites considering the really bad history they've got?

What history is that?

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/howtotell/Software.aspx?tab=PackagedSoftwareTab

That only applies to physical media. That's not what is being sold.

 

[AlienIsGOD]

 

[XL-R8R]

The mods need to close this thread as its totally derailed and of no particular use to anyone taking part.. all its allowing is a divide to further grow between long-standing community members.


I would contribute something more "on-topic" to this thread; but there really is no need after the past 13+ pages and its just dragging things on for no reason.

 

[Nokiron]

Sure they do. They have a guarantee that if something goes wrong they'll make it right or give you a refund.

Sure we would, the keys wouldn't activate automatically if they've been used more than once.

You're assuming they are not legitimate sellers. And you have no way of knowing they are not.

What history is that?

That only applies to physical media. That's not what is being sold.

That guarantee does not mean anything if it's not a verified reseller. But hey, atleast they will give you another potentially stolen key.
That's absolutely not anything conclusive since you don't know the type of key. It's just baseless personal anecdotal evidence. MAK-keys as well as MDSN-keys can be activated 5, 10 or even more times.
I'm assuming because according to all the links from Microsoft and the history about these sites is that they are not legal keys.
The history I'm talking about I linked in my last message: https://pcmasterrace.org/keyresellers
Check the "Digital Download" in that link which I couldn't link directly too. https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/howtotell/Software.aspx?tab=PackagedSoftwareTab

Alright, you know where I stand on this. They only thing that worries me is that you absolutely do not see anything that could potentially be wrong with this. You are just swatting away the links and issues as if TPU could do nothing wrong.

 

[64K]

The mods need to close this thread as its totally derailed and of no particular use to anyone taking part.. all its allowing is a divide to further grow between long-standing community members.


I would contribute something more "on-topic" to this thread; but there really is no need after the past 13+ pages and its just dragging things on for no reason.

One of the head mods said they wanted to give the community the opportunity to say what they thought on the subject. imo the mods are pretty much damned if they do and damned if they don't close this thread. If they close it then some will say, "see they are trying to silence anyone speaking out about this issue" and point their fingers at the staff and accuse them of complicity in a cover-up.

This thread really has run its course though imo. Everything that could be said on the subject has been said dozens of times and every counter debate has been made over and over.

 

[Slizzo]

Because I have to read them each time I install them? And I haven't found a duplicate. Additionally, if you try to activate a key more than once in a given space of time or on different hardware, you're required to call the activation center, which hasn't happened once.

You realize that some VLKs can have multiple unique individual codes all tied to one specific license? And that it is illegal to resell those individual keys to others?

 

[Tatty_Two]

I am going to close this thread (for now), simply because even my patience after 14 pages, the last 5 or so slipping back and forth into toxicity has reached it's limit.

Just to be clear here though before I do, site wide content, News, Reviews and front page promo's are not the domain here for ANY of the Moderation team, there are far more gifted staff dealing with that than me at least, we have a very proactive owner and Administrator and an Editor in Chief that takes care of most of that stuff. I know they are fully aware of the feelings from some of the community, much of it mentioned here and I am sure they will make a decision that they feel is appropriate for this site.

The moderation staff knew no more than the community membership regarding this topic/trial and that knowledge, just like you, only commenced the first time they were published.

It may be relevant at some point to re-open this, possibly if and when things are clearer or there is new info to announce and debate, apart from that, thanks to most of you for your contribution and in many cases ..... passion!