Win2000Pro Disc?

My father-in-laws office recently upgraded their computers to Win-XP from Win2000Pro and he gave me one of the Win2000 Pro discs, however there was no CD key to go along with it. Would MS give me a key for this disc? No, I'm NOT interested in any key gen or cd crack programs!!! I'm already running Win2000 Pro and I was just curious if it was possible to get a cd key from MS, or should I just throw the thing away? The one he gave me has SP 2 included, but the one I got from Newegg has SP 4 already included, so I really have no need for this disc. But he gave it to me, and I sure wasn't going to turn it down, even if it is useless The only reason I ask is simply because it would be nice to have another copy of the OS IF I can get a legit key for it. If not, well then I'll have another cup coaster for my computer table!! Again, if anyone replies to this post, PLEASE do NOT point me in the direction of ANY key gen, or cd crack programs. You'll be wasting your time and mine!! Thanks!!!

 

Hi ya Halo! After I read your post I called my father-in-law and asked him about the sticker you mentioned and he said there wasn't any. So, I e-mailed MS and asked them the same question I asked and have not received a reply as of yet. It's sort of interesting to see how MS will answer my question. I figure there are only 3 answers they could give, 1. They'd send me a new key (highly unlikely) 2. They'd sell me a new key (most likely) or 3. I'll have a new coaster for my computer table!! I'll let you know when, or IF, they send a reply. BTW, they're using "Ultra 7" computers in his office. Or at least that's what's imprinted on the towers. I've never heard of that brand which leads me to believe that they were 'custom' made since there is only 11 of them.

 

They upgraded their 'puters several months ago and I just ran accross this disc today as I was cleaning up my 'puter table. I think they clean installed XP because the discs they have are the full version of XP Pro, not the upgrade. What srikes me funny is why do they need 11 copies of XP Pro? Wouldn't one copy suffice since they are all hooked together and they could share the same OS, right? Or at least I thought that's how it works. On second thought, I really shouldn't think so much...it gets me into too much trouble

 

They don't need 11 copies of the disc, but they do need 11 licenses.

 

That's what I thought...but they do have 11 discs!! I guess the person who does their 'maintence' felt they needed them so HE could, maybe, fill his pockets alittle more. That, of course, is just speculation on my part, but I have a feeling that I'm not too far from the truth. BTW, still no word from MS yet. According to their site, they said I would get an answer within 24 hours.

 

According to their site, they also say they produce quality software.

 

Well, belive it or not, I just received a reply from MS this morning. But even more surprizing is the fact that they are going to send me a legit cd key for this second copy of Win2000...FREE OF CHARGE!!! Sorry, I didn't mean to yell, but that really took me by surprize!! All I had to do was supply some info;
Full name
Phone #
Name of product
Part# (located on inner rim of cd)
Full version or Upgrade....and that's it!!
One things for sure, I can handle the price To be perfectly honest, I really thought I'd have to pay for a new key. Will miracles ever cease?

 

Jeez my heart goes out to Bill Gates, being a philanthropist is one thing but a Freelanthropist ???? This could now send M$ into bankruptcy.. Did I hear cheering from somewhere .. lol lol

 

Stubby,

You have PM!

Ooops, it looks like I may be too late...

.bh.

 

Zepper, check your PM. Yeah Toke, I know what you mean. I feel so bad about getting that key for free. What happens if Uncle Bill has a nervous breakdown, or something? How could I live with myself? (very easily, actually!) This could send Microsoft into a tail spin from which they may never recover. Oh well, I can live with that!!! Now, if that would happen, I am going to apply for an Admin spot on this forum simply because ANYONE that could bring MS down deserves to be moved to a higher ranking!! LOL!!!! Man, that would sound good..."Stubby, Major Geeks Admin!" Com'on Microsoft, fall...fall...fall!! If you'll excuse me, it's time for my Prozac

 

I think it's part of Micro$$oft's anti-piracy push.

Anyway, well done to you and to Micro$$oft.

 

Ah! Just one more little wrinkle in the continuing saga of the cd key! I just got an e-mail from MS saying that they cannot e-mail me the key, but rather I need to call them in the morning and I will receive the key then. What's the matter, do they think that someone might actually hack Outlook Express? Man, talk about having NO faith in your software products or your security measures for that software!! If they are that paranoid, then that should be a good indication that something isn't right!! Oh well, it doesn't matter anyway...I use 'Thunderbird!!!'