Some years ago I acquired (with a second-hand laptop) a bulk licence copy of XP Pro which I have installed on a number of computers over a period of time. No hitches — no warning that the licence was no longer valid — it seemed to have no time limit.
I have just downloaded a piece of software: SKWID-Radio which required Windows Media Player 10. As the version on my computer was 9, I thought I might as well upgrade to MP 11 as this is designed for XP with SP 2.
So I installed it and was required to “Validate” it. I was informed that my licence key was not a valid MS Licence Key and I should purchase a genuine copy for $200 plus.
As the program I had installed only required MS MP 10, I downloaded and installed that without any hassles.
No doubt I am not the first person who has been barred from installing a Windows accessory because of an “unvalid licence key.” Or perhaps MS have come up with a new gimmick to con people into paying for a new licence.
Any comments welcome.
