Comp tech stole my windows CD with product KEY!

Dani723

Dani723

Dani723

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Thanks for taking the time.

A techie repaired my pc, overcharged me and stole my windows CD with the product key in the sleeve, which I left out in the open. I'm aware of the stupidity of this action, in my defence, I was on a lot of medication at the time. This occurred about 4 months ago, and, largely because of the meds, I forgot to ask about it at the time, and am only now getting around to it.

So what could he do with the CD and the product key to affect me?

What measures should I now take to protect myself?

I've disabled the Windows Genuine Advantage notifications, so is there any reason to buy another copy?

Surely if he was going to do anything, he would've done it months ago. I did try some searches, but information on loosing or having either the key or the CD was all I could find, not information on both.

Thanks then!
 
There's nothing he can do that should worry you. The only thing you might notice is that if he has used your CD key himself it could hasten the need for you to go through Microsoft's telephone activation service if you come to reinstall at some point, but that's no real hardship.

Depending on where you bought your copy of Windows this might help you obtain replacement media. You can retrieve your CD key with something like Magical Jelly Bean Keyfinder or Belarc Adviser.
 
The only thing he can really "do" is install it on other PCs and cause you problems should you need to reactivate your copy.

If you have a copy of the actual key you might be able to report it to Microsoft. I'm pretty sure they can block known pirated keys so maybe they could help you out. To be honest though, I think it's unlikely though because a dispute over 1 copy might be too small-fry and you might have a hard time proving you purchased it. Same goes for reporting it to the police unfortunately.
 
OK, that's a relief. I'll look into those links. I guess I'll buy Windows again if required, and be more careful in future.

Thanks.
 
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Isn't the product key sticker the thing that proves that you own a legit copy of the OS? TBH, I'd be asking the techie for it back, 4 months or not.
 
Its possible hes just picked it up not thinking and its ended up in a pile of junk on his desk somewhere, as he cant remember where it came from.

Maybe just phone him and ask if he accidentily picked up your disc as you cant seem to find it.

I doubt most techies would risk the aggro of being accused of stealing for the sake of an xp disc and key.
 
The sad state of affairs is the police probably wouldn't be interested. I've had much more serious crimes considered "non-priority" unfortunately.
 
Dani723 said:
I've disabled the Windows Genuine Advantage notifications, so is there any reason to buy another copy?
Click to expand...

Are you getting any Genuine software prompts like this Link to picture?

If not he may not have used the product key. If he does then Microsoft should detect two machines using the same key if online, e.g. if automatic update is left on automatic. That's how I understand it, but mightn't be fully correct.

I'd contact the guy about getting it returned, or just ask if he picked it up if you don't want to accuse him. Using Magic Jelly Bean software you can quote the first and last group of 4 characters of the key if he has multiple COA's to check, and proves that it was your procession.

Still leave automatic update on, as you are the rightful owner.
 
Well I haven't had the balloon pop-up WGA notification, but very recently disabled the WGA program installation that was prompting me to install it upon every computer start-up.

I should have called to ask him, but as it's four months down the line, I seriously don't think calling him or the police will yield any results.

I've bm'd that magic jelly bean software in case I need a product key in the future. Do you think that I might as well run the software now and save the key to a word file? Is that safe?

Thanks then.
 
Dani723 said:
I've bm'd that magic jelly bean software in case I need a product key in the future. Do you think that I might as well run the software now and save the key to a word file? Is that safe?
Click to expand...
Run it now, print the key and keep it somewhere safe in case something goes kaput.
 
I'd write it down on some non-black insulation tape and stick that to the rear or underside of your PC case (not on paintwork). Also worth saving it as a text document and printing that out to file in a folder if you have any for receipts or computer documents.

I would have accepted the genuine advantage download as it unlocks additional downloads. Not sure what exactly, so wait for someone to confirm what is made available before doing it.
 
Tbh I find it hard to believe that any 'techy' would need to steal a Windows CD or License :| Even if he was some random guy you found in the local paper, its not hard to get Windows CDs or licenses :/


In any case, its not something to worry about as various people have explained already.
 
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