Where's that thread about MS having the right to mess up your PC?

I remember reading a long time ago about a thread about MS having the right to send a virus to your computer or something if you have illegal versions of their software. Where is it? Thanks.

it depends, are you running an illegal copy of an MS product?

No, I just wanted to show it to my friend, who didn't believe me that it was true.

Well, Microsoft will not send you a virus, but they can do one of the following:

- Lock out your copy of any MS product that has been installed illegally

- Send out the SPA (Software Piracy Agency) to your door step with Warrant in hand to view your pc and any information stored on it

-Press charges with a very good chance of winning. Typically they can charge a maximum of $250,000 per incident, but they usually (assuming you are an individual) make an example of you and ask for a portion of that amount if found guilty.

I know there are a few others yet I can't find them at the moment. A company I used to work for was fined for 18 Million dollars because of Illegal software they were running instead of purchasing licensed copies.

Getting caught is no picnic.

I thought that they could mess up your PC by sending a virus or something. Wasn't that in the original thread?

That is one power Microsoft does not have. That would go to far even as illegal as it is to steal software in the first place.

Typically, if it's the average joe, the you either get a big fine that is garnished from your wages or you have jail time and still the possibility of a fine.

While I have not personally been mixed up in that drama, a good friend of mine was and it was not a pretty site.

So, where is the exact thread? I believe there was a news quote in the thread, and I thought it said something similar to a virus or something in the news quote.

Highlander67 said:

While I have not personally been mixed up in that drama, a good friend of mine was and it was not a pretty site.

Click to expand...

What did he get caught with? Was he just using pirated software or selling it or what?