This is a variation on the old question “What about all those cheap copies of Windows on eBay?”
I bought two cheap copies of Windows 7 on eBay a couple of years ago. I installed both on homebuilt machines that I used mainly for testing add-on hardware. Both worked for about a year, then stopped. Now when I boot them I get messages that say “Your copy of Windows is counterfeit!!!” and “Microsoft has deactivated this license key” — contradictory things, but never mind that.
I’ve been trying to contact Microsoft about this on and off, but I always get lost in voice mail h***. Now I’m inclined to buy two copies of Windows 10 and start over.
So, two questions.
First, what’s with the nag messages that didn’t start for a year? Why would Microsoft let me use a counterfeit Windows for a year, then stop me? Alternatively, why would they deactivate a legitimate license key after it has been in use for a year?
Second, how can I avoid having this happen again? Lots of eBay sellers offer Windows 10 keys for $7 to $10, and I assume they are dodgy. Others claim to offer sealed OEM packages for $30 to $35; are those likely to be safe? (I’m talking about long-time sellers with many sales and high ratings.) Or must I go somewhere like Fry’s and pay $139.99?