Microsoft sues Comet over ‘fake’ Windows recovery disks

[Jazzy]

Windows-maker Microsoft alleges that Comet created and sold 94,000 counterfeit Windows XP and Vista recovery CDs.



The CDs, which allow users to reinstall software they have legitimately purchased with a computer, were sold by Comet so that users did not have to create their own, sources at the company said.



In a statement Microsoft conceded that “the alleged counterfeits were sold to customers who had purchased Windows-loaded PCs and laptops”. Prior to 2007, most manufacturers included recovery disks, but the practice ceased in 2008 as they encouraged purchasers to make their own. Comet sources say they believe they acted in the best interests of the consumer by producing bespoke recovery disks for each computer model.



David Finn, associate general counsel for Worldwide Anti-Piracy and Anti-Counterfeiting at Microsoft said that “Comet produced and sold thousands of counterfeit Windows CDs to unsuspecting customers in the United Kingdom. Comet’s actions were unfair to customers. We expect better from retailers of Microsoft products — and our customers deserve better, too.”



The suit alleges that Comet produced the counterfeits in a factory in Hampshire and then sold them to customers from its retail outlets across the UK.



Recovery disks allow users to restore their computers if there are problems with updates or new programmes, and have become increasingly important as people rely on information technology. At the time of the alleged offence, the problem was more severe as fewer people stored their files and media online.



Full article: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technolo...s-Comet-over-fake-Windows-recovery-disks.html



Hope no member here bought this fake recovery disk!