<![CDATA[Security Sticker Defeats Product Key In Showdown Of Annoying Security Devices - Consumerist Comments]]> <![CDATA[Security Sticker Defeats Product Key In Showdown Of Annoying Security Devices - Consumerist Comments]]> <![CDATA[Security Sticker Defeats Product Key In Showdown Of Annoying Security Devices]]> Didn't we see this already?

ViperBorg

]]> <![CDATA[Security Sticker Defeats Product Key In Showdown Of Annoying Security Devices]]> @skilled1: I sense a lack of education... and too much narcisistic self-esteem in the previous post.

first: Who cares... what, your any better?

second: God forbid someone might BUY software, and this from some flavor of fanboy?

third: Your a Douche.

tamoko

]]> <![CDATA[Security Sticker Defeats Product Key In Showdown Of Annoying Security Devices]]> i sence alot of failure in this post.

first: OP owns a mac.
second: actual purchase of windows.
third: posting about the first and second.



skilled1

]]> <![CDATA[Security Sticker Defeats Product Key In Showdown Of Annoying Security Devices]]> @backbroken: Actually Microsoft is quite generous with new product keys. I've gotten them multiple times for the same (8-year-old!) copy of XP. Most recently, it was because I upgraded my motherboard and the piracy protection thingy insisted I was on a different computer, therefore the operating system must be pirated. I did have to escalate beyond the first level of tech support (who seemed completely baffled as to why this would happen) but I got a new key with minimal fuss.

I don't think they see a lot of software pirates bothering with trying to get a valid product key when there are so many alternatives available to the enterprising pirate.

@OP: Try to do an exchange with the store, but if they won't help you, call Microsoft Tech Support and explain the situation.

erica.blog

]]> <![CDATA[Security Sticker Defeats Product Key In Showdown Of Annoying Security Devices]]> @cde: Bingo!

@jpx72x: chuckle...

tamoko

]]> <![CDATA[Security Sticker Defeats Product Key In Showdown Of Annoying Security Devices]]> Return it as defective. Go for a chargeback if it isn't resolved to your satisfaction.

azntg

]]> <![CDATA[Security Sticker Defeats Product Key In Showdown Of Annoying Security Devices]]> You lost me at Windows.

spamtasticus

]]> <![CDATA[Security Sticker Defeats Product Key In Showdown Of Annoying Security Devices]]> or you can go to that torrent site with the little boat on it and type in xp key.

B1663R

]]> <![CDATA[Security Sticker Defeats Product Key In Showdown Of Annoying Security Devices]]> @wickedpixel: Except that getting a product code off of the Internet will not likely give you a valid product code, which is what he paid for.

Can I sell you a counterfeit Sharp LCD television when you ordered a Sharp Aquos from my store for the retail price of a "real" Sharp LCD?

DoubleEcho

]]> <![CDATA[Security Sticker Defeats Product Key In Showdown Of Annoying Security Devices]]> just google "Windows XP serialz" and find a new one. It's technically legal as long as you own a copy of the software.

wickedpixel

]]> <![CDATA[Security Sticker Defeats Product Key In Showdown Of Annoying Security Devices]]> You could try using this:
[www.bardecode.com]
Free full featured evaluation version available.

Fuzz

]]> <![CDATA[Security Sticker Defeats Product Key In Showdown Of Annoying Security Devices]]> @valarmorghulis:
Or even easier:
Bring it back to the store and tell them you disagree with the reverse engineering portion of the End User License Agreement and are returning the product for a full refund as per the "End User License Agreement" presentation dialog.
In at least California, and in most states (I thought), they are required to honor such a request.
When the refund is secured, waltz over to the Windows XP aisle and buy another copy. If they give you a hassle, tell them you changed your mind once you realized that other copies of Windows XP don't require reverse engineering to figure out the License Key.

Optimus

]]> <![CDATA[Security Sticker Defeats Product Key In Showdown Of Annoying Security Devices]]> holy shit. that's effed up. isn't it pasted on the cd?

wring

]]> <![CDATA[Security Sticker Defeats Product Key In Showdown Of Annoying Security Devices]]> @VA_White: I second, third, and fourth this recommendation for Un-Du. The one place I know that reliably carries this is Wal-Mart (craft section with glues), though other craft/hobby stores should carry it. Possibly in hardware stores as well.

Un-Du!!!!!!!

ribex

]]> <![CDATA[Security Sticker Defeats Product Key In Showdown Of Annoying Security Devices]]> @Death: Actually, the ultimate douchy action would be calling someone a douche for calling you a douche for calling someone a douche, you douche.

jpx72x

]]> <![CDATA[Security Sticker Defeats Product Key In Showdown Of Annoying Security Devices]]> @coan_net: How is it vague? How much more descriptive do you have to be, when you have the picture right in your face?

Adhesive Security Bar obscures Windows XP Product Key. Product Key is required to install Windows XP (legally). Removing the adhesive bar tears off the label. Therefore, he cannot use the product he purchased. I fail to see where the vague part of this story.

DoubleEcho

]]> <![CDATA[Security Sticker Defeats Product Key In Showdown Of Annoying Security Devices]]> link coded wrong- [en.wikipedia.org]

ncboxer

]]> <![CDATA[Security Sticker Defeats Product Key In Showdown Of Annoying Security Devices]]> @BlackestRose: 2nd on the peanut butter. It's good at disolving most sticky residue.

If that doesn't work, try mineral oil. That's good at removing tar based adheasives.

urban_ninjya

]]> <![CDATA[Security Sticker Defeats Product Key In Showdown Of Annoying Security Devices]]> @cde: If the vertical bars were a smaller width and closer together, yes you probably could store 25 characters in that size of a barcode. However those in the picture are neither. Look at this picture of a Code 128 barcode (which the barcode in question looks close to)- [en.wikipedia.org] It takes that many vertical bars to encode 9 characters.

ncboxer

]]> <![CDATA[Security Sticker Defeats Product Key In Showdown Of Annoying Security Devices]]> @ncboxer: If a UPC a 3rd of the width can hold 12 characters, I'm sure that barcode can hold all 25 characters.

cde

]]> <![CDATA[Security Sticker Defeats Product Key In Showdown Of Annoying Security Devices]]> There is an adhesive removing product called Un-Du that removes stickers cleanly without leaving a residue. Scrapbookers use it all the time to fix their mistakes. It's a GODSEND for moms with kids who stick their stickers everywhere and it's perfect for getting pricetags off of stuff.

No, they did not pay me to say any of that. I am just a big fan of their product.
[www.leeproducts.com]

VA_White

]]> <![CDATA[Security Sticker Defeats Product Key In Showdown Of Annoying Security Devices]]> Like someone said before, that barcode is not long enough to have to entire product key in it. Most likely it is just the barcode for the SKU. I'd say less than 10 characters if it were a standard code 39 barcode.

Another comment said a typical scanner can read most 2d barcodes... the picture doesn't have a 2d barcode in it, and most scanners cannot read 2d. 2d does not have a wide implementation and use need a special type of scanner to read it- more of an image scanner. Here's an example of a 2d barcode- [en.wikipedia.org]

ncboxer

]]> <![CDATA[Security Sticker Defeats Product Key In Showdown Of Annoying Security Devices]]> @Buran: Why would they? Not like he's trying to return for money or a different product. Every electonics story say "Open cd's for same".

And the online retailer he bought it from is already exchanging it. See Scott Kidder:

cde

]]> <![CDATA[Security Sticker Defeats Product Key In Showdown Of Annoying Security Devices]]> @cde: The store will probably refuse. Hopefully he used AMEX which lets you "return" something even if a store refuses.

Buran

]]> <![CDATA[Security Sticker Defeats Product Key In Showdown Of Annoying Security Devices]]> It takes a few minutes, but I've never had any problem calling Microsoft to get a key. I re-image PCs all the time at work, we and frequently either do the same machine too often so that the key doesn't work, or stickers have come off. I've never even had to talk to a person, just an automated system. If he puts in as much of the key as is readable, makes up something for the rest, the activation will fail, and the next screen has a MS number, and a really long number to enter. The automated system then reads a key back to you. At least that's the way it has always worked for me. It's a pain, but probably less so than driving back to try to exchange it.

specialed5000

]]> <![CDATA[Security Sticker Defeats Product Key In Showdown Of Annoying Security Devices]]> I tried scanning the barcode off the picture, but it didn't work. And BTW, a typical scanner can read most 2-D barcodes.

ptkdude

]]> <![CDATA[Security Sticker Defeats Product Key In Showdown Of Annoying Security Devices]]> For those playing along at home: yes, I am receiving a new box from our vendor, and I will be returning this one. But that doesn't make this process any less frustrating.

Scott Kidder

]]> <![CDATA[Security Sticker Defeats Product Key In Showdown Of Annoying Security Devices]]> @Death: ummm... yes?

valarmorghulis

]]> <![CDATA[Security Sticker Defeats Product Key In Showdown Of Annoying Security Devices]]> @Death: The first comment can be taken as tongue in cheek, whereas the second is a direct attack on a commenter, so I'd say the second one.

B

]]> <![CDATA[Security Sticker Defeats Product Key In Showdown Of Annoying Security Devices]]> The story is very vague - but the solution is simple:

Return the item for exchange of another one. It is obviously not usable in it's current form and any store should see that and approve any exchange that is needed.

Calling Microsoft might help - they could always give you a working code over the phone, but exchange the item is what I would do.

coan_net

]]> <![CDATA[Security Sticker Defeats Product Key In Showdown Of Annoying Security Devices]]> fail

defectiveburger

]]> <![CDATA[Security Sticker Defeats Product Key In Showdown Of Annoying Security Devices]]> @jpx72x:

What's more "douchey," making an OS joke or calling someone a douche for making an OS joke?

Death

]]> <![CDATA[Security Sticker Defeats Product Key In Showdown Of Annoying Security Devices]]> This is one of the many reasons why I love Apple. Only one version of the Operating System and only 2 ways to buy it (individual or family pack). Either way, it's the exact same software and it doesn't need any pesky license keys. Working on the assumption that the vast majority of your customers aren't criminals and don't deserve to be treated like one is the way to go.

woot

]]> <![CDATA[Security Sticker Defeats Product Key In Showdown Of Annoying Security Devices]]> @stre: He returns the product (cd + key) as defective and they even exchange for same product.

cde

]]> <![CDATA[Security Sticker Defeats Product Key In Showdown Of Annoying Security Devices]]> Here's an old Mom's trick for cleaning gum out of hair. I think it should work on other sticky stuff. Peel up an end and work it with a tiny bit of peanut butter on a paper towel to loosen it.

You could also try a commercial product like Goof off, but it's a fairly toxic product.

BlackestRose

]]> <![CDATA[Security Sticker Defeats Product Key In Showdown Of Annoying Security Devices]]> Oh, and try your local library. Just ask them to scan it into notepad or something. Most barcode scanners are just hardware implementations of computer keyboards.

cde

]]> <![CDATA[Security Sticker Defeats Product Key In Showdown Of Annoying Security Devices]]> @cde: he's not trying to purchase it, he already has. he needs the product key to install the product.

stre

]]> <![CDATA[Security Sticker Defeats Product Key In Showdown Of Annoying Security Devices]]> @nytmare: Barcodes information is normally just ascii. The barcode is normally one of 6 standards/protocols. My cuecat can read UPC's ISBNs and come neoware product barcodes.

cde

]]> <![CDATA[Security Sticker Defeats Product Key In Showdown Of Annoying Security Devices]]> These security tags are on the XP packaging from the factory ( Specifically, on the envelope thing that's inside the XP retail box ) They're supposed to be parallel to the product key and about an inch or two above it; this is likely some screwup of some machine. If you cut the tag apart you might be able to see the product ID, but I'd just exchange it.

Draconianspark

]]> <![CDATA[Security Sticker Defeats Product Key In Showdown Of Annoying Security Devices]]> You know, you could try bringing it to a Wal-Mart or supermarket or anywhere else that has one of those bar code scanners for customers to use to check prices and try scanning your product key. In high school, I use to endlessly amuse myself by scanning my student ID with those and seeing my SSN pop up on the screen. (I was neither cool nor identity-theft-conscious in high school.)

sophistiKate

]]> <![CDATA[Security Sticker Defeats Product Key In Showdown Of Annoying Security Devices]]> I'm pretty sure that barcode's not the product key, it's not long enough to encode that many characters. Compare it to a UPC code on something.

TVGenius

]]> <![CDATA[Security Sticker Defeats Product Key In Showdown Of Annoying Security Devices]]> ok where is this person going to find a barcode scanner if he doesn't have access to the tools necessary to cut off the EAS tag?

Plus, he's already torn the label in the process of trying to remove the tag. The best option is to return the product to the store from which he purchased it, and open a new one right there to make sure the EAS tag doesn't obscure the key code.

They put the EAS tags into high-shrink products at the factory now, as part of the manufacturing and packaging process. Apparently whoever was doing it was having a bad day.

DeeJayQueue

]]> <![CDATA[Security Sticker Defeats Product Key In Showdown Of Annoying Security Devices]]> @disavow: not a bad idea, but i'd try that last. a lot of the time the metallic strip is imbedded in the adhesive layer.

valarmorghulis

]]> <![CDATA[Security Sticker Defeats Product Key In Showdown Of Annoying Security Devices]]> @Tank: Because they'd respond with "Thank you for contacting Microsoft. The Product Key page is included in the package for your Microsoft XP Operating System (tm). Please do not lose this key as it is needed to install the software. If you need additional assistance, please visit support.microsoft.com"

nytmare

]]> <![CDATA[Security Sticker Defeats Product Key In Showdown Of Annoying Security Devices]]> I'm guessing that this was purchased at a retail location (warehouses aren't know for applying RF security tags). I'd take it back as defective. Make ti clear that there is no way you can use the product in the condition they sold it to you in. Remember, you didn't buy the software, you bought *THAT CD KEY* to authorize you to use the software.

Baring that option, I'd go with the scanning of the barcode like cde suggested, but you may have to find out which barcode standard they are using first. Then I'd try MSFT support. Explain it to them, and ask what their suggestions are for this. Listen and evaluate which ones will work. You shouldn't have to send in the label with the current key on it in any case.

valarmorghulis

]]> <![CDATA[Security Sticker Defeats Product Key In Showdown Of Annoying Security Devices]]> Those security tags are usually layered (hard shell -> clear plastic -> metallic strips -> clear sticky plastic), so you might be able to cut off the top parts so that all that remains is that clear, sticky layer on the bottom. That should be thin enough to decipher the last five digitss of the product key.

disavow

]]> <![CDATA[Security Sticker Defeats Product Key In Showdown Of Annoying Security Devices]]> @cde: Where do you get a barcode reader that would understand and display a Microsoft product code?

nytmare

]]> <![CDATA[Security Sticker Defeats Product Key In Showdown Of Annoying Security Devices]]> Maybe you could email this pic to someone at Microsoft and they could provide a new one. So far, they still don't charge postage on emails.

Tank

]]> <![CDATA[Security Sticker Defeats Product Key In Showdown Of Annoying Security Devices]]> @backbroken: I would expect it would involve shipping the cd case out and receiveing a new one + some recompensation in the mail.

cde

]]> <![CDATA[Security Sticker Defeats Product Key In Showdown Of Annoying Security Devices]]> @cde: Here's a preview of that conversation with Microsoft:

Microsoft support: "How may I help you?"

Joe: "The security tag is concealing my product key. Can you help me get a valid key?

Microsoft support: "You are a lying pirating liar! Where do you live?"

Joe: "Um, nevermind."

But go ahead and give them a call anyway.

backbroken

]]> <![CDATA[Security Sticker Defeats Product Key In Showdown Of Annoying Security Devices]]> @sleze69: You're right. It's actually kind of beautiful when you think about it that way.

sophistiKate

]]> <![CDATA[Security Sticker Defeats Product Key In Showdown Of Annoying Security Devices]]> @B: Yup, but they're also putting security tags in the box now too.

chiieddy

]]> <![CDATA[Security Sticker Defeats Product Key In Showdown Of Annoying Security Devices]]> Don't they generally put the security key on the inside of the box? Otherwise I could go into a store, copy a key from a display box, then go home and use it to authorize my software.

B

]]> <![CDATA[Security Sticker Defeats Product Key In Showdown Of Annoying Security Devices]]> Scan the barcode, duh...

More obvious, return for exchange, or call Microsoft.

cde

]]> <![CDATA[Security Sticker Defeats Product Key In Showdown Of Annoying Security Devices]]> This is a great metaphor for Digital Rights Management.

sleze69

]]> <![CDATA[Security Sticker Defeats Product Key In Showdown Of Annoying Security Devices]]> @Smitherd: Proof that mac fanboys will be douchey at any hour of the day.

jpx72x

]]> <![CDATA[Security Sticker Defeats Product Key In Showdown Of Annoying Security Devices]]> Steam it off!

Beschizza

]]> <![CDATA[Security Sticker Defeats Product Key In Showdown Of Annoying Security Devices]]> Proof! The security guys only approve OS X!

Smitherd

]]>