I recently had some serious computer problems. I won’t go into the details but I had to reload all my software. This, in itself, is a bit of a nightmare. First there is the downtime while the computer plays up and you try to find out the cause. Then you set up a new PC and have to go through the whole business of getting it working how you want.

But the worst aspect is activating your software. When I plugged in my key for Windows XP Pro I got some arcane message accusing me of criminal behaviour and suggesting I follow their detailed procedure if I wasn’t committing fraud and other high crimes and misdemeanours.
This entailed entering 48 numbers via the internet and then being told that it didn’t work and being given a phone number. A very pleasant voice recording, who refused to answer any of my questions, but at least did not take offence at any of my suggestions, told me to enter the same 48 numbers over the telephone. Naturally this had no effect either, so I was put on hold.

Eventually a real person, or so I assume, gave me some more numbers and told me that if I loaded the software again I would have to go through the same process.
But I wasn’t finished. I then tried to activate Visual Studio .NET. Naturally I had the same problem and went through the same process. But I got some coffee first. But this time it didn’t work and I was given a new product key.

However, in order for the new key to work I had to uninstall VS, and re-install it. It comes on 6 CDs. That was a pleasant way to waste an entire morning.

I have paid for this stuff. Why the hell won’t they let me use it? And when they ask why I am re-installing the software you have to tell them something or else they won’t give you the magic numbers. But it’s none of their damn business what I do with my PC.
I am all against piracy. But this is not the way to stop it – surely. There must be a better way.