Microsoft is expanding their Windows Genuine Advantage program by offering users who unwittingly purchased a pirated copy of Windows the opportunity to get a legit version for free. The program, which gives Windows users who have validated their copy of Windows access to exclusive downloadable content, is now growing to catch and shutdown shifty resellers who sell computers with illegal versions of Windows installed.

Microsoft will now compensate customers in the United States that unknowingly purchased counterfeit versions of Windows XP with complimentary genuine Windows copies. There is one catch, however: customers must first file a report on the unscrupulous reseller. ... In order to receive a complimentary copy of Windows XP Professional, customers must first file a confidential piracy report, hand over the fraudulent media and provide Microsoft with a proof of purchase. Microsoft has put in place a control to make certain that applicants are filing legitimate claims.