Microsoft Finally Admits No One Is Getting A Free USB Key
Last March, Microsoft made an offer of a free USB thumb drive full of Windows Desktop Licensing info. Clearly, the person at MS who thought of this promotion had never heard of the internet, because almost immediately, the offer was posted on at least 759 websites, including this one and Digg (4588 Diggs!). Microsoft should have known that leaving the offer open as long as it did would just result in thousands, if not millions of orders, and should have found a better means of holding the giveaway.
As is, I got this email Friday:
Thank you for your interest in the Mystery Solved Windows® licensing promotion. We’ve received your request for more information to help clarify Microsoft® Windows Desktop Licensing pre-loaded on the USB drive. Unfortunately, this Mystery Solved promotion was available in the U.S. only and while supplies last. Supply is depleted at this time, so we encourage you to please utilize the online alternative today. Simply download* the Windows Desktop Licensing reference files directly at:
www.microsoft.com/mysterysolved/corp
To help simplify Windows Desktop Licensing, keep these points in mind:
There are two legal ways to acquire a full Windows Desktop license: through your hardware vendor (OEM/System Builder) or Full Packaged Product. 
Volume licensing covers Windows Desktop operating system upgrades only. 
OEM operating system licenses live and die with each PC–they are not transferable.
Again, thank you for your interest in Mystery Solved and for helping us spread the word about proper Windows licensing.Sincerely,
Microsoft Corporation
*Internet connect time charges may apply. Offer available through June 30, 2006.© 2006 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. Microsoft and Windows are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.
Gawker bros. Valleywag and Consumerist have more. I can’t complain, since my handy thumb drive was both from Microsoft and free, courtesy of Search Champs.
This is just stupid. Lier
Comment by M$ sucks | May 31, 2006
lol did anyone actually expect microshaft to send any usb sticks out?
Comment by mike | June 2, 2006