I installed most of my software myself and authenticated it right away, not waiting around for the 30-day period to expire. So I didn't see the authentication screen as might be presented to the person starting the program on day 31. As far as the pirated XP Pro, I don't remember now if I learned about the half-price offer when I hit the screen saying he didn't have a certified copy, or if I found it after poking around. I think I'd heard about discounted replacements and knew something like that existed.

SRS