My repair job did not require me to remove and reload Windows. However, the traditional recovery process was not working, so I used my brother’s OS disc (same brand and model as my computer) to reinstall damaged or missing components. I did NOT have to reinstall Windows. Anyway, my Live One Care immediately failed validation, and the most recent Windows update has resulted in aggravating popups and sign-on delays saying I’m a victim of software piracy. Upon contacting Microsoft, they gave me a choice – complete a list of details and requirments to prove that my machine is the original that had its own Windows OS, or pay them 0 to validate the software. I feel like this is a kind of extortion. THEIR system failed, I fixed it using the resources at hand, and now they want me to pay them for the work I did. It’s insane. Has anyone else had this problem?