Foo - Free USB stick from M$

This is not SPAM fodder....this is for real (assuming they keep their word).

In an effort to educate people on software licenses, this is a gimick from Microsoft. You can go to the url below and fill out a very small survey (about 5 questions) to get a free USB stick (It doesn't say how big) which is preloaded with software licensing documents, and other stuff you can hopefully blow away.

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/mysterysolved/corp/default.mspx

Click the "Get Yours" link on the right hand side of the page.

It's probably a 128MB. Is there a way to make it such that you cannot delete files off of one of those? I am sure if there is then MS has done that.

It's probably a 128MB. Is there a way to make it such that you cannot delete files off of one of those? I am sure if there is then MS has done that.
There is...they could make it read only (internally so that you can't change it), but its worth a try just for fun. You can always toss it if its garbage.

I agree, it will probably be a 128Mb (if not smaller).

Does anyone know if the USB stick will work with an Apple?

Assuming it is anything close to a normal stick, and it would be too pricey for them to just give away otherwise, it will work just fine with a Mac.

I just did it. They say I'll get it in 6-8 weeks. Will advise.

I can't see it being read only.... that would defeat the purpose completely, mind you the docs might be on a WORM chip and then the rest of the stick is normal RAM... that would do it.

I just did it. They say I'll get it in 6-8 weeks. Will advise.
Yup...I had done it this morning right before I posted this. :D

Or it could install a rootkit when you first plug it in that gathers info about your software and OS and favorite websites. Didn't Sony just get in trouble over that?

I can't see it being read only.... that would defeat the purpose completely, mind you the docs might be on a WORM chip and then the rest of the stick is normal RAM... that would do it.
I was thinking it could be filled with the docs and just have the WRITE line on the EEPROM tied to appropriate signal (Vcc or Ground) to make it read only.

Thanks for the tip KT

What was the point of the little multiple choice quiz at the bottom? If we don't score high enough, will we not receive the jump drive?

All the answers were on the previous page :)

Ah *****, I probably got most of them wrong then. I didn't read any of that crap. And microsoft's verification email got sent to my yahoo bulk folder! Not even my "free viagra" and "meet hot women in your area" emails get sent to my BULK folder!

32mb

And that would be generous. Could be 8 or 16mb.

I signed up. Anything to speed up the computer is very welcome :)

I did it, USB drives are always handy even if its 32MB.
I will scratch out the microsoft and put in linux though..

a 128mb USB drive is far larger than the 32mb one I currently use.

That being said...I should be getting mine in 6-8 weeks. :)

If it's read only, oh well...just another bit of geek junk to throw in my closet.

So what were the answers???

I didn't even change the preselected answers they had set up. I got one. We'll see what's on it in 6- 8 weeks.

I plan to open mine at work. That way, if there's any worm or something, it'll go into the government computers. Once dumped, I'm hoping I can take it home and use it on my computer at home. :D

Koffee

:roflmao:
Could be worse - could just be 8mb - 16mb
although at least its better then a floppy for transferring files

we'll see if i was able to type coherently enough to recieve a drive

You forgot to capitalize and put a period

You forgot to capitalize and put a period
i'll guess i'll never get a drive..and die sad

i think my spelling is good though

i'll guess i'll never get a drive..and die sad

i think my spelling is good though
Yes your spelling is wonderful

I really need a jump drive that is plug and play. I've got one now, but it needs to install software to work, so it's kinda useless on the school computers. I've been using my mp3 player to transfer files, so even if the drive is only like 8mb, it should be fine for transfering school work.

That's the problem with anything pre win2k or xp. Generic USB storage devices for Windows 98 "might" be availalbe but are never installed by default. I doubt the situation is much better with Windows ME and would be suprirsed if 2k was in the same boat. I think XP is better

I betcha there's going to be no way we can use this at all, and it's designed to drop all kinds of crap on our computers. :( That's why I'll just open it on my work computer. :D

Koffee

yeah that page never said that this usb stick could be used to store stuff. it just said it had lots of valuable info.

This is not SPAM fodder....this is for real (assuming they keep their word).

In an effort to educate people on software licenses, this is a gimick from Microsoft. You can go to the url below and fill out a very small survey (about 5 questions) to get a free USB stick (It doesn't say how big) which is preloaded with software licensing documents, and other stuff you can hopefully blow away.

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/mysterysolved/corp/default.mspx

Click the "Get Yours" link on the right hand side of the page.

F*** M$... the offer requires a Passport login...

F*** M$... the offer requires a Passport login...
as opposed to slaughtering your first born child just to get access to Red Hat's Update network :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

as opposed to slaughtering your first born child just to get access to Red Hat's Update network :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

- one costs you $99 a year... the other is FOREVER!

:-)

F*** M$... the offer requires a Passport login...
if you pm me your address I will get you one.

Koffee I will use my government workstation too ;)

So theres got to ba a way to hack it if indeed it is read only right?

If there's a way, tell me! Or give me a rough idea, and I can ask my geek brother to take it from there. He's good at finding out how to get around stuff with computers and make things work that they previously said would not work.

Gooooooooooooo government workstation! Yippeeeeee! :D

Koffee

- one costs you $99 a year... the other is FOREVER!

:-)


WTF are you talking about? All you need is a FREE (last time I checked) hotmail address! :rolleyes:

WTF are you talking about? All you need is a FREE (last time I checked) hotmail address! :rolleyes:


yeah im confused as well. msn passports are about 0 dimes a dozen.

yeah im confused as well. msn passports are about 0 dimes a dozen.
You forget you are talking to somebody who hates Microsoft as much as an atheist hates christianity and any concept that appears to even be chrisitanity, as much as cats hate dogs, etc :p

They are capable of creating up their own problems just to convince themselves that manifestation of hatred is properly placed.

Passport = Hotmail. No need to pay up.

Oh, and I'm pretty sure these are just modified memorex USB drives...if so, then the write protect may just be a single mark with a copper pen away.

Copper Pen: A pen containing copper based ink, used in repairs of rear window defoggers in automobiles. Cheap, and effective for repairing PCB traces as well (use something as a mask to avoid shorting things out).

so...any updates?

I just put in for one as well

so...any updates?
None yet. It's not even been a week... be patient. :)

I received the following email from Microsoft on 05/06/2006:


The mystery of the missing USB drive
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

Thank you for your interest in the valuable Windows Desktop Licensing information pre-loaded on the USB drive. Unfortunately, we have reached the limit of this offer and are no longer accepting orders. Please download the Windows Desktop Licensing reference files directly.

I got the same crap. Anybody actually receive one?

No, I got an email stating they were out of drives....freaking teases.

Leave it to a company that charges from $200-thousands retail for an OS to get cheapskate on a bunch of $5-25 memory keys.

My god....the dot-com (never went up either...the management sold the company off right when it was recoevering from the bust) i worked for was at least cool enough to offered up 10,000 Timbuk2 messenger bags to shareholders, employees, and pretty much anyone who walked in the door.....$100 each since they were custom embroidered.

No, I got an email stating they were out of drives....freaking teases.

Leave it to a company that charges from $200-thousands retail for an OS to get cheapskate on a bunch of $5-25 memory keys.

My god....the dot-com (never went up either...the management sold the company off right when it was recoevering from the bust) i worked for was at least cool enough to offered up 10,000 Timbuk2 messenger bags to shareholders, employees, and pretty much anyone who walked in the door.....$100 each since they were custom embroidered.
Heh you just gotta know people in MS. I've gotten all types of free stuff. Heck i get about 1-5k worth of free stuff from MS every year

Except that's true for just about anything.

Except that's true for just about anything.
Yep. It's basically about who you know, and not what you do.

Ive done this thing about 4 months ago and didnt recieve my usb:(