Software pirates' increasing skill at creating counterfeit versions of Windows XP has prompted Microsoft to introduce a pilot program that offers to verify whether consumers' software is legitimate and replace fake versions with authentic goods.

The pilot program was launched Wednesday in the U.K. and is aimed at tracking down counterfeit versions of Windows XP that come preinstalled on new PCs sold by systems integrators. Microsoft is hoping to glean information on counterfeiters and their techniques for creating what company representatives have characterized as "high-quality" fakes of Windows XP.

Not only has the piracy rate increased in recent years but the "level of sophistication is unprecedented," says Alex Hilton, license compliance manager at Microsoft U.K.

Consumers who suspect that their software may not be legitimate can send it in for analysis. If Microsoft finds the software is counterfeit, it is offering to replace it for free, with certain terms and conditions, such as a proof of purchase.

Full Report: PC World