The programme, known as the Windows XP Counterfeit Project, aims to allow Microsoft to "collate intelligence quickly and work with the authorities to act decisively against illegal traders". It follows the discovery of high quality pirated versions of the XP software, said Microsoft.
"Our goal is not to prosecute the individual; our goal is to get to the source," said Alex Hilton, Microsoft's licensing compliance manager, according to reports.
The programme specifically targets pre-installed versions of the software purchased before 1st November. It is limited to UK users aged over 18 and only five copies of the software per person can be swapped.
Users taking up the offer will have to send in the software, a completed witness statement, the original product documents and the sales receipt or supplier invoice.
The deal follows the September launch of another pilot validation scheme known as Windows Genuine Advantage, which asked visitors to the Microsoft Download Center (as opposed to the Windows Update site) to check that the Windows software installed on their machines is in fact a legitimate and licensed copy.
If it is, the user can access the downloads and updates available on the site. If not, the user still gains access to the material but first has to wade through some information about software piracy.
The Counterfeit Project will run until 31st December.