Is there any way to get the Windows 8 upgrade offer at 14.99?

If I don't have a qualifying PC?

Nope.but you can purchase 40 $ one

Upgrade to Windows 8 Pro for $39.99

and

Buy Windows - Microsoft Windows

Does Microsoft have any way of knowing when your PC was purchased?

Windows Upgrade Offer - Landing Page
select your location
enter your personal information
in windows purchase information enter date of purchase 12th june 2012, a common retailer any pc and model....
after getting the code you will be lead though win8 comp. check and afterwards you can buy in the app
before paying it asks to enter your code and thats it.

I got it for 14.99, didn't enter any computer details, just "other".

I have been trying for a couple of days now but keep being informed there is a problem. Contacted MS but they won't say. I have an Acer Iconia w500 on Windows 7. Anyone got any views.

Just save yourself the hassle, spend 2x as much (it's still only $40) and just buy what you are entitled to. Don't take advantage of the system.

^^^^^^^

$40 is still one hell of a deal for a new OS, just buy it now while you can and enjoy the discount. the $15 is for those that bought windows 7 machines just months before it got replaced with windows 8.

I agree with pparks.

Corporations will take advantage of you any way they can.

But I just can't bring myself to do the same.

Maybe that is why I am not a billionaire.