Using a bootlegged copy of XP??

Kokopelli · Jul 13, 2004

Not that I anticipate this will be an issue with most of us on the boards... But if you do, you may want to read the article below. Thoughts? Comments? Share below.

Have a blessed day - K'pelli.

Source

Microsoft may be planning to leave pirates without updates
Posted by Dan Bell on 03 July 2004 - 17:24

I am sure you have heard of the Service Pack 2 update for Windows XP. One purpose of which is to add sorely needed security features to help protect us from the constant barrage of hackers. Recently, there have been stories around too, that give us the indication that Microsoft may also be thinking of only allowing this update to be applied to copies of the operating system that have keys that they can vaildate.

Right now, most of us are having our XP SP1 updated either automatically or by visiting the Windows update link V4. Even if you have a pirated copy of XP it is no problem, the service will keep you up to snuff. But, change that number 4 to a five in the link and you will be automagically transported to the preview site of Windows Update. If you are running a pirated version, shame on you, because you may be in for a surprise if you attempt an update there. A visitor at Neowin, SouL2kEEp let it slip that it checks your serial and if it doesn't like it it says: "We're sorry. Cannot validate the product key. The product key used to install Microsoft Windows may not be valid. For more information as to why you received this message, and steps you can take to resolve this issue, please visit How to tell."

Much rejoice there were when Microsoft's Barry Goffe announced that everyone (including the so-called "thief's") would be able to install Windows XP Service Pack 2. A few days later, A Microsoft spoke person said otherwise and from then on, it was very clear that Microsoft was not going to let shady users have an easy ride - it was like a screeching noise to the ears of those without a legit copy.

SouL2kEEp has just reported that Windows Update 5 has also been taken down the same path as Service Pack 2 for Windows XP. Neowin has a screen shot of the message that claims an invalid Product ID is being used.

I certainly don't condone piracy and I sure as heck want at least my OS to be legitimate, but this isn't the way to go in my humble opnion. If we are ever going to be able to rely on our computers, a great many of which have XP on them, they have to be shored up against attack. There is no advantage to the security issue by leaving machines out there vulnerable. It is common knowledge that Microsoft has 50 billion dollars cash in the bank, so they could turn their head on this issue in honor of the great many paying customers and keep these hackers at bay across the board.

To me, if you say you are concerned about the security of your product - you best be ready to back it up. Don't use it as a marketing tool. We are sick of being bullied all the time.

rdale · Jul 13, 2004

Kokopelli said:
Thoughts? Comments? Share below.

Know what... I say good on them... read a couple stories along those lines last week at GoogleNews like :

IDC Study for BSA Finds 36% of Software In Use Worldwide Is Pirated
http://www.tekrati.com/T2/Analyst_Research/ResearchAnnouncementsDetails.asp?Newsid=3045

It really is hard to get your head around the losses that software companies are/have lost to pirating. I was able to beta test a couple different programs in the last few years, and that was\is an ongoing concern in conducting daily buisness. Hearing it from the developer's perspective, it made me "feel their pain". No one likes getting stolen from, from having CDs ripped from your car, to sofware companies just trying to get compensation for their efforts...

Ya, good on Microsoft, whatever (within reason) it takes...

Kokopelli · Jul 13, 2004

rdale04 said:
Know what... I say good on them... read a couple stories along those lines last week at GoogleNews like :

IDC Study for BSA Finds 36% of Software In Use Worldwide Is Pirated
http://www.tekrati.com/T2/Analyst_Research/ResearchAnnouncementsDetails.asp?Newsid=3045

It really is hard to get your head around the losses that software companies are/have lost to pirating. I was able to beta test a couple different programs in the last few years, and that was\is an ongoing concern in conducting daily buisness. Hearing it from the developer's perspective, it made me "feel their pain". No one likes getting stolen from, from having CDs ripped from your car, to sofware companies just trying to get compensation for their efforts...

Ya, good on Microsoft, whatever (within reason) it takes...

I agree, especially after communicating with devs from small companies. It is easier to place yourself in their shoes and develop a better understanding of how the piracy would affect your financial earnings. Not to mention, as an aspiring Bus. Management student, I am starting to view it from a larger picture and not just from self-centered perspective.

Sadly, this will probably be a temporary roadblock until the pirates figure out how to crack this. Not too long ago, XP was supposed to be the OS that was harder to crack. However, it appears companies are taking more aggressive steps to combat piracy. The game company, Codemasters, supposedly has a "fader" coded into their products that will gradually destroy the pirated product. Though I cannot confirm the validity of that, I do know their newer titles require a registration for upgrades and special bonuses, etc.

Athanasian Creed · Jul 13, 2004

Ya i say good on MS too but, as was said, hackers will eventually find a way around it like it seems they always do.

It's a catch-22 for MS, how to keep legit users of Windows safe from those who aren't legit. If they prevent pirates from being protected there will come a time when legit uses get bitten by users who are not because they aren't up to date with patches.

BTW, i've been beta testing SP-2 RC-2 and it's really good - i think XP users will be very pleased (as is a majority of beta testers - MS must be gettin' big heads from all the heady praise they are receiving )

Ray

pgp_protector · Jul 13, 2004

Anything added, or is it all bug fixes / patches ?

Kokopelli · Jul 13, 2004

pgp_protector said:
Anything added, or is it all bug fixes / patches ?

From what I heard from some one beta-testing it, the SP2 has an enhanced firewall for protection and MSoft incorporated a pop-up blocker in IE. Those were a few of the features that I remember off the top of my head. But overall, it looks like it'll be pretty nice.

Dracil · Jul 13, 2004

Was discussed on Slashdot I think in the past.

Security > money. 'nuff said.

Meanwhile, they'll find ways around it, like they always do.

Nate@Blazted · Jul 14, 2004

More power to em.

trunks2k · Jul 14, 2004

What makes that more interesting is that, according to some stuff I've watched, it's not illegal to copy a Windows CD. As long as there is no copy protection on the CD, it's not illegal to make copies. But what is illegal is using a product key that doesn't belong to you. Don't quote me on that though, my scources may be incorrect.

So Microsoft can only stop the updates by looking at the product key that the person entered. Product keys are changeable, if you just put a little bit of effort into it. All you need to do is find a product key for a valid wide license, like for a company or university. My school has a deal with MS that they offer free upgrades to windows 2000 and XP to the students. The product key that comes with it can be used for any 2000 or XP CD (even the full installs, not just the updates).

Not that I would ever get a copy of a windows XP full install from a friend and use my schools product key for it. *whistles innocently* LOOK! A MONGOOSE!

pgp_protector · Jul 14, 2004

Kokopelli said:
From what I heard from some one beta-testing it, the SP2 has an enhanced firewall for protection and MSoft incorporated a pop-up blocker in IE. Those were a few of the features that I remember off the top of my head. But overall, it looks like it'll be pretty nice.

IOW Not Needed

(Mozilla Built in Pop-up Blocker), And Hardware Firewall for my home & work systems, and Software firewall for controling outgong traffic already installed

Kokopelli · Jul 14, 2004

@trunks2k

My understanding, the EULA allows a consumer to burn a single copy of the product. But I doubt that includes burning it for your buddy and giving him your CD key.

I have used the site license keys for Microsoft products in the past. The only concern I would see with doing that, is M$0ft (couldn't resist ) may hold records of the license keys obtaining the updates. If they notice the same key is aquiring updates from around the world, they are likely to become suspicious. Though with the number of bootlegged copies of MSoft products installed, it has taken this long for them to do anything significant.

@pgp_protector

I have little use for any of the features as well. I use the Avant browser and my wife uses IE with the Google Toolbar. Have the usual firewall and anti-virus for protection, etc.

Any other features besides the integrated FW and pop-up blocker??

trunks2k · Jul 14, 2004

Kokopelli said:
@trunks2k

My understanding, the EULA allows a consumer to burn a single copy of the product. But I doubt that includes burning it for your buddy and giving him your CD key.

Well yeah, I know you can't give the CD key. The copying part isn't what's illegal. It's the distribution of the key.

I have used the site license keys for Microsoft products in the past. The only concern I would see with doing that, is M$0ft (couldn't resist ) may hold records of the license keys obtaining the updates. If they notice the same key is aquiring updates from around the world, they are likely to become suspicious.

They did that with an old key that was floating around. But when the license is for a Universtiy, updates for the key is expected to come from all over the palce.

Kokopelli · Jul 14, 2004

So if you want to get around this, you either enroll in a class at a college or befriend a student in an IT class and ask them leave the key lying about.

trunks2k · Jul 14, 2004

Kokopelli said:
So if you want to get around this, you either enroll in a class at a college or befriend a student in an IT class and ask them leave the key lying about.

Happens all the time. I don't do it though. The only non-student I've given the key to (some of my friends don't know where to get the key and the files to upgrade) is my mother for her computer. Which, can fall under as the computer belonging to me.

Athanasian Creed · Jul 14, 2004

pgp_protector said:
Anything added, or is it all bug fixes / patches ?

Generally, it's mostly bug fixes/patches geared mostly to the newbie Windows user - you know, the one who when you ask them about using a firewall/AV/doing Windows updates they look at you like you have two heads !! It installs a Windows Security Center that automatically turns the Windows firewall on and checks if AV installed and whether you have Windows updates notifier on.

I found it sped up my system - seems more responsive - start up is noticably quicker too. One other thing, the start up screen will now only say Windows XP, not stating whether it is the Home/Pro editions anymore.

Overall, i'd give it a 2-thumbs up - good job MS !!!

Ray

Athanasian Creed · Jul 14, 2004

trunks2k said:
What makes that more interesting is that, according to some stuff I've watched, it's not illegal to copy a Windows CD. As long as there is no copy protection on the CD, it's not illegal to make copies. But what is illegal is using a product key that doesn't belong to you. Don't quote me on that though, my scources may be incorrect.

It's always a good idea to make a BACKUP copy of whatever CD's you have - even if it's copy protected, there are ways around that for the legit user As long as you bought the software/game you have the right to make another copy as a BACKUP just in case the original is fubared. I think in the case of Windows, if your CD is unuseable you can obtain another copy from MS as long as you have a legit product ID code, at least that's what i read on the newsgroups.

And make sure you keep a record of the keys to install the programs - so many horror stories of people who have to do a reformat and are left with CD's of Windows/programs/games and no keys 'cos "their dog ate it/the wife pitched the box/CD jewel case, etc., etc.

Once bitten - twice shy !

Ray

cabbitgrrrl · Jul 14, 2004

Kokopelli said:
Not that I anticipate this will be an issue with most of us on the boards... But if you do, you may want to read the article below. Thoughts? Comments? Share below.

Have a blessed day - K'pelli.

Source

thats bull, microsoft tried to do that with SP1, pirates found a way around it.

besides to be honest I hate Windows XP, 2000 is much better

Kokopelli · Jul 14, 2004

cabbitgrrrl said:
thats bull, microsoft tried to do that with SP1, pirates found a way around it.

besides to be honest I hate Windows XP, 2000 is much better

Which is exactly why I later posted this:

Sadly, this will probably be a temporary roadblock until the pirates figure out how to crack this. Not too long ago, XP was supposed to be the OS that was harder to crack.

Dust and Ashes · Jul 14, 2004

What does this mean for users who run XP on 1000s of machines such as a school district and do yearly reinstalls? Is there some kind of site license coverage? I know if each machine had to have a different key used for the install, that would turn a routine site reinstall into a huge n i g h t m a r e.

Kokopelli · Jul 14, 2004

forgivensinner001 said:
What does this mean for users who run XP on 1000s of machines such as a school district and do yearly reinstalls? Is there some kind of site license coverage? I know if each machine had to have a different key used for the install, that would turn a routine site reinstall into a huge n i g h t m a r e.

The school, organization, college, etc likely has a site license purchased for the installation. I know with 2k and '03, you can select a "per seat" or "per site" license during the install. I am pretty sure XP is the same way.

Using a bootlegged copy of XP??

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