I’m not sure how many of you downloaded and installed the leaked version of Windows Vista but Microsoft has some news for you. They are making some pretty big claims regarding the version of Vista that is floating around the P2P networks:
The copies available for download are not final code and users should avoid unauthorized copies which could be incomplete or tampered. This unauthorized download relies on the use of pre-RTM [release-to-manufacture] activation keys that will be blocked using Microsoft’s Software Protection Platform. Consequently, these downloads will be of limited value.
First off, who actually believes Microsoft that the “Bill Gates” version of Vista isn’t the real deal? I’m sure there are some versions that are obviously fake but several sites have confirmed the “Bill Gates” version to be the build that was released to manufacturing.
Second, it looks like Microsoft will be blocking all of the pre-release product keys so that no one will be able to activate Vista using the “cracked” method. That’s not that big of a deal because it was only a temporary solution. The “cracked” method activates Vista RTM by having it identify itself as a pre-release version of Vista, and then activating it using your pre-release product key that you received while testing. These product keys expire 5/31/2006 and was only found to be a quick-fix for those people who are anxious to get their hands on the new operating system.
Office 2007, on the other hand, has been leaked and no crack is even needed. Microsoft decided to leave the plain old volume activation system intact so you just enter in the supplied serial number and Office 2007 will be fully activated. Can’t get much easier than that!
News Source: InfoWorld [via Neowin Forums]
I was just thinking about something earlier.
Even if you pirate Vista, at some point you’ll have to buy a new computer. In which case most computers nowadays have XP (soon to be Vista) pre-installed. So unless you’re a hardcore computer user and you build your own (I recommend doing so) you’ll just end up buying it anyway
That’s true, but I think most people who pirate Windows will get the cheapest version of Windows with their PC and just pirate Vista Ultimate. I always find it funny when there are pirated copies of the cheapest versions online though.
Really people, is it that worth it to pirate Vista? It’s $110 on Newegg, things don’t get cheaper than that, and, come on, how many of you really need the Ultimate features. I am only getting Home Premium (if I ever get it). It suits my needs just fine.
I know free is better than a hundred dollars, and MS won’t miss the money if a few people pirate, but, let’s face it, it’s the right thing to do (and you won’t miss the money either).
Why would people even waste their time with P2P download Vista – god knows what spyware, hacks, codes and tampering has been done to anything off P2P.
Jeez. Yes, this is my second rant of the day.
Both of you are definitely right. Stick to the legal Windows and you won’t have to worry about any troubles for the next several years. Especially if you buy a retail copy since you can transfer it from one PC to another each time you upgrade. I mean if Vista is around for 5-years like XP was then that is less than $25 a year.
Well, there are three leaked versions of Vista RTM. The bill gates and WinBeta version are RTM while the other found on most P2P applications is indeed fake.
And why people keep calling the CD Key Trick a crack is stupid. It is called a “work-around” people, not a crack!
That being said there is a real crack out there already. And has been since pre RC2 and it is very easy to find. Hell even Microsoft’s live.com will let you know about it.
Besides you dont have to worry about getting spyware, virus, etc. You just need to check CRC, MD5, SHA-1 values to know you are getting the real deal since TAP users have already confirmed the info for us. People who state crap like that have no clue and are just trying to scare people.