D-Bone
Dec 15th '06, 11:05 AM
Microsoft is fighting back against those attempting to distribute a cracked version of Windows Vista. It has issued an update that detects whether a copy is attempting to bypass the activation system by mixing files from the test and final versions, it said Thursday.
Such a version is currently available on DVD, Microsoft says. When the copy is detected, Microsoft will alert the user, and then give them 30 days to activate the software, or it will be placed in reduced functionality mode.
A Microsoft representative said the update will affect a select number of systems that are running this specific tampered version of the next-generation operating system, nicknamed 'Frankenbuild' by members of Microsoft's Windows Genuine Advantage team.
"Windows Vista will use the new Windows Update client to require only the "frankenbuild" systems to go through a genuine validation check. These systems will fail that check because we have blocked the release candidate keys for systems not authorized to use them," a member of the WGA posted to the team's web log Thursday.
Read More: http://www.betanews.com/article/Microsoft_Fights_Back_Against_Vista_Pirates/1166125242
Such a version is currently available on DVD, Microsoft says. When the copy is detected, Microsoft will alert the user, and then give them 30 days to activate the software, or it will be placed in reduced functionality mode.
A Microsoft representative said the update will affect a select number of systems that are running this specific tampered version of the next-generation operating system, nicknamed 'Frankenbuild' by members of Microsoft's Windows Genuine Advantage team.
"Windows Vista will use the new Windows Update client to require only the "frankenbuild" systems to go through a genuine validation check. These systems will fail that check because we have blocked the release candidate keys for systems not authorized to use them," a member of the WGA posted to the team's web log Thursday.
Read More: http://www.betanews.com/article/Microsoft_Fights_Back_Against_Vista_Pirates/1166125242