Microsoft Begins New Piracy Restrictions

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rh71

rh71

No Lifer
Aug 28, 2001
52,844
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link
(no longer optional... applies to all updates except security patches which is like before)
 
Analog

Analog

Lifer
Jan 7, 2002
12,755
3
0
REDMOND, Wash. - Microsoft Corp. has kicked off a new program aimed at severely curtailing the ways people using pirated copies of its Windows operating system can get software updates.
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When a computer user starts to download updates, the new program, called Windows Genuine Advantage, will scan the machine to see if it's running an authentic version of Windows.

If the program detects a counterfeit copy, it will offer two options:

_Customers who fill out a piracy report, provide proof of purchase and send in the counterfeit CDs will get a free copy of Windows Home Edition, which retails for $199, or Windows Professional, which sells for $299.

_Those who simply submit a piracy report ? giving details of when, where and from whom the operating system was purchased ? and send in the counterfeit copy will get either version of Windows at half price
 
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marvdmartian

Diamond Member
Apr 12, 2002
5,444
27
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And what do they get when Windows new hum-diddy piracy detecting program gets it wrong, and accuses someone of piracy when they're running a legit copy? Most likely 5 hours of frustration on the phone with some customer service rep in India that speaks just enough english to really confuse the issue! :roll: :laugh:
 
S

Stinkfinger

Senior member
Apr 12, 2005
230
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Originally posted by: yellowfiero
_Customers who fill out a piracy report, provide proof of purchase and send in the counterfeit CDs will get a free copy of Windows Home Edition, which retails for $199, or Windows Professional, which sells for $299.
Click to expand...

Sounds like this Genuine Advantage software can't tell for sure if you're running a legit copy.
 
PingSpike

PingSpike

Lifer
Feb 25, 2004
21,758
603
126
Originally posted by: Stinkfinger
Originally posted by: yellowfiero
_Customers who fill out a piracy report, provide proof of purchase and send in the counterfeit CDs will get a free copy of Windows Home Edition, which retails for $199, or Windows Professional, which sells for $299.
Click to expand...

Sounds like this Genuine Advantage software can't tell for sure if you're running a legit copy.
Click to expand...

Sounds like a genuine PITA to me.
 
B

bernse

Diamond Member
Aug 29, 2000
3,229
0
0
A receipt for your pirated version of windows?

I see a new market coming up where people pay $5 for a pirated version of windows, get a receipt from some numbered company (IE: Made up) and people send it in for a genuine one.
 
spherrod

spherrod

Diamond Member
Mar 21, 2003
3,897
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www.steveherrod.com
Originally posted by: marvdmartian
And what do they get when Windows new hum-diddy piracy detecting program gets it wrong, and accuses someone of piracy when they're running a legit copy? Most likely 5 hours of frustration on the phone with some customer service rep in India that speaks just enough english to really confuse the issue! :roll: :laugh:
Click to expand...

Considering how much Microsoft will want to make this system work well I can't see that being the case - any activation queries I've had have always been answered and resolved by someone who speaks good English in a few minutes so I would imagine this would be same.
 
C

CrackaLackaZe

Senior member
Jun 29, 2002
922
0
76
Originally posted by: Stinkfinger
Originally posted by: yellowfiero
_Customers who fill out a piracy report, provide proof of purchase and send in the counterfeit CDs will get a free copy of Windows Home Edition, which retails for $199, or Windows Professional, which sells for $299.
Click to expand...

Sounds like this Genuine Advantage software can't tell for sure if you're running a legit copy.
Click to expand...

They just want to know where the pirated copies are being distributed from.
 
S

Siva

Diamond Member
Mar 8, 2001
5,472
0
71
This should be in hot deals... Half off and all you have to say is "Thailand" :p
 
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Juice Box

Diamond Member
Nov 7, 2003
9,615
1
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How will this stop people from just downloading the updates as *.exes and distributing them through their personal sites (like the SP2 release)?
 
rh71

rh71

No Lifer
Aug 28, 2001
52,844
1,049
126
Originally posted by: Juice Box
How will this stop people from just downloading the updates as *.exes and distributing them through their personal sites (like the SP2 release)?
Click to expand...
it's only a deterrent and as mentioned, aimed not at busting you, but getting you to name the distributor as I'm sure some will rat out the supplier for a free copy of legit Windows.
 
K

Kenazo

Lifer
Sep 15, 2000
10,429
1
81
uh oh. In my more "rebelious" days I think I might have helped a few (5 or 6) friends install a not so legit version of winxp. I don't want to go to federal pound me in the ass prison!


EDIT: It's been years since I've done this. I have been running legit windows for about 2 years now and all the computers I've sold have legit windows.
 
J

Juice Box

Diamond Member
Nov 7, 2003
9,615
1
0
Originally posted by: rh71
Originally posted by: Juice Box
How will this stop people from just downloading the updates as *.exes and distributing them through their personal sites (like the SP2 release)?
Click to expand...
it's only a deterrent and as mentioned, aimed not at busting you, but getting you to name the distributor as I'm sure some will rat out the supplier for a free copy of legit Windows.
Click to expand...

well im saying for those that DL windows ISOs online....they have no reason to turn themselves in...what are you going to do..report the website? Im saying people are likely to come out with 3rd party updates that are in exe form for those that dont want to ever validate
 
n7

n7

Elite Member
Jan 4, 2004
21,281
4
81
Ahhhh shiat.

I figured this day would soon happen.

Bah!
 
M

marvdmartian

Diamond Member
Apr 12, 2002
5,444
27
91
spherrod, you didn't have my nightmare one evening, when a perfectly legit coa (purchased last year, before the new ridiculous ban) wouldn't activate. Got on the phone with our friends at microsoft india, and asked them a simple question.....why won't this brand new, never before used, coa not activate?? Should be a fairly simple question to answer, no?

They didn't have an answer. Shoot, they didn't have a clue! When I'd press the issue, and tell them that I need an answer why a legit, LEGAL coa for windows xp home will not activate, they'd mumble something, then put me on hold......which, about 30 seconds later, would mysteriously disconnect me! :shocked:

I wasn't being an ass, I sure wasn't raising my voice or being an obnoxious american, I just wanted an answer to my question, and felt that windows activation tech support people should be able to actually ANSWER a question concerning windows activation problems. I got hung up on 5 or 6 times before I finally gave up on it that night, due to incredible frustration. :|

I can only imagine the frustration of someone with a legit copy of windows who's suddenly been informed that microsoft thinks they're running a pirated copy, and demands they discontinue doing so. It's just a matter of time, imho......
 
rh71

rh71

No Lifer
Aug 28, 2001
52,844
1,049
126
Originally posted by: marvdmartian
I can only imagine the frustration of someone with a legit copy of windows who's suddenly been informed that microsoft thinks they're running a pirated copy, and demands they discontinue doing so. It's just a matter of time, imho......
Click to expand...
read the article:
Will Poole, a senior vice president in Microsoft's Windows division, said more than 40 million customers took part in the pilot.
Click to expand...
40 million people went through it already and MS deemed it's a worthwhile move. Maybe they aren't having as many failures in validation as you are expecting.
 
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