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[pestul]

New "Key" Mandatory in Windows For Updates

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;892130

Get ready to register with Microsoft if you want to update your Windows operating system. In a shift toward greater monitoring of personal computer systems and potentially less copying of software, Microsoft will require users to let the company place a software "key" on their systems if they want the free, regular system updates it provides.

Privacy advocates are concerned, but Microsoft said the system is anonymous and won't be used for anything other than verifying the operating systems' authenticity. Called "Windows Genuine Advantage," the system is designed to limit the spread of copied software, a widespread practice that has grated on co-founder Bill Gates since the earliest days of personal computing.

If you try to use a working pirated key.. you might get this..

Validation Failure: Invalid Product Key[0x80080222]
Why did it not validate?
The product key associated with your copy of Windows was never issued by Microsoft.

Personally, I question why it wasn't always like this in the first place.

 

[blahness]

If you try to use a working pirated key.. you might get this..

as well as your key being invaildated and windows being set back to a 45 day trial :lol :lol :lol

 

[goodcow]

as well as your key being invaildated and windows being set back to a 45 day trial :lol :lol :lol

QUE!?

Windows Update
To use this latest version of Windows Update, you will need to upgrade some of its components. This version provides you with the following enhancements to our service:


Express and custom installation: Choose only the most recent critical updates or pick and choose from all available updates.
Smarter downloads: If downloading is interrupted, the process will start up where it left off the next time you download that update.
Smaller downloads: Only the files your computer needs are downloaded, saving download time and connection-speed costs.
One version: Only the most recent updates are offered to you.
Less clutter: You can now hide updates you don't want to see.
Update news: A News from Microsoft section on the Windows Update home page displays tips and the latest information.

Details
Windows Genuine Advantage Validation Tool (KB892130)
443 KB , less than 1 minute
The Windows Genuine Advantage Validation Tool enables you to verify that your copy of Microsoft Windows is genuine. The tool validates your Windows installation by checking Windows Product Identification and Product Activation status. After you install this item, you may have to restart your computer. Once you have installed this item, it cannot be removed.

Total: 443 KB , less than 1 minute

cue...
IT'S A TRAP!!!!

 

[Teddman]

I never update Windows. They only make it worse.

 

[BoboBrazil]

Oh well I failed validation. It says I can still turn on Automatic Updates and they will install fine...

 

[fennec fox]

:lol :lol :lol :lol :lol

 

[Kon Tiki]

I never update Windows. They only make it worse.

I agree. Windows updates are only good after a format. There is no way I am applying a SP to a PC that hs been up for any length of time, you are only asking for trouble.

btw, OSes should be free.

 

[Tarazet]

There aren't any updates right now, FYI.. just little optional things.

 

[GSG Flash]

I never update Windows. They only make it worse.

Yep same for me. I actually went back to SP1 from SP2 because it slowed my computer performance by atleast 30% or 40%.

 

[Excelion]

there's a bypass available.

 

[Particle Physicist]

dont you have to validate windows anyway after 30 days?

anyway, this wont stop pirates. they always find a way.

 

[xsarien]

I agree. Windows updates are only good after a format. There is no way I am applying a SP to a PC that hs been up for any length of time, you are only asking for trouble.

btw, OSes should be free.

No one's stopping you from downloading Linux.

 

[blahness]

I never update Windows. They only make it worse.

then i wish you good luck when the next big internet worm hits

 

[God's Hand]

Windows Updates slow computers? LOL

Right. Been using Windows since 2.0. Not a single virus. Nothing has ever infected my computers. I don't even run anti-virus (I do run MS Antispyware). I must be smart or something. I definitely don't install little no-name apps.

 

[DarienA]

I never update Windows. They only make it worse.

This is anti-MS BS.

 

[Rorschach]

SP1 4 lyfe!

 

[aoi tsuki]

Honestly, i don't want Vista in the first place. XP is great, frankly, and Linux will take care of the rest (servers, living room PC). The only thing i was interested in was WinFS, which has been ripped from the first release of Vista. i'm sure when they release a new version of Photoshop i'll be singing a different tune, but at the moment, i've got no reason to upgrade.

 

[aparisi2274]

SP1 4 lyfe!

IAWTP!!!!

 

[Dead]

SP1 4 lyfe!

pretty much

 

[Kon Tiki]

No one's stopping you from downloading Linux.

Game developers are. I have a linux install on my other PC, I just use this for gaming and light browsing.

 

[pestul]

I've only ever had one problem with a windows update.. granted, it had a fairly critial effect on performance, but MS in the end corrected themselves with a patch anyway. For the most part, I usually gain performance and security from win updates.

 

[VALIS]

How do you go back to SP1? Can I use System Restore to go to the day before I installed SP2, or is it more complicated than that? A half hour of google and MS.com searching has given me nothing.

edit: Never mind, got impatient and just uninstalled SP2 via Add/Remove Programs. Hope that wasn't a mistake...

 

[HokieJoe]

The last time I did a clean install, I slipstreamed SP2. It's worked like a charm for me.

 

[DarienA]

It's been cracked already apparently... and really easily if this is true:

http://www.broadbandreports.com/shownews/65950

 

[pollo]

yea Ive been getting these new computers ready for the lab where I work and I got that Genuine Advantage crap this morning when running Windows Update. It wasn't there yesterday.

 

[Kon Tiki]

No link to the crack there? I have 'the crack' , works fine for me. I can post it, it is just a greasemonkey script.

 

[empanada]

The last time I did a clean install, I slipstreamed SP2. It's worked like a charm for me.

This is the best way to run SP2. Runs as smooth as SP1 here.

 

[Diablos]

 

[goodcow]

:lol :lol :lol :lol :lol :lol :lol :lol :lol :lol :lol

 

[Teddman]

This is anti-MS BS.

More snooping on my PC = worse to me, maybe you don't mind the implications of this update strategy.

Otherwise, I've never needed a Windows Update to safeguard my computer. I use a firewall and other safety precautions already.

 

[borghe]

lol.. x64 won't run their validator. WOOT!!

 

[xsarien]

More snooping on my PC = worse to me, maybe you don't mind the implications of this update strategy.

The "snooping" consists of Microsoft verifying that the CD key you entered was actually issued by them. It's no different than what game makers do.

 

[God's Hand]

This "strict" validation was "cracked" within an hour of release.

 

[Phoenix]

:lol, they just aren't even trying anymore....

 

[Phoenix]

The scary part is that these are the people we're supposed to "trust" with "Trusted Computing". Sorry, I think not. If you can't secure your own stuff, why the hell would I trust you to secure mine or lock down the hardware or require that I use special video hardware to be able to use HD video.