I don't agree with piracy, but I utterly dispise hardware activation. I don't mind much of anything else, but I think it sucks to have to call Microsoft and beg permission to reinstall my OS after changing my hardware.

I basically agree with you, but isn't that a bit overly dramatic? I've had to call MS before after changing hardware, but there was no begging. They basically just ask if you've installed it on any other computer, and when you say no, you're all set. It's still more of a PITA than what I'd like, but it's not as bad as people make it out to be.

The whole "download the patch from another source" thing won't work when the patch itself is set to check for a validated OS. All they have to do is set the encrypted patch to validate your activation code with the MS site before it will install, and send the key to decrypt it at the same time from the MS site.

Will never happen. You're forgetting not everyone has internet, especially for something like Windows used all over the world, and thus MS can't force people to activate online, and most of the cracks make use of the activate through non-online means anyhow.

Anyway, get over the idea that "you can get around anything". That is because of the hardware we have now. Within ten years, you won't be able to buy hardware that will allow you to get around it. We are maybe 2 OS releases and 1 processor generation from DRM at the hardware level.

Ah yes, Intel's nail on their coffin. Unless AMD follows, *then* you have a point. Of course, there's a good chance that China's CPU by that time will actually be of comparable performance, then it's back to square one. Good luck forcing the country with one of the highest piracy rates to accept your idea of IP laws. Then again, it may be possible that it'll basically be a choice between the US's censorship model or China's censorship model, in which case, I'd still probably pick the US's.

This week there was a consortium on replacing the bios with a new format. Bank on that having DRM abilities. MS has even used the drive to HDTV to force DRM integration into monitors themselves. Play with your cracks and regkeys while you can.

Can you say imports? Until prices come down to levels reasonable for 3rd world countries, you can't really succeed at global hardware controls, unless you start mass banning hardware imports, which would probably have political and economic repercussions. Big as your economy is, it won't be easy becoming isolated from most of the Asian market.

That, or there's one repressive and efficient world government (can't have black markets and all that). Hmm, 1984 anyone?
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I recall they tried hardware copy protections many many years ago. You had to actually insert a physical key in your computer and all that for the software to run. Don't see that technology around anymore.

I don't agree with piracy, but I utterly dispise hardware activation. I don't mind much of anything else, but I think it sucks to have to call Microsoft and beg permission to reinstall my OS after changing my hardware. Mac sells a 5 machine license to home users for the standard price. There's no reason MS couldn't do that, too, and I hope someday they'll face Mac as real 'shrinkwrap vs. shrinkwrap' competition and be forced to consider the idea. If Mac ever sold a 5 machine license for the generic PC user, poppa Bill would lose a lot of business, I think. Now that Macs are being built on Intel architecture, we're one step closer to that. If I have three computers in the same room, I think it is heinous to have to pay $600 for three copies of the same program. It doesn't make piracy right, but it makes in enevitable, I think.

Agreed, I just looked at the price of 5 OS X licenses, and it's only $199, or about $40 per license. Quite reasonable. This is important with what I'm about to say next.

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People have commented how Windows Genuine Advantage is really Microsoft's Discount Program.

Get a pirated version, go ahead and validate, and boom, you get WinXP Pro for only $149 instead of $299.

It's the difference of half a month's salary for an entry-level administrative position here. Or a whole month's difference for a teacher. Definitely not to be ignored. Of course, still a hard sell compared to a $3.50 bootleg openly sold in the department stores here. And people in Western countries wonder why piracy is so high and even expected in Asia. Heck, it's actually easier to buy pirated software than it is to buy legit software here.

"Will never happen. You're forgetting not everyone has internet, especially for something like Windows used all over the world, and thus MS can't force people to activate online, and most of the cracks make use of the activate through non-online means anyhow."

Hmmm. Well, wouldn't they need a connection to download the patch? If they buy the patch on CD, wouldn't it just activate the same way the OS does for people without connections?

"Can you say imports? Until prices come down to levels reasonable for 3rd world countries, you can't really succeed at global hardware controls, unless you start mass banning hardware imports, which would probably have political and economic repercussions. Big as your economy is, it won't be easy becoming isolated from most of the Asian market."

Take a look. Your OS talks to your monitor. If it doesn't detect that standard, it simply doesn't play media flagged to require it, or plays it at a seriously reduced level. Your only option is to get copies without the DRM flag, which I assume they are going to keep you from making with the hardware DRM.

"Get a pirated version, go ahead and validate, then get the discounted version of the same product. ($149 vs. $299 for Win XP Pro is quite a big discount)"

If you have all the right information, they'll even give you a copy for free. ( Link )In order to get it free:

"Customers will be required to submit a proof of purchase, their counterfeit CD, and complete a counterfeit report with details of their purchase. Only high-quality counterfeit Windows will qualify for the complimentary offer."

Otherwise, you have to pay the 99$ or $149 and still submit a report:

"The counterfeit report helps Microsoft identify the reseller and type of counterfeit software transaction that took place. The information that is required on the report is as follows: was the copy of Windows preinstalled, where was it purchased (Web, street vendor, store, etc), reseller name, did you receive a CD and a Certificate of Authenticity (COA), price paid, and date of purchase. The customer must also provide their shipping address so Microsoft can send them a Windows Genuine Advantage Kit for Windows XP CD."

I suppose you could just copy it and claim you bought it from a fake name and address. I don't think $100 is worth the chance of getting caught, though.

Hmmm. Well, wouldn't they need a connection to download the patch? If they buy the patch on CD, wouldn't it just activate the same way the OS does for people without connections?

What I meant is that people will download it somewhere with a nice connection (like work), then burn it and take it home to install. If it can be activated at work, then it's kinda moot, since you can activate it on a legit OS and then take it to a pirated OS. If the act of installing requires an internet connection at home, then they would never be able to actually install the patch at home and I think this is something Microsoft wants to avoid (hence the phone activation in Windows and other software). But if it can be activated without going past the MS server, then people will be able to find a way around it like they do now.

Take a look. Your OS talks to your monitor. If it doesn't detect that standard, it simply doesn't play media flagged to require it, or plays it at a seriously reduced level. Your only option is to get copies without the DRM flag, which I assume they are going to keep you from making with the hardware DRM.

Ah, that's actually interesting. I suppose this is good for MS haters, as it'll probably make these countries push for using open source OSes more quickly.

Hmm sadly the Windows Genuine Authentication program has already been cracked and Microsoft even know about it theres little buggers out there by passing the check and are still seemingly able to access downloads they should have access to. It just makes the process more ridiculas for the genuine users of the OS

It's not cracked per se, it's just a javascript thing on the website that lets you skip over the check. They'll fix it.

*scratches head* I found some interesting comments.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

And people wonder why MS's product security is so bad.

It's one thing to discuss copy protection/activation/etc...quite another to to post 'instructions'.  Stardock [and by association Wincustomize.com] are MS 'Partners'. Facilitating piracy of their product is thus a no-no....[Admin edit]

This is really something to be valued/respected....

Whoops. Well, enough people here probably read Slashdot and thus know what I'm referring to anyway.

In any case, sorry 'bout that. But the point stands. If security by obscurity is Microsoft's idea of being "serious" about piracy, then you have to wonder about how "serious" they are about other things.

This is really something to be valued/respected....

And one day, feared as well. I'm still holding out for Microsoft, Google, and some other big companies to one day merge and become the de facto world government (something like a real-life version of Shinra).

I don't think it's that far-fetched either. When individual companies have enough leverage to bend entire industries to their will while successfully lobbying governments to pass laws beneficial to them, it says a lot about their influence.

I don't think they'll ever build a workable hardware-based anti-piracy deal. You'll just get mod-chips for sale, just like there already are for consoles. And considering that Asia (the source of most hardware) will simply ignore it anyway for its own domestic markets, I don't think it will be difficult to continue to buy systems free from piracy.

After all, what kind of person who's serious about computers is going to buy something that wastes processor time validating software before it runs, or running extensive hardware checks every time you turn it on? It's a joke. Perhaps it will be popular for those who require secure systems (if it incorporates some sort of phone-home function with GPS or something in the event of theft) but otherwise I would never buy one if I had a choice. And I don't think many other people would choose the secured option over the free option.

The idea is that, if your hardware doesn't have DRM support, your software/video/music file simply won't play at all.

It's basically a battle to see who'll be the first to cave. If no hardware manufacturers (or only a very small group) decide to make use of it, their file format and all their work on DRM will simply flop and go the way of the dinosaurs. Consumers win!

If however, they manage to coerce the hardware manufacturers to actually add it in, then it goes back to my point about individual companies bending entire industries and governments to their will.

Oh yeah. Vote with your wallet while you still can.

My problem with all this hoop-la is simple..i'm legit with my OS.I play by the rule's,but.....who the hell do you think put's (and allow's) all the worm's-viruses and add and spyware on the net for most unsuspecting,non-trained, in the field everyday internet user?Trust me when i tell you that there is high dollars involved in all this and if Microsoft(of whom i'm associated with a tech that work's for them from a past job )is not involved in this you need to open your eye's and realize one simple rule...How do you make people spend the money for almost anything*Make them AFRAID of it*...they'll spend the money..Like Bill Gate's(whom i have personally met).Ever seen his house?His car's?..who do you think pay's these people to make the worm's,viruses etc.....Think before you answer,even your own ISP has a *hand in the pocket* in this..It's about the money folk's..So i say if you can getaway with a pirated PCC Key go for it.Also trust this.. i know there are some heavy tech's on this site(which i love by the way)..tell me,with all the new tracking software that's out there along with various other tool's that are used by the FBI,CIA..And yes,ISP'S..why(so they say)can't they track these so called pirateer's that load these?....If you've read above good enough,you already know the answer. the rest is trivial.

They've cracked the authetication already.

I'm moving to Mac soon and this is one of the reasons why. I just can't be bothered with all the crap that comes with windows. I mean I build a computer and Windows XP Home costs me £180. After paying all that and after a happy 6/7 months something overwrites svchost.exe and services.exe so I decide to format. I haven't changed my hardware, I don't have it on any other computers, and I've only taken the CD out of the box once. I had to ring Kamir Oman at Microsoft Back Of beyond department to get another Code. And I have the same drama with the "Oh so wonderful" Office. Mac Textedit practically kicks ms word into next week and there's less than 600 viruses for mac and only about 12 for UNIX so I'm going that way. I'm getting a nice shiny iBook and Mac OS X Tiger!!
But BTW, drivethruguy, Microsoft don't make money out of virii and spyware. They're even releasing a antispy program!
The only good thing from MS i think