bzg

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http://www.theworldlink.com/article...news/news14.txt


REDMOND, Wash. (AP) - 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.

When a computer user sets out 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:

n 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.

n 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.

The authentication process was optional until Monday. From now on, it will be required for all software updates except security patches.

During the pilot program, people had to type in their 25-digit product key numbers to go through the verification process. Microsoft has cut that step out of the process.

After prompting customers that their operating systems need to be authenticated, the program will scan the computer, detecting the product number automatically - unless, of course, it's a fake.

Will Poole, a senior vice president in Microsoft's Windows division, said more than 40 million customers took part in the pilot.

The world's largest software maker did not disclose how many pirated copies of Windows it has rooted out since the program began as a pilot program last September.

The new program could go largely unnoticed. Microsoft said the vast majority of its customers are signed up for automatic updates for security and reliability problems.

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bzg

Here is the patch to correct the problem.. :happycow:

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=38Y77GFV

xtreme_dreams

how do i use the patch, i tried and it said that the file could not be found where is the file located that needs to be patched?

bzg

C:\WINDOWS\system32\LegitCheckControl.DLL
You must first try to update from Microsoft to get the new DLL added to your system32 file.

wolf68k

You can also do this, a bit annoying

Go to WindowsUpdates
Before clicking Express or Custom type the following into the address bar and hit Enter:
javascript:void(window.g_sDisableWGACheck='all')

At first it'll seem like nothing has happened, it's normal
Now click Express or Custom and it should work....that is until M$ makes a fix for this, then it should take 1 or 2 days before the crackers figure out another work around.


@BZG
2 things.
First off the link doesn't work any more. Try rapidshare and rename the file to some lame that wouldn't draw attention has to what it is.

Second, I'm a little standoff-ish with using cracks like this from sources I don't know. Some details as to where you got it might help me be more willing...also what all the download contains.
I've seen cracks before that included nothing but an NFO and a "loader.exe". The NFO was fine, it's nothing more than text. However the "loader.exe" was nothing more than a way for people to install a butt load of spyware into a system....so it was a good thing I test run these things in a VPC.

bzg

Wolf:
1st, the link is still good.

2nd, there is only one file in the download. It is a DLL patcher. It contains no viruses or spyware, I would not use it or upload it without checking first. It is a clean file..
No one is asking you to use it, I was trying to help those that need it...

Doonz

Man...if Micro$oft ever employes motivated people the way people motivate against them.... the hack was out within 24 hours of release

and they are goingto provide trustworthy computing...scary and I am PRO- Micro$oft

midnight

D:

glad i bought my windows hehe

YaMon

Adobe has been doing this too. I upgraded to Creative Suite 2, and could only install it on one computer.

I have my work computer, a lap top, a home office computer, and a mac mini connected to my living room plasma.

After a week of back and forth and trouble tickets, Adobe informed me that I couldn't load the software on more than 2 computers!

Since having Photoshop dating back to version 4, and legitimately upgrading all the way to the current 9, and paying $1400 for the Suite Upgrade, I call BULLSHIT!

___________________________________________

midnight

damn you got reamed hard lol

davemo2us

When are these guys going to stop wasting money on this crap? Come on when you spend money on R&D to stop piracy and your stuff is cracked after day one of release, please your only chasing your tail. Here is an idea stop spending money on this R&D and lower the price of the product.