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Thread ID: 74186 2006-11-14 06:14:00 So Much for Vista JJJJJ (528) PC World Chat
Post ID Timestamp Content User
499017 2006-11-14 06:14:00 Vista gold but cracked already
Email Print Normal font Large font Asher Moses
November 14, 2006 - 2:53PM

Microsoft Windows Vista and Office 2007 only just went gold, and their anti-piracy measures have already been cracked.
Copied from Sydney Morning Herald


Various pirate websites have a version of Vista available to download, called "Vista BillGates".

It comes supplied with a product key, allowing users to install the operating system on their computers unhindered.

A second patch - a separate download, called an "activation crack" - must also be applied. This bypasses the activation process used by Vista to ensure that each installation is legitimate.

The same pirate sites also have Office 2007 Enterprise editions available for download. Users simply need to enter a supplied product key, since this version of Office does not require product activation.
JJJJJ (528)
499018 2006-11-14 06:59:00 Well, it had to happen sometime. Speedy Gonzales (78)
499019 2006-11-14 09:36:00 The problem is the activation crack is not really a crack.
They have just found a way to allow you to use a Beta or RC1 / RC2 product key which can then be activated as normal.
Since Microsoft have a record of all beta & RC keys given out all they have to do is disable the ability for these keys to be activated.
You would then just have a 30 day trial of Windows Vista RTM.
CYaBro (73)
499020 2006-11-14 10:57:00 Never mind the cracks, did they get the bugs out? R2x1 (4628)
499021 2006-11-14 15:52:00 Never mind the cracks, did they get the bugs out?

No...the bugs are coming in thru the cracks.....:lol:
SurferJoe46 (51)
499022 2006-11-14 18:54:00 The problem is the activation crack is not really a crack.
They have just found a way to allow you to use a Beta or RC1 / RC2 product key which can then be activated as normal.
Since Microsoft have a record of all beta & RC keys given out all they have to do is disable the ability for these keys to be activated.
You would then just have a 30 day trial of Windows Vista RTM.

How do you know??? ;)

Anyway its nothing new, the crackers vs the SW comapnies. Its unending....
Then there will be some measures imposed via updates, more cracks, hacks, more measures etc etc....

All of which usually is bad for the legit buyers.
pctek (84)
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