Windows 7 Ultimate product activation hacked?

So?

So what?

Have the volume PC builders *really* got stocks of pre-imaged systems sitting in warehouses ready to ship?

If they haven't, surely all that needs to happen is that the leaked key gets revoked (just like they were with XP, dunno about Vista but who cares) and the legit system builders get legit replacements which they use to rebuild their system images ready for when Windows 7 really does start going through the factory. Sorted???

Those with the dodgy OS and dodgy key find their Windows is useless the first time Winderz does a Windows Update with a WGA in it, or whenever the latest greatest Meejah Player update needs a WGA, or whatever.

Where's the news here? Small earthquake in Stoke on Trent, no parrots injured?

Yellow Pages.

I wouldn't be surprised if Microsoft changes the locks within a few hours, revokes the leaked key, and makes Lenovo rebuild any currently mfrd machines with the new key and makes them pay a chunk of cash as 'make good' money.

WGA

but it'll be invalidated at some point with a WGA update won't it?

Consequences

People are going to 'jump' out of windows for this one....

Pardon me thickness...

...but wouldn't it be quite easy to inactivate this key, specially since copies haven't even been sent out to the OEMs yet? Then rogue installations would not pass Genuine Crapness activation or whatever, at least. Or so I understand, since my OS has no such thing.

How long do you think...

...before that key gets invalidated? Remember that, since Vista, Windows requires product activation or it starts going herky-jerky on you. I'm pretty sure Microsoft now knows that the key was leaked. It'll just prevent that key from allowing activation and perhaps taking Lenovo to task for allowing the key to get leaked.

It works !

On Windows7 Ultimate

Though its nothing new.

Vista was also hacked in exact same way.

Bring on the snow leopard !

One small edit gives...

"Downloading Windows exposes users to increased risks - such as viruses, Trojans and other malware and malicious code"

Where there is a way

There is a hacker willing to do it. There is already a loader for it out that fools Windows 7 into thinking it's an OEM copy and will activate.

Tourists

The microsoft statement must have been issued by a junior member of staff... everyone knows that those statements are also meant to point out that piracy funds terrorism, and how much that costs the economy.

A more experienced spokesperson would also manage to point out that piracy leads to climate change and thus pirates kill cute furry little creatures. And because it's microsoft, I'd expect a note pointing out that google aids these pirates and thus funds terrorism, etc.

Amateurs!!

"Windows 7... exposes users to... viruses, Trojans and other malware"

Vista: so unloved that nobody wanted to crack its activation keys...

WGA: Windows Give-Away?

Ah, so much MS-bashing fun to be had...

Well...

Bugger me with a freshly shampooed hamster. Who'd have thought that the über secret activation system was already hacked for 7. Next it'll be their WGA system, if it isn't already.

DRM

I wish MS would get their DRM act together. I mean they've been trying to lock out illegal copies for years and years and they still can't get it right. Of course I'm sure that they will eventually flag this particular key as hostile so that WGA can do it's thing, just like they did with the original leaked XP keys but by then there will be so many other ways to bypass WGA it will no longer be an issue.

Why can't they get it right? A bulletproof anti-piracy scheme could be just the boost that the penguin needs!

This is why MS loves freetards

No Lenovo PCs have been sold with an install using this master key, and they are only due to be sold in 3 months' time. This means it's a trivial matter for MS to blacklist this key in WGA and issue Lenovo a new one (probably along with a hefty fine if they worded their contracts properly). Lenovo has ample time to reimage their drives with a new install. This key will activate a Win7 RTM install, but if MS has an ounce of sense they'll have WGA pull the killswitch on these installs in a few months' time.

Luckily for MS, the Chinese kiddies who got hold of the ISO are either committed freetards looking for an Andy Warhol moment or too dumb to realise that they just pissed away the chance to make a bundle on the black market. If they'd held onto the key until just before Oct 22 they could have screwed MS royally with a fully-operational pirate version of Win7 available from release (if I recall correctly, the initial pirate Vista installs were using primitive methods like re-arming or 'frankenbuilds' which MS easily defeated).

The real news here is that, despite all the hot air, MS is STILL using the same thoroughly-cracked SLIC method for its OEM installs as Vista despite the fact that this has been thoroughly cracked and (especially with a reflashed BIOS) makes it impossible to detect a pirated install. (A primary target for anti-piracy prosecutions has been 'white-box' OEMS who sell systems with a pirated OS, and these people certainly have the skills to reflash a BIOS, though MS has still failed to defeat the software SLIC loaders that are probably more common.) MS has had at least 2 years to come up with a new method of validating OEM installs and has failed *comprehensively*. While Win7 requires SLIC 2.1 in the BIOS, the old 2.0 certificates still work (!!!), indicating that very little has changed in the basic structure of their validation system.

Anyone using this particular leaked key will probably get a nasty surprise once the WGA servers get updated for Win7, but it's only a matter of time until more master keys leak. In fact, they may already have done so, but were given to people willing to sit on them until it's too late for MS to blacklist.

Hehe, just like last time

and the time before that .. Lets see

Vista

Server 2008

Server 2003

XP

All pirated with activation cracked, broken and beaten into submission before the release date.

The pirates always get the new stuff first. It is the paying customers that get punished though, over and over and over.

Then MS STRONGLY advises people NOT to download from them.

It was funny the first few times, now its just stupid.

September 19th is talk like a pirate day, I'm just sayin maybe that should be Microsoft's release date for new products :)

they should just keep the pre-order priceing

$50 for a copy is cool.

$100 mmmmm ubuntu 4 me !~!!!

Title

"... and exposes users to increased risks - such as viruses, Trojans and other malware and malicious code - that usually accompany counterfeit software. These risks can seriously harm or permanently destroy data and often expose users to identity theft and other criminal schemes,"

Yep. Sounds like Windows alright.

wtf?

"Downloading Windows 7 from peer-to-peer Web sites is piracy, and exposes users to increased risks - such as viruses, Trojans and other malware and malicious code - that usually accompany counterfeit software. These risks can seriously harm or permanently destroy data and often expose users to identity theft and other criminal schemes," the company said.

Wtf?

Viruses, malware and malicious code only exists in Windows regardless of genuine software or not!

Big noting yourself is so pointless M$.

Wait, don't tell me...

Windows 7 is even faster and more secure.

Another badly designed P.O.S. OS from Microsoft is heading your way. It will almost certainly be compromised and infected within a fortnight.

This will in no way be anything to do with Microsoft refusing point blank to learn from better systems (Unix/Linux) but will of course be down to those naughty hackers and those naughty terrorists.

Downloading != piracy

Downloading the image of the OS is not piracy, dicks. Bypassing protection mechanisms and using it without authorization is. If you really gave two shits about the DVD/CDs being downloaded, why in the world would you put the product online for download in various forms (MSDN, TechNet, MAPS, VLK, etc.)???

Get your shit straight, Microsoft.

Paris, whatever, dick.

Hell it's good and it's cheap!

Just buy it. For once Microsoft are being sensible about their pricing structure and if we're being fair it's a pretty good product.

I've been using it in an enterprise capactiy as well and it plays nice with 95% of apps. MS have got this one right - the best way to send the message to them is to buy it.

Steve

Run a commie O/S!

If you run a "commie" or trendy O/S ( no names mentioned ) no need for keys, as no one is interested in ripping it off!

Seriously what was MS estimate on how long they could keep the "corp" keys under wraps before release date? I am genuinely curious!

Windows 7 key

Why would I want one I use linux???

Typical

Why don't they just give up on it as it is usually just an annoyance for legitimate owners.

A new crack?

I have (ahem) seen a freely available utility that activates Windows 7 Ultimate and has a host of other features, such as easily switching off UAC, it's been regularly updated to keep pace with M$'s official and leaked releases - it works 100%.

Badum tshhhhh!!

"...harm or permanently destroy data and often expose users to identity theft and other criminal schemes"

Yep that sounds like Windows. So what about pirate software?

Business as usual then

Microsoft make this big song and dance about how you must "activate" your copy of Windows, cram it full of DRM and tell everyone that you must buy a copy if you want to use it. Then they make the whole unique serial number activation scheme so weak that people find it easy to circumvent.

Call me cynical but it seems to me that the whole thing is designed to ensure people run their OS and no other. Same when DOS & then Windows 3.x was released - OS/2 was copy protected and cost a fair chunk of folding, DOS & Win were not. So few people actually bought DOS & Win - they just installed a copy from their mates.

Either make the activation scheme work and work properly, or get id of it altogether. Again, the only people inconvenienced are those mugs who actually part with money for it.

God Damn it!

I jusr pre ordered my copy from amazon when i could have got it free!!

They never learn

I bought genuine versions of Win95, Win98, Win98SE, and finally, WinXP; but after 4-5 "You need to register this copy" episodes for no good reason I said "FCUK IT!!", I downloaded a copy of TinyXP and never looked back.

They give it away.

Microsoft will never get this WGA or DRM key thing right, it's not in their interest. Sure they what to sell you Windows.. Sure they want to tax you on your new PC. Ultimately they want MS Windows running on your PC whether or not it's a genuine copy. Think of the massive discounts they give to OEMs to keep windows on the desktop. Think of the massive discounts that they gave to governmental departments when the latter were thinking of switching to Linux.. Market share counts for too much.

I'm a PC, I'm. a Mac, I'm a Slacker.

@AC

"This will in no way be anything to do with Microsoft refusing point blank to learn from better systems (Unix/Linux) "

Actually Microsoft have been learning from these more open systems for many years. Examples have included the Mach kernel, WIMP (x-Windows, Icon, Mouse, Pointer) interfaces, multi-user discretionary access control, preemptive multitasking and preventing applications from overwriting the address space of other applications. Of course those of us who use open systems instead of MS-Windows have had the benefits of these things years earlier. What Microsoft have not been learning very well so far is openness. As they become more reliant on GPL code (which they originally called "a cancer") due to the need to cooperate in order to compete within a world based upon open network standards (i.e. Internet), they are increasingly being forced into more openness to avoid being sued for GPL licensing violations.

The other factor driving this is Microsoft's desire not to have anti-trust out of court settlements and fines imposed by courts increased by another order of magnitude. When they were spending $100M/year on this it wasn't affecting the bottom line. Now this is costing them closer to $1G a year, they need to keep the legal cost of abusing their monopoly position from going much higher.

WGA ! It's not XP people

For all the people waffling about a WGA update, You are talking about XP, This OEM activation still works on Vista for the main reason that revoking keys for OEM activations could piss off alot of OEM customers.

Microsoft doesn't care, they make the bulk of their cash from OEMs everything else just helps market share.

@Stef2

@Stef2

The program you speak of doesn't work anymore for activiation, and why the hell would you need a program to turn off UAC ? You can do it yourself with 3 clicks of a mouse.

Piracy

> "Downloading Windows 7 from peer-to-peer Web sites is piracy,"

No it's NOT "piracy". It's copyright infringement.

It's all well and good letting Microsoft get a comment in at the end of the El Reg article, but that doesn't mean you should just reprint any old shit that they spout.

If Microsoft had said that downloading Windows 7 via P2P was 'murder', would you have printed such bullshit?

@ David

[quote]

The program you speak of doesn't work anymore for activiation, and why the hell would you need a program to turn off UAC ? You can do it yourself with 3 clicks of a mouse.

[/quote]

On windows 7 you cannot turn off the UAC just turn it to low, i have tried..seems one of the main changes they did since vista (which it can be turned off).

Also downloading a CD or getting a copy CD is not illegal just supplying the CD-Key is.

I see the Lunix geeks are back

Ah, the usual anti-Windows snipers appear!! Well well well.

Why can't you nerds see? It doesn't matter how bad Windows gets, it's always going to be more popular than Linux. I could throw a turd into a room full of people, and it would be more popular than that pile of penguin FAIL, tbh.

Windows 7 is fantastic - fast, smooth and easy to use like its predecessors. Hopefully it will increase Microsoft's market share and effectively kill off that geeky POS with the penguin.

Can't wait to get my hands on DX11.

In summation, Windows = WIN, Linux = FAIL

RE: I see the Linux geeks are back

Scott Mitchell wrote: "Windows 7 is fantastic - fast, smooth and easy to use like its predecessors."

I see the sarcasm - but I don't think you intended any, in which case you should be ashamed of yourself!

I've used all versions of Windows from 3 onwards and "fast and smooth" are not words I would associate with any of them. You need not think I'm saying this because I am a huge fanboi of any other OS, I've used OS2, SunOS, Solaris, SGIs version of unix, DEC unix, Lunix, HP-UX and OSX (and many many others along the way) but Windows is just awful. I know, I was a windows developer for years until I jacked it in.

Windows may be "fast and smooth" when you see it running in a shop but to keep it that way when you get home, you have to keep defragging the disk and reinstalling the bugger on a (very) regular basis. Bah. (This is what eventually prompted me to throw my PC out of a 3rd floor window directly into a skip one day)

As for "easy to use" - ha ha ha! It's getting better but only because they've nicked the best ideas from other OSs and wedged them into their bloatware. (Not that there is much room once all those viruses, malware and trojans have taken up residence but that's another story).

So what is the secret of MS success? Ensuring that as many people as possible are locked into their shite. Spreading illegal keys wouldn't surprise me in the slightest - they've used every other dodgy underhand tactic to foist their guff onto us!

bit of an edit needed

Quote said

"Downloading Windows 7 from peer-to-peer Web sites is piracy, and exposes users to increased risks - such as viruses, Trojans and other malware and malicious code - that usually accompany counterfeit software. These risks can seriously harm or permanently destroy data and often expose users to identity theft and other criminal schemes," the company said

Should have said

"Installing Windows exposes users to increased risks - such as viruses, Trojans and other malware and malicious code - that usually accompany Microsoft software. These risks can seriously harm or permanently destroy data and often expose users to identity theft and other criminal schemes," the company said

@ Scott Mitchell

<quote>

In summation, Windows = WIN, Linux = FAIL

</>

HA! Tard' !

And every single Gaping security hole, and windows update = FAIL, mostly the ones that MS can't or won't fix for a year or so.

The numbers are adding up, its been 6 *years* and the updates and flaws for XP keep popping up.

Win 2000 was released with 65,000 known Issues (fault, failures whatever) MS fixed a tiny fraction of them. Then later got tired of the game and said we don't support win 2000 any more.

I can still identify bugs in Vista that I saw in Win 2000, hows that for a FAIL ?! I bet you can still find the bug that claims your profile is corrupt and keeps creating a new one for you at log on in Se7en.

Linux is *now* easier to install and use than Windows, has been for about the last 2 or 3 years. WINE is to the point it can play all the games I'm interested in. And it runs much faster on the same hardware .. why should I continue using Windows again?!

Although if you like, and some do, you have the *option* to configure Linux using a console. I have found I can do things this way that are impossible on Windows systems. Using Linux I assembled a RAID 5 array via USB when a server died, it was slow but the data was there.

haha linuxfags

If you needed to keep defragging and reinstalling windows "very often," then you're doing it wrong. If you learn even the most basic things about running a windows machine, you can keep it running like a new install for years, so I suggest you guys go back to school before preaching more bs.

Windows 7 will be a huge hit despite all the FUD you morons keep posting everywhere. It's really quite lightweight, fast, runs like a dream etc, but if you do install it (or dual boot) on you uber cool crapbox...err linux box which runs on legacy hardware, it will run like shit. Even the most faggy linux OS you run on it will run like shit.

Linux will never catch on because its far too complex for the average luser, so stfu with your linux shit and stop being so damn jealous of all of Microsofts popular software.

In before some delusional fool calls me a MS shill, despite the fact I'm simply telling it as it is...

Haha, look at the nerds flocking

"As someone incapable of using an non MS-OS"

Ha, I've programmed AmigaOS and X-Windows before, please don't try your "OS noob" approach with me. An OS is only as good as the applications that run on it, and there ain't many for Linux are there? You only "jacked in" working with Windows in because Visual Basic 6 was discontinued and your intelligence could not ramp up to .NET - FACT

Tell me, what native programs do you run on this Linux box of yours at home? It says a lot that you feel the need to retain WINE on your piss-poor kernel-bugged OS...

Windows 7 is fast and smooth, just like XP64 which I had previously. XP 64 was a fantastic product, not that any of you Linmongs would know as you don't touch it, right?

I don't care about Vista, I care about the fact that Linux is crap and there aren't many applications for it. There's a reason you only have 1% market share, now let me taste your salty tears!!!

RE: Haha, look at the nerds flocking

"There's a reason you only have 1% market share, now let me taste your salty tears!!!" - for the moment. Our time will come soon. The geek shall inherit the earth. 1% today, tomorrow the world... muhwahhaa haaa haa.

Actually i've finally ditched Windows at work. I still have a VM for emergencies but i can now do 99% in Linux and its a real joy. Even my PM work i can do using OpenProj. Wine is needed for IE.... we have Microsoft CRM which funnily enough doesnt like Firefox... strange that.

And as for Windows borrowing/inventing - Windows has always been behind. The Amiga with proper multitasking and nice windows environment existed long before Windows 95... damn, even before 3.11 if i recall right. CDE existed before any version of Windows as well.

So it took MS until Vista to include transparencies on the desktop.... i had this more than 10 years ago running enlightenment on Red Hat.

Signed: A very satisfied Mint Linux 7 (Gloria) RC1 user.

Win Trolls

@ AC

"Even the most faggy linux OS you run on it will run like shit."

I may like hot sex with men, my OS certainly doesn't. "I suggest you [...] go back to school" where the you-smells and your-gays are actually considered a form of conversation.

@ Scott Mitchell

"please don't try your 'OS noob' approach with me. An OS is only as good as the applications that run on it, and there ain't many for Linux are there?"

You're at complete odds with yourself in that sentence. You know all about Linux. Except the repos it would seem.

"You only 'jacked in' working with Windows in"

No I jacked in working with windows because XP64 ran like shit on my laptop. That was the last copy of windows I used.

"because Visual Basic 6 was discontinued and your intelligence could not ramp up to .NET - "

I was smart enough to never use VB in the first place, back in the days when I was smart enough to not use Access for projects requiring a database. As for VB7 requiring considerably more intelligence than VB6 ... ? WTF?

"FACT"

Here's a fact for you. You're too fucking stupid to use CSS. That search box is what ... 4px high?

"Tell me, what native programs do you run on this Linux box of yours at home? It says a lot that you feel the need to retain WINE on your piss-poor kernel-bugged OS..."

I personally have WINE so that I can test my websites on all the low, low, low quality browsers that MS keeps producing. I'm not stupid enough to pay for an entire OS just to test a browser. Can you wrap your tiny mind around that?

"Windows 7 is fast and smooth, just like XP64 which I had previously. XP 64 was a fantastic product, not that any of you Linmongs would know as you don't touch it, right?"

See above, failtard. Tell me, does windows 7 (unlike XP and vista) actually support most of my hardware? *nix does, and I'm really not stupid enough to pay for an OS that isn't going to talk to my hardware.

@linuxtards

At the end of the day, there is a reason why very few people use linux, and that's because the average user will have no idea how to install a program, compile a package, install missing dependencies etc etc.

No matter how you spin how "awesome linux is," its not popular, and never will be until it get A LOT more usable and moves away from its rigid elitism ways. The elitism sickens me and was one of the main reasons why i finally ditched linux and went back to MS.

Now back to the subject, as no where in the topic does it mention linux? Surely MS can just update WGA and prevent people hacking Win7. No doubt that it will just get hacked again, but when your products are popular, they will always be at risk of being hacked, targeted, infected etc.

@John Dee

OK John, whats the ratio of Windows applications to Linux apps?

Who mentioned VB7?

"Here's a fact for you. You're too fucking stupid to use CSS. That search box is what ... 4px high?"

Eh??? What do you mean? I think you are confusing me with another Scott Mitchell, probably the chap who runs the 4GuysFromRolla web site.... I am Scottish, he's a yank... you FAIL . Me? I know CSS like the back of my hand, the same way you know a bloke's tadger.

As for XP64, the whole reason for using 64 bit Windows is to utilise more than 3GB of RAM (remember, earlier versions of Windows don't use all 4GB available with 32-bit addressing). If you don't have the RAM why use 64 bit? Durrrr...... FAIL

Let's be honest, Lunix is only for nerds who think they are l337. *I* am l337, but I don't need to use Linux to prove it. I don't care if Linux is a few cycles more efficient than Windows, I do know that Windows is superior for applications and I don't feel ashamed talking about it to my peers.

BTW you don't need WINE to test your browser compat, you could use browsershots.org .... or browsercam..... you should have gone to specsavers

Yawn

"OK John, whats the ratio of Windows applications to Linux apps?"

Do you actually think that's a useful metric? Are we including Hannah Montana fansite toolbars in this survey? Have you forgotten the *nix philosophy of not endlessly multiplying tools when you can pipe existing ones into each other? It's a philosophy you might like to try some time.

"Who mentioned VB7?"

You did. You mentioned .NET. Don't know what I'm talking about? Biggest FAIL to you then, Mr .NET dev.

"What do you mean? I think you are confusing me with another Scott Mitchell, probably the chap who runs the 4GuysFromRolla web site"

My bad. I thought two .NET asshats called Scott Mitchell was too unlikely.

"the same way you know a bloke's tadger."

I'd sincerely hope you know a bloke's tadger. Or has it fallen off through lack of use? Nice to see you coming back with a your-gay though. For what it's worth, I'm bi with a marked preference for women.

"As for XP64, the whole reason for using 64 bit Windows is to utilise more than 3GB of RAM (remember, earlier versions of Windows don't use all 4GB available with 32-bit addressing)."

Would that be windows making poor use of system resources then?

"If you don't have the RAM why use 64 bit? Durrrr...... FAIL"

What makes you think I don't have 4GB RAM? Ah, yes, you're too busy "knowing" stuff.

"Let's be honest, Lunix is only for nerds who think they are l337. "

Linux is for servers, linux is for supercomputers, linux is for netbooks, linux is for desktops, linux is for all sorts of devices, linux is for creative people, linux is for business people, linux is for my 14 year old niece and my 76 year old grandfather. Sorry, but that's the truth. When someone's there to help with the first few baby steps, people find it very easy to walk away from windows.

Windows is for my dad, because the government tells him to, and because anything else makes him panicky. Of course, as a fairly typical windows user, he is incapable of managing the system without a lot of help from technically minded people.

"*I* am l337"

Speaks for itself.

Myself, I'm Socratic, and know that I know nothing. Doesn't stop me gobbing off at wintrolls, rightards and the ranged forces of pointless asshattery, of which you seem to gunning for Commander in Chief.

"I do know that Windows is superior for applications and I don't feel ashamed talking about it to my peers."

You have fascinating peers.

"BTW you don't need WINE to test your browser compat, you could use browsershots.org .... or browsercam..... you should have gone to specsavers"

Why would I do that when I can do it instantly on my dev laptop whilst traveling (or otherwise off the grid) with full debugging info by using WINE? Seriously, never mind the your-gays, explain to me why I am such an epic fail for using the best tool for the job at hand?

You see, what I like to do is actually engage my brain.

Getting back on track somewhat

Yes it works (the 'hack'), yes it's ace (Win7 Ult.) and yes I shall be buying it upon release...probably Home Premium or the family pack

I think Win7 will be a massive hit for Microsoft, it's very easy to use and runs lickety-split quick on my lappy and everything so far for me driver & s'ware wise works straight off the bat.

Anon post, cos, well it's a pirate copy innit and Bill halo because there's no animated chair throwing Monkeyboy yet is there

Best way to prevent piracy

Listen good Micro$oft. I am about to reveal the ultimate secret against Windows piracy........

Just sell your product for a much cheaper price, you may even get the real big markets like China and India to consider purchasing your products.

http://www.theregister.co.uk/Design/graphics/icons/comment/fail_32.png

@John Dee

John, John, John.

"linux is for netbooks, linux is for desktops, linux is for all sorts of devices, linux is for creative people, linux is for business people, linux is for my 14 year old niece and my 76 year old grandfather."

Well, by the market share its probably only your niece and grandfather actually using Linux. Oh, and you.

Furthermore, applications make the OS... Linux has a dearth of quality applications, I mean OpenOffice vs Word? Gimp vs Photoshop? Blender vs 3D Studio Max... ?

You have even recognised you need Windows, hence you run it in WINE. I don't need Linux, I wouldn't let that scabby pile of crap on my pristine box.

Socratic? Is that another word for boring simpleton? You should hire yourself out to insomniacs mate, maybe you can convert some of them to Lunix (Jeff K)

Microsoft, will you ever learn?

Microsoft got where they are today by making their software easy to um....."acquire." Then came XP and activation. I honestly put off using XP as long as possible due to the activation, and probably would have bought twice as many copies if the price was better and the activation wasn't there. I also would have owned several more computers and a lot more hardware.

Get it?

If 7comes out reasonably priced and wasn't DRMed to hell, then I'd be likely to buy more of it than just one. But to make it available in multiple tiers with the "Ultimate" edition at the top, priced like an arm and a leg, and then we have to activate and also periodically prove we're "genuine".....I don't get it.

How many people really have done the "anytime upgrade" to Vista "Ultimate?"

Better yet, how many people really see Windows Vista or 7 Ultimate as really worth it?

Microsoft should have taken a page from Google and made their software cheap and easy to access, so money would be made instead on licensing apps, vendors, API's what have you. They could have assured there would never have been a meaningful alternative in OSX or Linux, but now, ptah! Ease the grip, there, buddy. I'll only pay you for it once.

Besides, the paranoiac in me wonders if these are "real" keys or ones sent out to see where all the hackers and crackers are at.

@ Anonymous Coward

Quote from Anonymous Coward (I wish they had a [quote][/quote] system like phpBB!)

"If you needed to keep defragging and reinstalling windows "very often," then you're doing it wrong. If you learn even the most basic things about running a windows machine, you can keep it running like a new install for years, so I suggest you guys go back to school before preaching more bs."

Exactly, AC. I've had my Windows Vista & XP dual boot for well over a year now, and it runs perfect. I regularly defrag, move downloaded files to a storage drive, do antispyware & AV scan/update, registry optimise and junk cleaning. I also keep the inside clean, dust free, and change my thermal paste regularly.

My system is like factory new, except it doesn't have factory bloat on it. No blue screens, slowdown, lockups or "[Program name] has stopped working" errors. It's like housekeeping. You wouldn't have piles of dirty dishes/clothes everywhere at home, or bugs and mites everywhere, would you? Some might, but I don't. I keep my computer organised, like my home.

The analogy is the same across all OS'es, they all gather clutter of some kind, and need maintenance, just not all are prone to spyware & viruses, and that is because of popularity. Windows is used by the majority, so is more profitable (so to speak) to hackers.

It's people's laziness, ignorance, and the expectation of it to "just work" that causes most software & hardware issues. I know, I've been doing computers for well over 12 years, and it's taught me the differences between all OS flavours, plus how to keep them running like new, instead of crying on a forum, "It's slow, it crashes, Microsoft is crap!". Look at yourself first, and think, "What if I took the time to find out WHY it's slow/crashy, and put it right?"

Mac OS isn't "perfect" it's just that it's engineered to work on a certain combination of hardware, thus avoiding compatibility issues, even with Windows. I like the customisability of a PC, and have the knowledge and experience to set it up and keep it running right.

Hmm..

Scott Mitchell... candidate for FoTW perhaps?

@John Dee

From the 4GuysFromRolla page :-

<input type="text" name="IC_QueryText" style="font-size: 7pt; width: 100px; height: 16px;" vspace="0" hspace="0">

You can clearly see that the inadequate search text box is 16 pixels high! When I type in 'g' and then 'q', you cannot see which is which.

Win 7 is an offshoot of Vista, tidied up with some bugs fixed. But that leaves a lot of crap still in there. I'll stick with WinXP SP3 with WindowBlinds ($25). I got my transparencies, you get yours!