Via Slashdot, The Register: WindowsXP Key Generation Broken. "A cracking system for Windows Product Activation publicised this week may present Microsoft's anti-piracy system with its most serious problem yet. It takes the form of a key generator which appears to produce valid activation keys for Microsoft products, and if this really is the case, it is difficult to see how Microsoft can differentiate between keys issued with legal product, and keys generated by the keymaker."
This makes this article, Windows XP CD-Key Dangers, more relevant: "But let’s now consider what happens after this. Joe User buys Windows XP. His product key was generated by someone, and used. It’s no longer a virgin. His copy of XP is now unable to be activated. Congratulations Joe User, You’ve paid for nothing."
"MAJOR UPDATE: IT HAS HAPPENED! A CD Key generator for Windows XP (as well as office XP) has been created! This produces keys for the Home and Professional editions. Now everything in this article can happen!"
He also makes this point: "It should be noted that the people who steal software already have obtained a volume licensed version of Windows XP, which does not require activation." He's right about that. The product activation probably didn't hurt "professional" software pirates too much, just families who may share one copy of Windows.
Thursday, February 14, 2002
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