invald windows XP damn

[teonanacatl]

i got a copy of windows, burned copy but came with real certificate of authenticity, it was preinstalled. I thought shit basteds ripped me off but the windows came up genuine for a while then a few weeks ago i updated and was told it wasnt genuine. So is it my cd or what? i also installed it onto my housemates computer so we could network so i could access net, i think this maybe the problem. Anyway is there anyway to make hers invalid and mine valid seeing as the copy is mine??? also i had windows on another comp but dont have the product key anymore but still have acess to the comp and its not internet connected, anyway to reveal the key so i can use it on here if all else fails?

[teonanacatl]

ok turns out both mine and myhouse mate have the same key but both are invalid.

[occidentalis]

Hmm sounds like when you connected to the net, it downloaded a 'windows genuine advantage' thing that detected it was a dodgy copy.

Do a google for windows genuine advantage and see if you can get around it. But it sounds like you did get ripped off.

[Maturin]

i got a copy of windows, burned copy but came with real certificate of authenticity, it was preinstalled.

Your problem starts right there. There is no way that copy would have been legit if it was burned, the certificate could have come from anywhere. Microsoft is really clamping down hard on pirate copies, if you attempt to update they will detect you!

Solution: buy a legit copy or go hardcore and use a free Linux distribution

[teonanacatl]

yeah i figured it was dodgy when i got it but it worked even when i updated, ive had it 6 months. Can i use an old XP key that hasnt been used on the net or a key where there is multiple installations allowed?

[occidentalis]

If you continue using your dodgy copy and can't update it, you can download updates in packaged form at www.9down.com

[coin]

it's worked for ages because the Windows Genuine Advantage tool (check for authenticity and reports back to the microsoft servers) is fairly new and you must have downloaded that when Windows did an autoupdate. I've had problems with it even tho I have an authentic disc, but it was previously installed on another machine.

google "RemoveWGA" perhaps .. or there might be other tools to remove it

That tool only removes the constant notification pop-ups that annoy you saying "you may be a victim" etc, but not the validation check.

the authenticity check tool isn't designed to be uninstalled, but the above app may work.

make sure you don't allow windows to auto-download updates, or you'll end up installing it again.

as mentioned, you can no longer download updates until you install the WGA validation tool

Edited August 12, 2006 by coin

[Maturin]

Like Creach mentioned, now Microsoft use 'Windows Genuine Advantage' tool to detect pirate copies before allowing you to update. I used to use an, ahem, 'acquired copy' for a time until it would no longer allow me to update. Service Pack installations also check for pirate copies these days, damn you Microsoft!

As for the XP key question, I don't know. Perhaps you could change the key in the Registry, but I doubt it would work. I would imagine a re-install would be needed here, but I could be wrong.

As far as I know, keys are checked against Microsoft's huge database of illegitimate keys. Anything found on the net is more than likely already in that database.

With the multiple install question, again sorry, not sure. At work we have the Microsoft Select agreement, which is to say we receive copies of ALL Microsoft software, and the various licence agreements are dependent upon the individual program. For instance the .NET programming software is easily pirated at this stage. Office and the operating systems require you to call Microsoft in order to receive the key prior to installation. Hence, I can no longer 'acquire' the operating systems - damn you Microsoft!

[teonanacatl]

Those stupid pop ups were what was annoying me, that tool removed them for me. Thanks fellas

[devance]

Most software when they say update to the latest version is simply a scam.

What is actually going is the latestest pirated version plus the keygenerator is easlyly gotten.

So they say well theres a updated version which deactivates the present version when downloaded.

------------------------------------------

I always use the legal stuff of course.

[Evil Genius]

Hi teonanacatl,

i spotted the software and some cracks on some bittorrent sites recently. Not sure anymore about the link. Just try a search and you might find some tools which can make your pc get rid of the genuine software.If i would be in your shoes I would think about trying to get rid of the guys who sold that to me too :drool: just joking; keep them alive. some tar and feathers might do it too.

bye EG

Edited August 12, 2006 by Evil Genius

[hebrew]

Solution: buy a legit copy or go hardcore and use a free Linux distribution

yep linux is the best forget the rest

and it is becoming more user friendly too

check out ubuntu i love it

give microsoft the

[Pelinster]

Anyone having this problem, download the latest XP-Antispy from here:

http://www.xp-antispy.org/

Run it, disable WGA logon/check on startup/boot under Network. Disable automatic updates under services.

I use Autopatcher to do all my XP updates. Autopatcher is available here:

http://www.autopatcher.com/

Autopatcher considers the WGA updates as 'optional' so you don't get them automatically like you do with Automatic Updates.

Don't get me wrong, my Windows is a legit installation (well, it may not be because I have changed the mainboard and according to MicroSux you have to buy another license if you change too much hardware) but god knows where this whole WGA bullshit is going to head. Windows is bad enough let alone adding additional services such as WGA which spy on what you are doing on your PC. Chances are in the future WGA will become the means for many software/movie/record companies to get access to your PC so they can spy on you and restrict the way you choose to use their products.

[occidentalis]

well, it may not be because I have changed the mainboard and according to MicroSux you have to buy another license if you change too much hardware

I had the same problem recently - you just have to ring up MS and tell them you upgraded your computer. You get to talk to a really weird voice - I still don't know whether it was a human or a computer.

[Pelinster]

Hahaha..

I once owed a small amount of money to a telco which ended up slipping through the cracks and landing in the hands of a collector. The guy had the weirdest voice I have ever heard. He sounded like he was a cross between someone from India and Dr. SBAITSO (an old synthesized voice app that came with the original Sound Blaster). I found his voice extremely annoying and refused to talk to him. Every time I was rang regarding the debt, it was his annoying voice on the other end. It was almost impossible to understand what he was saying most the time and he frustrated the hell out of me. He always sounded condescending. I used to wonder if it was a computer but as far as I knew, voice synthesizers were much more capable than this guy was.

I don't understand why they would have someone with such an awful accent calling people asking them to pay money they owe!

Perhaps that was their strategy?

Edited August 12, 2006 by Pelinster

[SaBReT00tH]

Chances are in the future WGA will become the means for many software/movie/record companies to get access to your PC so they can spy on you and restrict the way you choose to use their products.

No future, it is included in the latest Windows Genuine Advantage download and you if you have your comp set to download updates automatically you will have NO CHOICE as to what u download and it'll download automatically and you'll be extremely FUCKED. The only way is to turnoff automatic updates for a start. The WGA too not only checks for pirate copies of windows but also pirate software of MANY other companies and then disables that software after reporting the piracy back to Microsoft. Pellinster's links sound good and I think I'll check them out for myself.

In other news, the FBI are now targetting ALL LimeWire users by making a record of all of them and passing this record off to the Recording Industry, yes there's a lot of users and who knows what'll happen but I'd suggest people holdback from using limewire at the moment because they can do mass civil lawsuits/fines. This is the latest intel I have from a computer expert who is an inventor in a high place.

[SaBReT00tH]

dbl posted accidentally

Edited August 12, 2006 by SaBReT00tH

[simon_marklar]

all you had to do was not install the WGA update and you can stiull update without those annoying pop ups.

set your auto update to notify but dont download and dont install. they try and slip it in every now and then but all ya gotta do is untick the box and you're right.

[Maturin]

Just wait till Windows Vista comes along...it's gonna get a lot worse, trust me.

As an IT guy, I hate Microshaft more than most...but I have to concede that they do have the right to stop pirates from getting new updates. And yes, they should have written the software better to begin with to stop the deluge of updates. But then again, there are legions out there who attempt day-in, day-out to overcome the security in Windows. Things change rapidly in the IT world.

Bottom line, you don't like Windows - then use Linux, it's free, it's good. Hebrew's on the money, Ubuntu FTW!

[Ashoka]

Have you guys checked out TinyXp? Pretty cool stuff. I am currently running TinyXp on an old Acer PII laptop, it boots faster than my stationary.

http://thepiratebay.org/search.php?q=tinyxp

[mycomorphosis]

*Edited*

(accidental post!)

Edited August 14, 2006 by mycomorphosis

[Pelinster]

but I have to concede that they do have the right to stop pirates from getting new updates. And yes, they should have written the software better to begin with to stop the deluge of updates. But then again, there are legions out there who attempt day-in, day-out to overcome the security in Windows. Things change rapidly in the IT world.

Bottom line, you don't like Windows - then use Linux, it's free, it's good. Hebrew's on the money, Ubuntu FTW!

What they don't have the right to do is spread the equivalent of a Malware infection, passed off as a 'Critical Update' to their clients receiving automatic updates. The whole idea of critical updates is to prevent the spread of Malware. By spreading an application using Malware techniques via the Critical Update process, they have undermined their entire stance on computer crime.

Windows Genuine Advantage notification tray is a disgrace to Microsoft and just another nail in the coffin holding the withered casualty of the war on peoples freedoms. Microsoft have made Disgusting profits from the Windows XP operating system since it's release and the only victim of the WGA tray is the poor elderly lady who bought a second hand computer not knowing anything about software licenses who now has to fork out for a copy of Windows and probably the fee of a computer store or technician to explain what is going on.

The so called 'Pirates' know how to get around WGA tray, they always will. So it's obvious they are not the targets. The people selling illegal copies of Windows XP are not the target either, they are not the ones being hounded to buy a legal copy of windows. The target is the dollars in the pockets of people who couldn't afford to buy a computer from a legit dealer and got their neighbours teenage kid to set up their computer cheap for them. It is to make them feel guilty, and to convince them to buy a copy of Windows. This coming from Microsoft - obviously they must be going bankrupt from 'counterfeiting'? .

Microsoft Office is a similar disgrace. Their idea of a 'student' product creates such a large rift in between the haves and have nots that they create a need for piracy and counterfeiting. If you couldn't afford a copy of Office for your home computer, would you tell your children that they can't use 'word' to work on their school work, or Powepoint to make a presentation. If you came to me in that situation, I would copy you Office in a heartbeat. Why? I don't know, it just feels like the right thing to do.

I don't condone software piracy, but when it comes to power hungry world dominating corporations like Microsoft, how could you be concerned about their right to hound people who didn't know their copy of Windows was legal. The stupid thing is everyone gets this tool. Even if you have a legit windows in Microsoft's eyes, you still have the WGA tray connecting to Microsoft every time you logon, to check again, and again.

The WGA tray is like a disease. It is similar to a computer virus in the tactics it uses to try and circumvent removal. But like a virus, a new way will always be figured to remove it, and further more a new version of the virus will then be made to get around the solution. It is kind of ironic that Microsoft would distribute their own anti-counterfeiting malware. Considering their OS is the biggest malware whore in the world. It is obvious when they start using Malware's techniques for their own tool that they have no real concern for real security. They want a back-door. A hook to make sure you can't get rid of their mandatory tool.

It is nothing more than another money making tool for Microsoft. It isn't going to fight the act of counterfeiting, it's an all out offensive on the victims of counterfeiting.

*EDIT* Oh and regarding Windows CD Keys, you can change them, you can do it by invoking the activation tool. There is info on how to do it on the net. I have a key generator program here that does it for you.

Microsoft manages their CD Keys the same way most online games do. They use a preliminary algorithm to generate the keys. This algorithm has to be able to generate a multitude if keys way above that of the expected product sales. Then what they do is keep a database of all of the Keys they have actually boxed for sale. For example, it might be something like 1 out of 10,000 possible keys is a legit one. So in theory you can get lucky and generate a key that will 'activate' but I am yet to do it. Chances are if you do, you would be hijacking someone else's key in the process. The only times your key is checked against Microsoft's database is during the product activation when you first install Windows (if you don't have a Corporate Key) and when you go through one of the Windows Genuine Advantage routines.

With regard to the database of illegitimate keys, Service Pack 1 did this. I think it was like 3 keys they were blocking which quite amazingly were being distributed with just about every illegal release of Windows, so anyone who has used a key generator to make their own XP key (even if it wouldn't activate) was able to get around that. If not, you could change your product key to get around that one.

Edited August 14, 2006 by Pelinster

[teonanacatl]

im off to read about linux:)

[Maturin]

Pelinster, I typed up a counter-rant to yours, then deleted it. After programming all day, the last thing I want to do is start a flame war on my favourite forum. I'll agree to disagree.

I will reiterate, Linux is free and very good. (My experience with it is limited, I have to program to a Microsoft audience, so I'm too burned out by the end of the day to play with it much myself). Fellow programmer at work swears by it (Ubuntu).

If you don't like Microsoft Office, try Open Office - again it's free and very good. It's also compatible with Word, Excel and Powerpoint. Don't know about Access, but there are free database app's out there, too. Nobody is forcing anyone to use Microsoft.

Teonanacatl, good luck! There are many forums out there for Linux. You may find some Linux-heads can be a bit arrogant, and all hate Microsoft with a passion. But like all forums you will meet many nice people who are willing to lend a hand, especially if you come across as same.

Edited August 15, 2006 by Maturin

[Pelinster]

Pelinster, I typed up a counter-rant to yours, then deleted it. After programming all day, the last thing I want to do is start a flame war on my favourite forum. I'll agree to disagree.

Sorry? If you have a point to make I'd like to hear it.

Flame war? I am sorry if what I said offends you. I was really expressing my dislike of Microsofts attitude regarding this whole WGA Tray thing, not you man..