Microsoft Warning Leaked Code Traders

An anonymous reader writes "Broadand Reports notes that Microsoft is now sending snail mail warnings to downloaders of the leaked source code. They're also apparently working in conjunction with several un-named peer to peer vendors to send out legal warnings to any users who search for the leaked code. The notice on Microsoft's website has been updated to reflect the new warnings."

Comments

Re:silly question

[GerritHoll]

Most p2p network have search facilities. The search is done on a server, and the server is able to (and probably already does) log who searches for what. A server hosting a torrent can do the same, but since those are more often volunteers themselves, they probably won't.

Now that the source code is leaked, MS will probably get a lot safer, with all those hackers and crackers exploiting their bugs and thus revealing them ;-)

My message from Microsoft

[Doobian Coedifier]

When the news of the leak broke, I jumped on edonkey and downloaded it. Got this email via my ISP a couple days later, I've since deleted the code (it's not that interesting to me anyway. Bunch of BSD code in there tho...)

Microsoft Corporation
One Microsoft Way Redmond, WA 98052
14 Feb 2004 18:45:44 GMT
URGENT/IMMEDIATE ATTENTION REQUIRED VIA ELECTRONIC MAIL
Re: NOTICE OF POTENTIAL UNLAWFUL DISTRIBUTION OF MICROSOFT SOURCE CODE AT: [my IP address]
Date of Infringement: Detail below.

Dear [my ISP]: We have received information that one of your users as identified above by the SITE/URL [my IP address] may have engaged in the unlawful distribution of Microsoft's source code for Windows 2000, and/or Windows NT4, by distributing and offering for download these source code files via a peer-to-peer network. Since you own this IP address, we request that you take appropriate action against the account holder under your Abuse Policy/Terms of Service Agreement. We also kindly request that you forward this notice promptly to the user of the IP address listed above at the time and date stated.

To the user at [my IP address]: The unauthorized copying and distribution of Microsoft's protected source code is a violation of both civil and criminal copyright and trade secret laws. If you have downloaded and are making the source code available for downloading by others, you are violating Microsoft's rights, and could be subject to severe civil and criminal penalties. Microsoft demands that you immediately (1) cease making Microsoft's source code available or otherwise distributing it, (2) destroy any and all copies you may have in your possession, and (3) provide us any and all information about how you came into possession of this code. Microsoft takes these issues very seriously, and will pursue legal action against individuals who take part in the proliferation of it source code. We look forward to your prompt cooperation. Should you need to contact me, I can be reached at the address above or at someguy@microsoft.com.
Very truly yours,

Initial Infringement Timestamp: 14 Feb 2004 05:01:23 GMT
Recent Infringement Timestamp: 14 Feb 2004 05:01:23 GMT

Re:Traders or Traitors?

[stratjakt]

Plenty of folks have access to Windows source, I know for a fact that these guys do, they ship their fault tolerant boxes with a heavily customized version of Windows.

Plenty of other vendors do, too. Plus plenty of third party developers who work on windows. Not every component in there was developed in house, after all. I remember a time when RealPlayer was part of the package, Real must have had some source back then.

Not Just P2P

[kaschei]

I got two calls yesterday from my on-campus network administrator's office asking to speak to my room mate. This is odd because I believe he downloaded it through a DC++ connection, as he seems to avoid bittorrent for some reason. All they asked was that he removed the source from his computer, I don't think there were any other consequences. Anyone else have a similar experience?

Re:I'm skeptical

[Anonymous Coward]

you are completely uninformed. It is illegal to:

1. Distribute it
2. Use parts of it as your own

It is not illegal to:

1. Possess a copy of it
2. Read the code
3. Think about what you have read
4. Talk about what you have read

Re:Traders or Traitors?

[JoeBuck]

The leak came from a Microsoft partner, Mainsoft. The partner's access to Microsoft source was given long before Microsoft started their "shared source" program.

BetaNews has the details.