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Microsoft Security Updates for Pirated Windows?
zachlipton writes "DSL Reports has an interesting question posted: should users with pirated copies of Windows be allowed to download security updates, such as for Sasser? Apparently, without a valid CD key, users cannot download these updates. Do they get what they deserve, or should they be allowed these updates through Windows Update in order to reduce the impact of these worms on the rest of the net? Should security updates only for worms be made available to pirated users, or also updates for issues that while not posing a risk to other internet users, would open the pirate up to a security hole?"
Bull. I update my pirate copies of XP all of the time.
I've seen several "corporate" XP cds floating around, as well as some beta versions which contain all XP functionality once patched through Windows Update.
Microsoft disables some CD keys already which are known to be pirated, but I wonder how many valid corporate group cd key installations there are which have been pirated. In that case, it really wouldn't be feasible for MS to disable that cd key, as it would disable that entire company, etc.
"Sed Quis Custodiet Ipsos Custodes?" -Juvenal
They can still download security updates from download area. You don't have to use windowsupdate.com to get updates. Go to technical bulletins, select one that you want to patch, download stand-alone fix.
MSDOS: 20+ years without remote hole in the default install
If they key started with FCKGW then it is considered "Invalid". There were a few other keys that were considered Invalid too. Attempting to install SP1 with one of these keys would pop up a message saying that there's a license problem.
FCKGW-... being they key that was commonly distributed with the first major pirate release of XP (Devil's own).
Corporate versions are easy to find. I use one at work constantly. Although we have a valid license for every system (who knows when the BSA may come knocking), I keep it for upgrades to the systems or re-installs. Wasting my time for 1/2 hour to get a new registration number is just not productive.
Funny thing about that: although Microsoft claims that they will allow 2 (or 3??) automatic registrations over the 'net without calling, I have found that not to be the case. Since XP was released, reg process for win2k or office2k always reports server down or too busy and then I must call. I haven't gotten any flack from the flunkies passing out reg numbers, but the 1/2 hour wasted is a pain. Microsoft has forced me to pirate a copy of their software to use valid licenses.
Who modded this flamebait tripe as "insightful"?
Perhaps you were ignorant of the fact, but:
- according to the Business Software Alliance.I wiped the XP offering from this box too (with Debian). So here's my useless key for you to enjoy:
XVJW8-DB93F-2R2XD-XGB3D-3788D
To illustrate how crap things have become with preinstalled doze, my Sony didn't even come with a CD!