Microsoft Allows Pirates to Install XP SP2

mkraft writes "On the tail of the previously asked question on whether Microsoft should support pirated copies of XP, comes the answer. According to Computer Times, Microsoft will allow SP2 to be installed on any copy of Windows XP including copies with invalid license keys. Microsoft decided "that even if someone has pirated copy of Windows, it is more important to keep him safe than it is to be concerned about the revenue issue." There is no news of whether or not pirated copies will be allowed access to the Windows Update site afterwards or just allowed to install SP2."

Comments

In other news,

[karmaflux]

sixty percent of software priates STILL won't install it, because they're white-knuckling their tinfoil hats screaming IT'S A TRAP! so loud that Admiral Ackbar thinks he hears an echo.

ooh

[nomadic]

I can't wait to see how people here try to twist this into something malevolent on MS' part. This is gonna be some mighty cool logical contortionism...

It's a conspiracy!!!!

[dmacdonald]

If they really wanted to keep u ssafe, they wouldn't let us install windows AT ALL. ;)

Shiver me timbers!

[Henrik S. Hansen]

Better get me one of those scurvin' patches for me eye.

But what about me land-lubbin' mateys? Guess the scallywagin' Microsoft haven't thought about them.

Arrrr, who cares about them anyway? Pass the grog, ye son of a biscuit eater!

250 MB service pack? Eeek

[nurb432]

My god, with 250mb i could create an entire operating environment...

Something is wrong with that, being as the SP is mostly bug fixes.. ( not all, but mostly )

Will not be practical for dialup users, and they will have to pay for the ( by then late ) updates..

And give Microsoft their home address for future 'license verification sweeps'... how convenient...

Re:Great

[Daneurysm]

Actually, SP1 doesn't check the validity of the license. It simply denies those who have a CD key starting with "FCKGW".

I cant be the only one who got a major kick out of that every time i saw it, can I?

Re:There has to be an alternative motive here...

[PoignardSanglant]

I've never seen a case go to cout.

Me either. Also, I've never seen a case come from cin. I have, however, seen a case inside of a switch.

Easy way to get a legit Volume Licence Key

[CdBee]

Someone I know *ahem* downloaded an XP Pro ISO from KaZaA (took nearly 2 weeks on modem) then used WinISO to slipstream it with the Service Pack 1 full installer

This individual was going to try and google a key but then went into his local bank (Barclays) to arrange a loan for a car, and noticed that the Dell PC sitting on the adviser's desk had the usual Dell label on it, with serial numbers for Windows XP and 2000 on it....

And there was a pile of complimentary notepads and a pen on the desk. And the adviser was off getting some forms.

Priceless...