Slashdot Mirror

← Back to Stories (view on slashdot.org)

Activating Vista Enterprise Using a Spoofed Server

Posted by Zonk on from the so-close dept.

Ruvim writes "It has been mentioned in previous Slashdot discussions as possibility, and now it became a reality: Information Week reports that a spoofed server has been released that can be used to activate Microsoft's Vista Enterprise versions. It is being made available on several pirate Web sites and spoofs a Key Management Service server, used to activate a large number of copies of Windows Vista in enterprise environments." From the article: "Vista is the first version of Windows that Microsoft requires volume license customers to activate. Besides KMS, the Redmond, Wash. developer also offers Multiple Activation Key, which resembles the retail version's activation process. PCs activated using KMS must reactivate at least once every six months. The MelindaGates hack uses a VMware image of a KMS server to activate -- and keep activated -- a pirated edition of Windows Vista Business. 'Looks like Windows Vista Volume Activation 2.0 is a big bust,' wrote a user identified as 'clank' on the PirateBay Web site Friday. "

9 of 291 comments (clear)

  1. Soviet Microsoft by Jeremiah+Cornelius · · Score: 5, Funny

    In Mysterious Future, Vista Activation Spoofs You!

    --
    "Flyin' in just a sweet place,
    Never been known to fail..."
  2. Re:Short on details by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny
    I'm sure that Microsoft must have thought of that as a possibility.


    And you came into this conclusion because... Microsoft has such a good track record in security?

  3. it boggles the mind - Windows Genuine DISASTER by toby · · Score: 4, Funny

    ...Why anyone would run their business (or hobby) on a system that is subject to DeActivation.

    Defective by Design, indeed.

    --
    you had me at #!
  4. Windows Vista Cracked? by ImaNihilist · · Score: 5, Funny

    Inconceivable!

    1. Re:Windows Vista Cracked? by Jugalator · · Score: 4, Funny

      And once again, before it's widely available. (I don't consider MSDN for their subscribers wide availability, really)

      You'd think this sent a message...

      Now, all that's left is an even more annoying activation system for legit customers.

      --
      Beware: In C++, your friends can see your privates!
    2. Re:Windows Vista Cracked? by RxScram · · Score: 5, Funny

      You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means.

  5. Re:Just Wait... by Iriestx · · Score: 5, Funny

    If your OS choice rests solely on 'which plays WoW' then you probably have bigger issues than I'm qualified to help you with.

  6. "MelindaGates" hack? by XoXus · · Score: 4, Funny

    The "MelindaGates" hack? Is that because people are getting sick of being screwed by Bill?

  7. Re:So what _does_ Vista actually secure? by tkrotchko · · Score: 4, Funny

    "Does Vista protect anything other than media restrictions imposed by producers?"

    Let's just say it protects everything is was designed to protect. To a certain extent.

    --
    You were mistaken. Which is odd, since memory shouldn't be a problem for you