Slashdot Mirror

← Back to Stories (view on slashdot.org)

Driver Update Can Cause Vista Deactivation

Posted by ryuzaki0 on from the thank-god-we're-all-safe-from-pirates dept.

KrispySausage writes "After weeks of grueling troubleshooting, I've finally had it confirmed by Microsoft Australia and USA — something as small as swapping the video card or updating a device driver can trigger a total Vista deactivation. Put simply, your copy of Windows will stop working with very little notice (three days) and your PC will go into "reduced functionality" mode, where you can't do anything but use the web browser for half an hour."

4 of 875 comments (clear)

  1. This is why I switched by Frostclaw · · Score: 0, Offtopic

    I was tempted to pick up a Mac last fall. I enjoyed using the one at work and much of what I do on the computer doesn't involve gaming. After hearing about the problems with Vista, I went through with the purchase.

    For a couple months, I wondered if it really was the right thing to do. Now, however, I'm pretty much convinced that it was. I installed my old copy of Windows XP on it using Bootcamp so I can play Orange Box and Oblivion and it works quite well. For everything else, OSX just works.

    I'm really surprised at how nice the Mac's default drivers are. My new printer was a snap to set up and network with the other mac in the house. My Logitech gaming mouse just worked the moment I plugged it in. The same can't be said of XP. It really isn't a bad alternative for those who want to try something different and easy to use.

  2. Just how big of a dickhead UD was by ericrost · · Score: 0, Offtopic

    to VOLUNTEERS trying despite his abuse to help him:

    http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=122473

    --
    My Babylon
  3. Heh! by kyshtock · · Score: 0, Offtopic

    According to Apple, you can see your photos and movies and listen to your music WITHOUT EVEN OPENING the files!!! :) That's something!

    --
    Bite my shiny metal... oops... Nevermind!
  4. Re:Fool me once..... by ardle · · Score: 0, Offtopic

    Watch it on YouTube.
    Not funny at all.
    Offtopic?