The timebomb - what really happens

[Termana]

I searched around trying to find out what would happen when the timebomb (beta expiry) comes around. It seems like no one had tried it! So I decided to boot into a Linux live cd and change my date/time to find out (my bios has no option of changing date/time). I tried the method for both, an activated copy and an unactivated copy. The unactivated copy had the wallpaper go black, and the "This copy of Windows is not genuine" watermark appeared (I was still in the 30 grace period before). The activated copy done exactly the same (as well as System Properties not showing the genuine label anymore). I speculated that it may go into the RFM that was with Vista pre-SP1, but it didn't, Windows just became not genuine.

 

[jfar]

Hi, Termana,Thanks for sharing that ,well done.

 

[jimbo45]

This test doesn't work properly since there are all sorts of "Time checks" on the Internet that can check the REAL date / time.

The ONLY way to check this (and I'm sure I posted this on the Forum somewhere -- ages ago however) is to do the following.

(Image your system first so you can restore it again afterwards. )

1) Ensure your computer is DISCONNECTED FROM THE INTERNET AND YOUR ROUTER completely. It has to be a 100% stand alone machine.

2) set the BIOS date and time to say 3 periods ( 3 different tests required ). Boot up each time DISCONNECTED from any Network, or Router.

a) say 1 or 2 days before expiry.
b) just after expiry
c) say 30 days AFTER expiry.

Boot up and check what Windows does.

You'll find out very quickly that it DOES expire on the date in Winver and you'll get reduced functionality at step 2 c).

You MUST use the BIOS date (not Windows system date after boot) and keep the machine isolated from any possible date / time "contamination" via Internet - or your Router - which also has a date / time set by the ISP in it.

Windows 7 has all sorts of "Phoning Home" mechanisms in it so whatever date you set via "System date" this will be checked and overridden if necessary as soon as you connect to the Internet.

This is why the test must be done with the computer isolated from any Network and the date / time set from the BIOS BEFORE WINDOWS IS BOOTED.

Even this in future might not be possible any more as newer BIOS chips could possibly make use of the "International Atomic Clock Radio signal". You'd only then be able to set the Local timezone variation.

AFAIK the BIOS hasn't yet implemented the "International Atomic Clock" feature but it could -- would save the need for a battery in the BIOS and possibly even the RTC (Real time Clock) function as a separate chip.

Cheers
jimbo

 

[Cov]

Interesting.

 

[Termana]

The computer was disconnected from a network at all times during testing, and I used a Linux live cd to change my machines date/time.

 

[jfar]

Good man, well done.

 

[win7]

The computer was disconnected from a network at all times during testing, and I used a Linux live cd to change my machines date/time.

Yes but if you then did connect to the internet it may check.

For example if you have a genuine copy of xp, set your date and time wrong then run the genuine test, it will fail as it checks the date.

 

[mjgaming]

Windows 7 Timebomb

Well will someone make a program that blocks windows seven from connecting to the internet to check it the time is correct. I know that they have a time server and it checks with that but if someone would make a program that would make it block the connection between windows seven and the time server it wouldn't expire as long as you keep the time on your system back like a year!

 

[Azural]

Well will someone make a program that blocks windows seven from connecting to the internet to check it the time is correct. I know that they have a time server and it checks with that but if someone would make a program that would make it block the connection between windows seven and the time server it wouldn't expire as long as you keep the time on your system back like a year!

Anyone with a laptop can probably just disable their NIC to cut the connection.

 

[ollie007]

just pull the ethernet plug to your router/adsl/cable modem LOL

 

[GreyWolf]

Im curious as to the purpose of this thread...

When a copy expires it usually either :

1) Fails to function at all or
2) Functions with very limited functionality.

What else did you expect it to do? Run as normal? Expiry dates exist for a reason, and the end result is very predictable. PLUS why would you want to run pre-release software in 2010 when the real version then exists?

 

[Cov]

Firstly, there are ways to make Windows 7 beta last beyond its expiry date.
It's just a piece of software ... which can be altered like any other software as well.

Secondly, yes, why would anyone run the beta of an OS while the retail version is already out ?

And regarding the purpose, I can only guess that others feel the same like I do.
I'm so excited about Windows 7 that I don't want to lose it, under no circumstances.
Sounds like paranoid, right ? Yeah, I think I am.

 

[ollie007]

not everyone likes to do the dreaded R&R, reformat and reinstall.....

it takes time to backup and then reinstall software...

windows7 install is lessened but it takes 60 min for a laptop

 

[Termana]

i will be buying the final version, i done the test for informative purposes. the same reason i applied orbit's crack to see whether removing the software licensing manager (activation) stops the time bomb (of course i did a fresh install after testing the crack).

 

[Elooder]

I think Termana did a valid test if the computer wasn't connected to the internet. Also, allowing BIOS to synch time with the internet would not eliminate the need for a CMOS battery as that battery also helps the BIOS remember all the other settings, not just time. Now, non-volatile flash memory for bios settings would eliminate the need for a battery, but that could introduce problems in resetting the BIOS settings if a wrong setting stops the computer from POSTing as a simple jumper would not be enough to clear the data recorded in non-volatile flash memory...

 

[Howdr]

I searched around trying to find out what would happen when the timebomb (beta expiry) comes around. It seems like no one had tried it! So I decided to boot into a Linux live cd and change my date/time to find out (my bios has no option of changing date/time). I tried the method for both, an activated copy and an unactivated copy. The unactivated copy had the wallpaper go black, and the "This copy of Windows is not genuine" watermark appeared (I was still in the 30 grace period before). The activated copy done exactly the same (as well as System Properties not showing the genuine label anymore). I speculated that it may go into the RFM that was with Vista pre-SP1, but it didn't, Windows just became not genuine.

Nope its more then that
Areo is gone and a few other functions

you will be able to get your info off but all the things that makes 7 cool will be gone.

no free ride

 

[Termana]

That is what would happen when you become not genuine. the time bomb is apart of the software licensing manager (activation), when it "goes off" you simply become permanately deactivated. orbits crack removes the service. windows has been built so that your only marked as not genuine when certain things happen. the slmgr not responding is not one of those.

 

[alexium]

Does anyone know if there's a way to remove the timebomb from beta builds older than 7000? I really need to get rid of that bomb before March, 1. I didn't even knew about that thing when I installed the OS.
I've searched for solutions, but no luck so far.
If someone can tell me how to avoid expiration I'd be grateful.

 

[valtonray]

you need to get an authentic copy of windows. starting in march it it will shut down every two hours from what i understand this will happen without warning and will not save whatever you are currently working on. then i can't remember exactly when but i think june or july the rc builds will completely cease to work.

 

[Thorsen]

Alexium, Discussing this here is not allowed, and I think the general consensus would be for you to purchase a valid copy of Windows 7 or go back to your previous OS.

The point of the Beta wasn't to give away free software, it was to allow the community to preview it and give input on what was wrong or right or could be better.