Microsoft Warns Users who uses the leaked OEM key.

[Crypto]

Windows 7 OEM Product Key Leak

Yesterday we were alerted to reports of a leak of a special product key issued to an OEM partner of ours. The key is for use with Windows 7 Ultimate RTM product that is meant to be pre-installed by the OEM on new PCs to be shipped later this year. As such, the use of this key requires having a PC from the manufacturer it was issued to. We've worked with that manufacturer so that customers who purchase genuine copies of Windows 7 from this manufacturer will experience no issues validating their copy of Windows 7. At the same time we will seek to alert customers who are using the leaked key that they are running a non-genuine copy of Windows. It's important to note that no PCs will be sold that will use this key.

Windows 7 already includesan improved ability to detect hacks, also known as activation exploits, and alert customers who are using a pirated copy. There is a hack that is said to enable, when paired with the leaked key, a system to install and use a copy of Windows 7 Ultimate. Both the hack and the key are indications that a copy of Windows may not be genuine. The Windows Activation Technologies included in Windows 7 are designed to handle situations such as this one, and customers using these tools and methods should expect Windows to detect them.

Our primary goal is to protect users from becoming unknowing victims, because customers who use pirated software are at greater risk of being exposed to malware as well as identity theft. Someone asked me recently - and I think it's worth noting here -- whether we treat all exploits equally in responding to new ones we see. Our objective isn't to stop every "mad scientist" that's out there from dabbling; our aim is to protect our customers from commercialized counterfeit software that impacts our customers' confidence in knowing they got what they paid for. That will continue to be our focus as we continue to evolve our anti-piracy platforms, and respond to new threats that we see emerge in the future.


Source : Genuine Windows Blog

 

[JimClass]

Well I'm happy I didn't board that ship.

 

[pparks1]

Being a fan of open source operating systems and open source software....but also a professional who has worked for commercial software companies my entire life gives me a unique perspective on piracy.

The way I look at things is that there are "free" alternatives to many of the things that people use regularly. A Linux operating system and Open Office come to mind. However, people will often gripe that neither Linux, nor Open Office, are good enough of have enough functionality to beat out the other products. And I am 100% perfectly fine with that attitude, as long as you have paid the licensing costs associated for both Microsoft Windows and Microsoft Office. If at the end of the day, after paying $$$$'s for your software, you feel it's better than the free alternatives...then great. No qualms whatsoever. But don't bag on Linux or free software alternatives when you aren't willing or able to pay for the commercial apps and OS's that you are using.

 

[Exodus]

Im at college at the minute and I listen to people in computing and stuff and they dont have basic programs like powerpoint and sometimes I think thats its pretty stupid that people are being taught to use programs that they cant access at home OR they cant open up necessary files to help them learn.

I think for people in education without a proper income then Microsoft and all the other companies should do something about the price.

 

[Frostbite]

Im at college at the minute and I listen to people in computing and stuff and they dont have basic programs like powerpoint and sometimes I think thats its pretty stupid that people are being taught to use programs that they cant access at home OR they cant open up necessary files to help them learn.

I think for people in education without a proper income then Microsoft and all the other companies should do something about the price.

You can get quite cheap versions of Windows and Office if your in education. Say £35 for Microsoft Office Enterprise 2007

 

[Frostbite]

Its more like 90% cheaper on MS products in education. Check out the links on here. Microsoft Office Discount for Students - The Ultimate Steal

 

[Exodus]

Ah that is pretty good, like I say I wasnt aware of it.

 

[3r1c]

They made a good point about this is a special key (it activates all OEMs not just one as usual) so you stick out like a sore thumb using it.
It wont be sold on PCs.

 

[Robearl2x]

Well I'm happy I didn't board that ship.

Ditto.

This is pretty amazing, especially considering the consumer release date isn't slated until Oct. 22 :shock::shock:

 

[iseeuu]

Im at college at the minute and I listen to people in computing and stuff and they dont have basic programs like powerpoint and sometimes I think thats its pretty stupid that people are being taught to use programs that they cant access at home OR they cant open up necessary files to help them learn.

I had a similar experience at a USA State run University. My question is why don't they have classes on software like Open Office? You can open all of MS office suite files with Open Office and it is free to use, you don't have to pirate it.

The University faculty said they were prepairing students to work in the field and most all companies used MS software, so that is what they taught. I wonder how many companies would use software like Open Office if it was taught at Universities?

 

[wwoods]

I had a similar experience at a USA State run University. My question is why don't they have classes on software like Open Office? You can open all of MS office suite files with Open Office and it is free to use, you don't have to pirate it.

The University faculty said they were prepairing students to work in the field and most all companies used MS software, so that is what they taught. I wonder how many companies would use software like Open Office if it was taught at Universities?

Probably......5 at most

 

[akramh]

I have a feeling microsoft leaked this key intensionally, in order to find out who will use it and then maybe take some action based on that, they could use it to collect information on software piracy. BTW the key leaked via PCBETA.. the chiness forum

 

[dan7777]

I've just got myself a ban

 

[Brand]

Im at college at the minute and I listen to people in computing and stuff and they dont have basic programs like powerpoint and sometimes I think thats its pretty stupid that people are being taught to use programs that they cant access at home OR they cant open up necessary files to help them learn.

I think for people in education without a proper income then Microsoft and all the other companies should do something about the price.

DreamSpark, MSDNAA, Ultimate Steal, and some other edu promo, you say that Microsoft didn't do something?

 

[Antonvn]

I think they are discouraging people from using illegal software by means of coming up with other (good) ideas, other than just basically saying we want you to buy our software.

 

[Mani]

Have you guys seen the pricing of Win7 Ultimate?

It will cost about £54 for US customers to upgrade to Win7,

Howerever,

It will cost over £120 (over twice as much) for UK customers to upgrade to Win7.

Microsoft declined to comment on the price difference. But I and many others know why this is happening, it's called rip-off britain (google this phrase!).

I don't think Microsoft are helping themselves when they exploit UK customers like this, this has been acknowledged by many journalists/etc...

 

[septprince]

   Warning

Do not discuss about illegal way of activation.
You dont want to get banned..

 

[ChrisNYC]

Don't get it.
Leaked keys are just that, leaked keys. Blame it on Lenovo for having incompetent employees wanting some to be famous online for a few days.
Now the guy who did the hack is pretty smart.
But to me, microsoft will just blacklist it and call it a day. Afterall, they can give them another key. If they found out that was leaked as well then goodbye lenovo. Maybe Lenovo should try mac osx

 

[ChrisNYC]

hhaha you guys are funny.
Jusst buy the family pack and it will be much cheaper than buying 1 by 1. Except if you bought from microcenter, they had a deal knocking $25 off any software the sameday w7 pre-orders came out. Looks like someone got fired afterwards, too.

 

[Dinesh]

Well there was no need to even bother using the activation crack then if you planned on buying it as you could just re-arm until it's released.

I m not in U.S. Windows 7 will not be available here until November. Only few stores will have it initially.