"A genuine crack for Windows Vista has just been released by pirate group Pantheon, which allows a pirated, non-activated installation of Vista (Home Basic/Premium and Ultimate) to be properly activated and made fully-operational. Unlike cracks which have been floating around since Vista RTM was released in late November, this crack doesn't simply get around product activation with beta activation files or timestop cracks - it actually makes use of the activation process."
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Member since:2006-01-12
They actually got owned because they made system that would be good for even Mr. BigMac of Year. So main problem is that instead of asking OEMs to put simple sticker with 25-digit code with there products and ask customers to use it they went American way and made it simple enough to average BigMac eater to use it. I think easiest way for Microsoft would be just invalidate all OEM numbers, it would hurt those who actually bought the product but it would also stop this crack. Surely asking people to actually type that code would be just too much for the fatty fingers.
No sympathy for Microsoft, you blowed it yourself.
Member since:2006-09-26
Member since:2005-11-10
I just wonder how many millions of dollars spent on developing Vista's activation protection have now just been wasted.
Same with AACS, execpt that's probably closer to Billions.
The cost of DRM is passed onto the consumer, but it has always proven to be completely wasted money.
Member since:2007-02-22
Agreed.
However, even if Vista didn't get cracked and DRM was effective, product activation and Windows Genuine Advantage are wasted money because it ultimately drives customers away from Microsoft's products.
If anything, cracking Vista will only help Microsoft because, like others here have said, it keeps its userbase from looking for alternatives. Keeping pirates away from the competition only reinforces Windows' ubiquity, which encourages legitmate customers and OEMs to invest in Vista.
Edited 2007-03-04 17:42
Member since:
2005-07-06
So in other words, Microsoft just got owned by their own defective design of the hated activation process? If that's not poetic, I don't know what is. :-)