Microsoft forces Windows validation for extras & some updates

While the game industry has always been keen in trying all sorts of disc anti-piracy measures to prevent copies of their CD/DVD media from being made, Microsoft on the other hand happily allows backup copies to be made with even the most basic CD copying software, but instead relies  on a combination of product activation and key validation to verify they are using genuine software.  Although product activation has been around since Windows XP first debuted, up until recently, users could get around this by using counterfeit corporate keys published on pirate software websites as well as corporate key generators as these keys not require activation.  However, Microsoft’s update site started checking for counterfeit keys a while back and they recommended performing Windows Genuine Advantage check per downloading non-critical updates.

Now Microsoft has updated their anti-piracy programme such that it is mandatory to do a validation check to download non-critical software.  The validation check utility checks for blacklisted keys and now even checks for keys that have not been issued by Microsoft.  Other checks include validating software authorisation keys such as from an activation (depends on OS) and system hardware.  However, unlike its previous validation check, this updated version no longer asks the user to key in their product ID.  In an aim to cut back on the number of PCs being exploited with viruses and worms (such as to relay spam), Microsoft will continue to offer critical patches via the Windows Update utility or from Microsoft’s download site to those with an invalid OS key.  If you copy, please show your appreciation by linking back to CDFreaks.
If the validation check fails when a consumer tries downloading a non-critical update or enters the Windows Update website, the consumer is given two options:  1 – Fill out a piracy report and send Microsoft a proof of purchase including the counterfeit media to receive a free genuine replacement of Windows XP Home/Professional.  2 – Just fill in a piracy report and get a genuine replacement OS for half price.

Source: Globetechnology