Black screens for pirate copies of Windows

Discussion in 'News' started by Kitkatninja, Aug 29, 2008.

  1. Kitkatninja
    Highly Decorated Member Award 500 Likes Award

    Kitkatninja aka me, myself & I Moderator

    11,143
    559
    383
    Aug 29, 2008 #1

    Black screens for pirate copies of Windows


    Owners of non-genuine copies of Windows XP will get a black background instead of their wallpaper every hour, as well as a translucent watermark

    In a bid to deter people from using pirate versions of Windows, Microsoft is now updating its Windows Genuine Advantage (WGA) tool to introduce a few uncomfortable niggles for users of pirated versions of Windows.

    On the WGA blog, Microsoft explains that if a copy of Windows fails the validation process ‘users will discover on their next logon that their desktop has changed to a plain black background from whatever was there previously.’ You’ll be able to change the background back to whatever you want, but it will revert to a black screen again after an hour. As well as this, copies of Windows deemed to not be genuine will also have a translucent watermark above the system tray, which Microsoft calls a ‘persistent desktop notification.’

    Read the whole article here.

    -Ken
     
    Certifications: MSc, PGDip, PGCert, BSc, HNC, LCGI, MBCS CITP, MCP, MCSA, MCSE, MCE, A+, N+, S+, Server+
    WIP: MSc Cyber Security
porta2_tags:

Comments

  • Page 2 of 2
    1. Mr.Cheeks
      Mr.Cheeks
      ...and Freddy isn't here! :blink
      Aug 30, 2008
      #21
    2. BosonMichael
      BosonMichael
      Not doubting you, but are you certain that they are legit OEM installs that nobody else has used? Unless you were the one who slapped the fresh OEM sticker on the box, how can anyone be absolutely certain that nobody else has used that key, ya know? :)

      Why bother cracking it? Just so they can have a desktop? :biggrin I can see cracking it if it disabled functionality... but turning a desktop black is a weeeeeeak protection measure. :D
      Aug 31, 2008
      #22
    3. Modey
      Modey
      Absolutely certain that nothing shady went on with the keys once they were in place in the peoples houses but I can't vouch for what happened from manufacture to retail. They were off the shelf brand new systems though ...
      Aug 31, 2008
      #23
    4. BosonMichael
      BosonMichael
      They shoulda been fine, then. I've heard of scattered problems of things happening when activation servers were unavailable... but those stories are few and far between... hmm, not sure what mighta caused that.

      In any case, those sort of false positives are why people are against locking pirates down. Still, isn't protection of intellectual property worth the small percentage of false positives? Nothing's perfect...
      Sep 1, 2008
      #24
    Page 2 of 2

    Share This Page

Remove Advertisement - Premium Membership
  1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
    By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
    Accept Learn More...