[ Outline ] · Standard · Linear+ Microsoft: SP2 Will Not Install on Pirated Copies, May 11th, 2004, 4:33 AM

[Wiener3]

Contrary to the remarks it made to the ComputerTimes, Microsoft now claims that it will not permit users who have obtained Windows XP illegally to upgrade to its latest service release. Instead, the software giant will continue to enforce compliance with its licensing.

In a nutshell, Microsoft group product manager Barry Goffe told ComputerTimes that Windows XP Service Pack 2 would not exclude pirated copies from upgrading, and that it was more important to keep user safe than to be "concerned about the revenue issue."

To clarify its position, a Microsoft spokesperson told BetaNews, "Press reports indicating Windows XP Service Pack 2 will install on pirated or illegal copies of Windows XP are not entirely true. Prior to installing, SP2 will check the OS' product ID (PID) against a list of known pirated PIDs. If a PID is found to be invalid, SP2 will not install."

BetaNews confirmed the accuracy of the spokesperson's statement with a source within the company.

View more at http://www.betanews.com/article.php3?sid=1084264398

[captbics]

Here's another news update on this subject from the Inquirer:

Inquirer story

"Windows XP SP2 cracked already?
By INQUIRER staff: Monday 05 July 2004, 06:28

"Even though Microsoft has not yet released service pack 2 for Windows XP, word reaches the INQ that its anti-piracy features have already been cracked open. Microsoft has claimed that it's introduced features in SP2 which mean that illegal users of stolen or cracked activation codes won't be able to upgrade the OS, which is due for release in August of this year. However, sources in the community are claiming that there's already a keygen for service pack 2 out in the wild that will bypass the security arrangements. Meanwhile, Microsoft is previewing a better version of Windows Update software on its web site, which can be found here <Windows Update>, with appropriate caveats. It requires you to install a fresh piece of Update code, but certainly looks quite a bit cleaner. * WARNING! DON'T INSTALL this stuff unless you're absolutely sure what you're doing. We've already heard from one reader who had to do an XP system restore."

captbics