[ 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

[Krip730]

I attened a Microsoft Service Pack 2 Oem System Builders Conference at Crown Palladium on June 28th. The session went for a few hours and it was informative at most. AMD were hand in hand with MS at this, and there wasn't an Intel sign or slogan to be seen. As we now understand SP2 is going to be a large step in home user's security and assisting those who are not as IT equiped as others. The new features and personal firewall etc has been revamped and a number of new enhancements to the OS, including the ability to utilise some of the new AMD64's Hardware Buffer zone. All in all it is a good step towards less computers being vulnerable. Once SP2 is installed you will be plagued to update and update, if you wish to be rid of these little popups then you will manually need to go back and turn them off as saying no once it will no longer just assume that is your future practice.


Enjoy ;)

- Joel