New strategy
It's just Micro$ofts new scheme trying to prevent piracy.
They did also change their EULA:
"You agree that in order to protect the integrity of content and software protected by digital rights management ('Secure Content'), Microsoft may provide security related updates to the OS Components that will be automatically downloaded onto your computer. These security related updates may disable your ability to copy and/or play Secure Content and use other software on your computer. If we provide such a security update, we will use reasonable efforts to post notices on a web site explaining the update."
"By using these features, you explicitly authorize Microsoft or its designated agent to access and utilize the necessary information for updating purposes. Microsoft may use this information solely to improve our products or to provide customized services or technologies to you. Microsoft may disclose this information to others, but not in a form that personally identifies you.
"The OS Product or OS Components contain components that enable and facilitate the use of certain Internet-based services. You acknowledge and agree that Microsoft may automatically check the version of the OS Product and/or its components that you are utilizing and may provide upgrades or fixes to the OS Product that will be automatically downloaded to your computer."
If you search the forum I think this is covered before, but the new service packs will contain blacklisted serials that will "bomb" your windows....
"Service Pack 1 for Windows XP will contain fixes to cracks used by software pirates to circumvent activation," the company said. "Installations of Windows XP patched by a crack will require activation after SP1 has been installed."
"At the very least, the company has created a new mechanism for battling leaked keys that will likely make it more difficult for software pirates.
Because Windows Update will also be checking keys after October 2nd, Microsoft can deny access to updates even if SP1 has been successfully installed on a system whose key is subsequently found to be abused. "
Read the full story at _http://www.newsfactor.com/perl/story/19188.html
