AfterDawn: News

Microsoft monitoring Vista OEM hacks

Microsoft Corp. is well aware of two main hacks for Vista activation, performed by tricking the installed operating system into identifying the computer's source as an OEM. However, the company does not view the hacks as a widescale threat just yet, but said it may take action if it appears that more hackers decide to take breaking Windows Vista OEM activation as challenge.

"Because Windows Vista can't be pirated as easily as Windows XP, it's possible that the increased pressure will result in more interest in efforts to hack the OEM Activation 2.0 implementation," Alex Kochis, a Microsoft senior product manager, wrote in a blog. Two main hacks that the company has identified include either modifying the BIOS of the motherboard to make it "appear" as being OEM sourced or simply fooling the operating system with a software driver installation.



"Our goal isn't to stop every 'mad scientist' that's on a mission to hack Windows. Our goal is to disrupt the business model of organized counterfeiters and protect users from becoming unknown victims. This means focusing on responding to hacks that are scalable and can easily be commercialized," Kochis said. The last time Microsoft faced the hacking of an operating system activation was with Windows XP in 2001.

Source:
The Register

Written by: James Delahunty @ 12 Apr 2007 5:11

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• 25 comments

• SProdigy

  Yeah right! The only way I see this being hard for commercial pirates to capitalize on, is the fact that a few things need disable and a few simple command line procedures, and then you have an OEM Vista copy. Joe Consumer has a hard enough time just turning on their machine, so it may not be an easy "sell" unless the pirates pre-install this on systems and sell those. However, this is a very easy hack for anyone with advanced PC knowledge to install.
  
  I don't see what MS will do to combat it, other than another WGA-type upgrade, which may disable the OS... even for legit users?

  12.4.2007 08:05 #1

• navi1199

  lol they labeling hackers as "mad scientists" maybe its they're over-priced half-assed, DRM-crippled version of windows xp that requires a lot of unnecessary ram making them "mad".

  12.4.2007 08:15 #2

• victrolab

  Dittos, navi1199!!! LOL

  12.4.2007 08:45 #3

• amf0802

  Like it was said before...these hacks really don't pose any threat to the MS bank account. As easy as it is to install Vista as an OEM copy, almost none of the casual computer user population know nothing about it, much less how to do it. Hell, I bet half of the pop. barely know anything about Vista. So I doubt that the couple thousand people (maybe 25,000 max) that actually know enough about computers to find and install this hack will really phase MS. They are too busy spoon feeding everyone else who just blindly follows Bill Gates' every command while he is on his way to the bank.

  12.4.2007 08:57 #4

• webe123

  Originally posted by navi1199:lol they labeling hackers as "mad scientists" maybe its they're over-priced half-assed, DRM-crippled version of windows xp that requires a lot of unnecessary ram making them "mad".
  Windows XP is not perfect, but it uses FAR less memory than that of Vista! Want to talk about DRM? Try TWELVE DIFFERENT KINDS ON VISTA!
  
  I'll take win xp pro over vista anyday of the week!
  
  Let's not even get into how bloated Vista is.
  
  Mabye if Microsoft or someone else comes out with a "lite" version I may try it,but until then I am sticking with Win XP Pro.

  12.4.2007 12:55 #5

• neurokasm

  Quote:Originally posted by navi1199:lol they labeling hackers as "mad scientists" maybe its they're over-priced half-assed, DRM-crippled version of windows xp that requires a lot of unnecessary ram making them "mad".
  Windows XP is not perfect, but it uses FAR less memory than that of Vista! Want to talk about DRM? Try TWELVE DIFFERENT KINDS ON VISTA!
  
  I'll take win xp pro over vista anyday of the week!
  
  Let's not even get into how bloated Vista is.
  
  Mabye if Microsoft or someone else comes out with a "lite" version I may try it,but until then I am sticking with Win XP Pro.word to that

  12.4.2007 13:57 #6

• Moomoo2

  This is fine news, actually.
  
  If you think about it, the majority of computer users have no idea how to do anything on it besides using applications, (internet surfing, IMing, Photoshop, etc.) In a sense, Microsoft is giving the OK to advanced users, yes, "Mad Scientists," and telling us, "Sure, you can use my OS for free, just make sure that your computer illiterate friends pay for it."
  
  I'm happy with that.
  
  (Not that I plan on user vister... Maybe as a secondary OS so I can install Halo 2 PC =D )

  12.4.2007 14:34 #7

• scorpNZ

  Originally posted by amf0802:Like it was said before...these hacks really don't pose any threat to the MS bank account. As easy as it is to install Vista as an OEM copy, almost none of the casual computer user population know nothing about it, much less how to do it. Hell, I bet half of the pop. barely know anything about Vista. So I doubt that the couple thousand people (maybe 25,000 max) that actually know enough about computers to find and install this hack will really phase MS. They are too busy spoon feeding everyone else who just blindly follows Bill Gates' every command while he is on his way to the bank.
  What's this Vista you speak of is it a small car
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  :p

  12.4.2007 17:41 #8

• Xenores

  They will not win lol Hackers will own them in the long run! Oh and I will stick with WinXp till I upgrading or shall I say ever upgrade...

  12.4.2007 17:58 #9

• janrocks

  Micro what? Bill who?
  
  Are we talking about that spotty glasses geek who stole a heap of software off apple in the early 80's here?
  
  Wonder whatever happened to him... [/sarcasm]
  

  
  
  irc.OFTC.net #debian-women .. Stuff Vista.. Stuff Micro$oft!!
  The revolution has happened.. Now we just need to TELL people!

  12.4.2007 18:10 #10

• cousinkix

  VISTA is a piece of crap. I expiramented with earlier betas and the release candidates offered by Micro$oft. No thanks. I don't want their buggy Internet Explorer 7 either. I hate DRM too.
  
  Why waste my time trying to run a cracked OS that didn't impress me in the first place...

  13.4.2007 00:08 #11

• georgeluv

  wow is miscrosoft actualy saying they dont care about hacks as long as it cant be translated into mas production?
  
  microsoft has been getting softer on piracy lately. probably because they know when vista becomes the standard they will rake in the cash from thier hardware deals.

  13.4.2007 06:38 #12

• ALIS123

  Personally i would never buy windows(vista, xp, 2k...). Vista for an example cost's about 250 euros here, way way way too much for a crappy buggy new operatingsystem that doesn't even support all programs and games yet.
  
  Hail all windows hackers and crackers!

  13.4.2007 14:17 #13

• ivymike

  Speaking of Apple, their Mac OS X Tiger operating system has been released for Windows based PC's!

  13.4.2007 17:56 #14

• janrocks

  Back to the old tricks I see.. allowing people to run pirate OS, as long as it's M$.. Ever installed windoze 3.1?? It's really cute, asks for a reg key, but if you don't have one.. never mind, you can register later if you want.
  That's how they killed the paid for competition, nothing to do with being better. it was all about cost.
  
  Strange thing is there are literally hundreds of free operating systems available, I'm using one right now, but the sheeple can't understand that they don't need M$ to do everything they do now, and in the future.
  
  Death to M$.. Join the revolution, throw off your chains and be free!!
  
  http://afterdark13.11.forumer.com/viewto...001cc725ebdbd16
  
  Gotta get 'em all... hehehehe
  

  
  
  irc.OFTC.net #debian-women .. Stuff Vista.. Stuff Micro$oft!!
  The revolution has happened.. Now we just need to TELL people!

  13.4.2007 18:07 #15

• djeazyg

  Most of the people that that say "I will never upgrade to Vista" are the same people that said "I will never upgrade to XP". NOT ALL but MOST will in time. I don't see the big deal really. I run Vista and it seems just fine unless you have an outdated PC but thats just me.

  13.4.2007 18:45 #16

• webe123

  Originally posted by djeazyg:Most of the people that that say "I will never upgrade to Vista" are the same people that said "I will never upgrade to XP". NOT ALL but MOST will in time. I don't see the big deal really. I run Vista and it seems just fine unless you have an outdated PC but thats just me.I never said I WOULD NOT run Vista, I said I would not run it NOW! Big Difference.
  
  In a couple of years, they can have someone slim it down because weather or not you want to admit it, vista is BLOATWARE...period....not to mention the DRM and bugs associated with the software.
  
  So if you are fine with using a piece of bloated OS software... fine with me, just don't expect me or people like me that are happy with xp and see no need to change to use it...at least not in the near future!

  16.4.2007 02:56 #17

• djeazyg

  Quote:Originally posted by djeazyg:Most of the people that that say "I will never upgrade to Vista" are the same people that said "I will never upgrade to XP". NOT ALL but MOST will in time. I don't see the big deal really. I run Vista and it seems just fine unless you have an outdated PC but thats just me.I never said I WOULD NOT run Vista, I said I would not run it NOW! Big Difference.
  
  In a couple of years, they can have someone slim it down because weather or not you want to admit it, vista is BLOATWARE...period....not to mention the DRM and bugs associated with the software.
  
  So if you are fine with using a piece of bloated OS software... fine with me, just don't expect me or people like me that are happy with xp and see no need to change to use it...at least not in the near future!There is always at least one that can't read ....
  You should read my post again because I never said anything like that. I never said "everybody must or will use Vista" nor did I name any names for people I know will change their minds in time. I simply stated an opinion and wrote of things I've seen in the past. I don't give a shit what you do. Throw your PC with XP off an overpass for all I care. Means nothing to me. If my opinion bothers you then skip my posts when you see my name. And the only thing I expect from you is to read what I wrote and make up things so you have something to write about.

  16.4.2007 10:40 #18

• PSTizzle

  My Vista runs sweet on my new comp. No problems at all. Ive had it for a good 1-2 months.

  19.4.2007 17:48 #19

• webe123

  Originally posted by djeazyg:There is always at least one that can't read ....
  You should read my post again because I never said anything like that. I never said "everybody must or will use Vista" nor did I name any names for people I know will change their minds in time. I simply stated an opinion and wrote of things I've seen in the past. I don't give a shit what you do. Throw your PC with XP off an overpass for all I care. Means nothing to me. If my opinion bothers you then skip my posts when you see my name. And the only thing I expect from you is to read what I wrote and make up things so you have something to write about.Are you stupid or do you have a learning disabilty? I never said you were talking about everyone else, idiot! Learn how to read TROLL.
  
  I was talking about ME and MY feelings on this subject. I simply said that I didn't agree with it! Learn how to READ before you go posting what someone DIDN'T say...I SAID...
  
  "I never said I WOULD NOT run Vista, I said I would not run it NOW! Big Difference.
  In a couple of years, they can have someone slim it down because weather or not you want to admit it, vista is BLOATWARE...period....not to mention the DRM and bugs associated with the software.
  So if you are fine with using a piece of bloated OS software... fine with me, just don't expect me or people like me that are happy with xp and see no need to change to use it...at least not in the near future!"
  
  That is EXACTLY what I said! Where does it say I was talking about "everyone else"? I said people LIKE ME or that agreed with my point of view...not everyone else.
  
  YOU were the one that said...."Most of the people that that say "I will never upgrade to Vista" are the same people that said "I will never upgrade to XP". NOT ALL but MOST will in time. I don't see the big deal really. I run Vista and it seems just fine unless you have an outdated PC but thats just me."
  
  It seems YOU were the one talking shit!
  
  And I could care less what some dick like you thinks anyway. Don't LIKE what I said? TOO FUCKING BAD!

  24.4.2007 04:04 #20

• donewell

  Boy!!! it looks like the 13 yr, olds are at it again!!LOL

  24.4.2007 04:37 #21

• webe123

  Originally posted by donewell:Boy!!! it looks like the 13 yr, olds are at it again!!LOLIt also looks like the TROLL which is you, is at it again!

  24.4.2007 06:02 #22

• spydah

  I agree with 99.9% of what was said about vista. Its crappy doesn't make you happy. It crashes like a drunk in the night. And for giggles how about Vista having errors using its own Microsoft made software (Windows Mail) formerly Outlook express for one example. If you like the look of Vista but dont want the crappy baggage try www.crystalxp.net and install their brickopacks. It makes your xp look like vista with out the crap.

  24.4.2007 11:58 #23

• djeazyg

  Whatever dude. You must be a very lonely person. I hope you didn't spend too much time on you little tantrum there because I didn't read the whole thing. I have better things to do. If you feel threatened that easily you should seek some counseling. You really need to grow up and relax. You’ll live longer. It's a web forum not real life.
  
  Oh yea...... and learn to read.

  24.4.2007 17:00 #24

• bubba00

  http://www.warez-bb.org
  
  Come along fun for all free

  26.9.2007 21:07 #25