Recently, Microsoft has started recommending a Genuine Windows check on some of its recommended downloads but the process was not mandatory. However, Microsoft has finally decided to change its decision that would prevent Pirate Windows XP users from downloading any updates apart from major critical updates.
It was not long beforehand that Microsoft done a similar Windows product key check when users would do a Windows-Update in its new Windows Update site following the second beta release of Windows XP service pack 2. However in that case, pirate XP users could neither get the updates in that site let alone see what updates are required or recommended for their OS.
According to Microsoft in Dublin, their aim is to make the scheme mandatory in China to start with since the country is overwhelmed with pirate Windows XP CDs and then move throughout Europe early next year. Once mandatory, users that fail the test are told to contact their reseller, fill out a piracy report form or pay for a licensed copy of their OS. According to Microsoft, the genuine test process is totally anonymous and only the user's hardware, software details along with their Windows product key and Internet IP are collected. GristyMcFisty used our news submit to send in the following news.
|
Then, Microsoft said its Genuine Advantage scheme would prevent pirated copies of XP from downloading anything but the most critical downloads. Owners of pirated keys in Western Europe tell the INQUIRER that scheme has now kicked in. What this means, for example, is that if you upgrade the Media Player to version 10, and you're using a pirated copy of XP, you'll lose functionality on your machine. Microsoft said in Dublin that it would launch the scheme in China at the end of October, and throughout Europe early next year. But it appears to have implemented it early. Pirate users are being invited to either validate their copies of the operating system, or to download and pay for a full version of Windows XP. |
At the time of checking here, I see that there are a few updates on Microsoft's site recommending a Windows Update check when the user attempts to download those given updates. These updates are marked with a circled right arrow beside them:
When an update is clicked, the usual screen appears giving a small description of the product, however with the 'Download' button replaced with a 'Continue' button to proceed to the Genuine Windows check:
When the Continue button is clicked, it proceeds to a screen explaining the process and a choice to perform the check or to proceed to the download without doing the check:
If the first option is ticked, the next screen asks if a Genuine Windows check ActiveX control can be installed. Once this is installed the test may ask for the user to key in their 25-key code:
Now with fingers crossed that it passes, it will proceed to the screen mentioning "Genuine Microsoft Software - Thank you for participating. Please click Download to get the download":
Source: The Inquirer
