As a Microsoft Partner CerkiTek recently received a letter explaining the new anti-piracy technologies that are now part of Windows Vista. This is a serious enough issue that Microsoft not only sent all their partners a certified letter, but they are calling them as well. The following is an excerpt from the letter that CerkiTek received:
“Microsoft is committed to helping protect consumers and software resellers from the risks and fraud associated with pirated software. Unfortunately, millions of PCs that ship each year end up with non-genuine Windows software.
Windows Vista software changes the landscape through the integration of built-in anti-piracy technologies that make widespread pirating of the operating system more difficult and less attractive to end-users. Because of the impact to non-genuine users around these important changes, we wanted to ensure we provide all our partners with a base of understanding of how these technologies work. How the technologies work:
- All versions of Windows Vista must be activated with a genuine product key, either by the OEM or the end customer.
- If non-genuine Windows Vista is detected during activation, the system enters a 30-day grace period where some features will be disabled, import updates and downloads denied, and a constant message on the screen will remind the customer that the operating system is non-genuine.
- Following the 30-day grace period, the system will go into a reduced functionality mode until a valid key is entered. In reduced functionality mode, the user will experience:
- A black desktop background with only a browser icon available
- No start menu or task bar
- Limited Web browser availability
Windows Vista also includes anti-piracy technology that detects non-genuine versions on an ongoing basis as updates and enhancements are installed. If non-genuine Windows Vista is detected, the system enters the 30-day grace period with the same experience described above.”
As you can see, Microsoft is taking serious measures to prevent the pirating of Windows Vista. However, this will also impact those who unknowingly bought a non-genuine copy of Windows Vista. If it is discovered that a non-genuine version is being used, serious issues can disrupt your PC’s functionality, causing a very genuine problem. Make sure that the reseller that you are buying from is selling genuine copies of Windows Vista. Be careful and be genuine. Feel free to contact CerkiTek for any questions you might have regarding purchasing Windows Vista or any Microsoft products.
For questions or comments about this post, please send an email to blog@cerkitek.com.
