Windows Vista : Latest Update KB940510 to Stop pirates
Microsoft has announced an update which will detect two cracks commonly used to activate pirated copies of the operating system. One of the cracks refered to as Grace Timer, extended Vista's activation grace period, upto 2099. The other called as OEM BIOS, modified system files and the PC's BIOS to mimic the product activation done by computer-makers at the factory. If the sniffer detects an activation hack, it will pop up a warning that includes a link to the removal tool. Although SP1 will block these two cracks, "it's important to note that this update does not disable the exploits it finds," says Alex Kochis "It simply alerts customers that exploits exist." However, MS will release a separate crack-removal tool at the same time that it rolls out the detection update.
Update for Windows Vista (KB940510)
Download size: 3.0 MB
You may need to restart your computer for this update to take effect.
Update type: Important
Install this update to enable Windows Vista to detect software that bypasses product activation and interferes with normal Windows operation.
More information:
http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkID=99255
Help and Support:
http://support.microsoft.com
Its actually does turn out to be a main update, and no hidden installation.I think even if you try to cancel/hide the update it does get installed automatically.I hope pirates do not find a way, but if they do, that would be no surprise!
What happens after downloading the update (KB940510)?
It will only detects OEM BIOS and Grace Timer exploits and remove them.
When the update will be installed, no functionality of the system will be affected. If it detects and exploits you will be provided a link that would describes how you can remove the exploits. Once the exploits are removed you will be asked to activate your Windows copy with a valid product key. If you don’t want to remove the exploit then Windows may disable the exploits and then ask you activate Windows using a valid product key (surely there would be a nag screen). This update has no uninstaller.
Check out these screen shots to know how it works:(Click to Enlarge)
I think the hackers will be able to make Windows Vista a freeware again....You might me intrested here : Windows Vista WGA Changes and SP1 Changelog
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1 comment.
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#1. March 1st, 2008, at 4:37 PM.
After installing this upgrade and BEFORE restart the computer, search for “wgaer_m*”. You will find two files. Delete them, then reboot and nothing will happen :-)