Windows Vista Activation Changes
May 21st, 2007 by JeffHere at Austin Lane Technologies, Inc., we recently got a notice from Microsoft about the changes they have made to Windows Vista Activation. As is normal for Microsoft, they are notifying their users about these changes that only serve to protect Microsoft Windows Vista from piracy. It seems as long as their are software vendors around that try to make money by selling their software, then there will always be tools that these companies use to protect their software from being stolen.
The first thing you should be aware of about Windows Vista is its Activation. According to Microsoft:
“Activation: In the first 30 days of use, all new installations of Windows Vista must be activated by the OEM, through Windows Vista volume licensing technologies, or by the end customer. If Windows Vista is not activated in the first 30 days, the system will operate in a reduced functionality mode. “
Another thing to be aware of with Windows Vista, is that Microsoft is expanding their validation efforts beyond their Windows Genuine Advantage program. Again, according to Microsoft:
“Validation: In order to protect users from being victimized by counterfeit software, and to protect Microsoft’s intellectual property, Windows Vista includes ongoing validation. Through validation, if non-genuine Windows Vista is detected (including non-genuine product keys, cracked or tampered code) the system enters a 30-day grace period. During this time Windows Aero and ReadyBoost features are disabled, and Windows Defender and Windows Update will have limited capabilities (optional updates will not be available through Windows Update, and Windows Defender will only remove critical and severe threats). In addition, during this grace period, a message will appear repeatedly, encouraging the user to take the steps necessary to activate with a genuine product key in order to regain the full value of Windows Vista and to prevent the system from going into a reduced functionality mode.”
Lastly, everyone should understand what Reduced Funtionality Mode is. This is a mode that Windows Vista can be put in that will make it miserable enough to use Windows Vista that you will want to ensure that you are using Genuine Microsoft Software. According to Microsoft:
“Reduced Functionality: After the repeated prompts above, and if Windows Vista is not activated in the 30-day grace period, the system will operate in a reduced functionality state until a genuine product key is used for activation. In this reduced state, the user will have access to their files and applications, and access to the Internet. However, the desktop will be simplified with only a browser (no Start Menu or Task Bar) and Windows Vista usage will be limited to one hour sessions, at which time the user is forced to log off. Additionally, users may boot the system in Safe Mode in order to access or back-up personal data and applications.”
In all fairness to Microsoft, they are a company that is trying to make a profit. When people steal their software through piracy, it eats into Microsoft’s revenue, and prompts additional measures like these to stop the people that break the law and licensing agreements. To find out more about Windows Vista Activation, please visit Genuine Windows Vista: Software Protection Platform. If you know anyone that is pirating software, please visit the Business Software Alliance web site to find out more information.