SP2 patch requires activation
MediaMan
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Source: Windows IT Pro
A service pack 2 patch to help resolve an issue on computers running Windows XP Service Pack 2. Programs that connect to IP addresses in the loopback address range may not work as expected and you may receive an error message indicating you cannot establish a connection requires an activated legitimate copy of WindowsXP to download and install.
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=17d997d2-5034-4bbb-b74d-ad8430a1f7c8&DisplayLang=en
The patch requires the downloader to proceed with a "genuine Microsoft Windows" operating system.
What is genuine Windows validation?
Validation is a short process that enables you to verify that your copy of Windows is genuine. If you request a download of genuine Microsoft software from the Microsoft Download Center, you will be prompted to complete the validation process. You may choose not to validate your software and still obtain your requested download. However, validating now will enable faster access to the Download Center in the future when validation may be required. Following the validation process, you’ll be taken back to the initial download details page to obtain your requested download.
Is Windows Activation required?
The validation process also determines if you have activated your copy of Windows. If you have not activated Windows, you will be asked to enter the 25-character product key printed on the Certificate of Authenticity (COA) you received with your PC or software purchase.
Windows Activation is not required. You may access genuine Windows downloads with either an activated Windows client, or by using a Windows services activation key. Activation is, however, the quickest and easiest way to receive genuine Windows downloads from the Download Center. Activation is also the best way to let Microsoft know that you are a Windows Genuine Advantage customer, and that you are ready to receive the service and support you that expect and deserve from Microsoft.
Everyone have their CD keys handy?
A service pack 2 patch to help resolve an issue on computers running Windows XP Service Pack 2. Programs that connect to IP addresses in the loopback address range may not work as expected and you may receive an error message indicating you cannot establish a connection requires an activated legitimate copy of WindowsXP to download and install.
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=17d997d2-5034-4bbb-b74d-ad8430a1f7c8&DisplayLang=en
The patch requires the downloader to proceed with a "genuine Microsoft Windows" operating system.
What is genuine Windows validation?
Validation is a short process that enables you to verify that your copy of Windows is genuine. If you request a download of genuine Microsoft software from the Microsoft Download Center, you will be prompted to complete the validation process. You may choose not to validate your software and still obtain your requested download. However, validating now will enable faster access to the Download Center in the future when validation may be required. Following the validation process, you’ll be taken back to the initial download details page to obtain your requested download.
Is Windows Activation required?
The validation process also determines if you have activated your copy of Windows. If you have not activated Windows, you will be asked to enter the 25-character product key printed on the Certificate of Authenticity (COA) you received with your PC or software purchase.
Windows Activation is not required. You may access genuine Windows downloads with either an activated Windows client, or by using a Windows services activation key. Activation is, however, the quickest and easiest way to receive genuine Windows downloads from the Download Center. Activation is also the best way to let Microsoft know that you are a Windows Genuine Advantage customer, and that you are ready to receive the service and support you that expect and deserve from Microsoft.
Everyone have their CD keys handy?
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Comments
I clicked no, and got the download immediately....
Or you have an OEM license of standard Windows XP Pro. Having to activate every time is indicative of something wrong. It shouldn't be like that no matter WHAT license you have.
It explains there new Genuine Windows program
They're going after pirate copies by getting people to voluntarily be honest.
Kinda looks like they are gonna turn pirate copies into shareware and nag you to download files. They will still give them to you after the nagging.
It'll become M$ Windows WIFE XP.
Trev
LOL... figures...
1. They encouraged people to have legit versions of Windows-- they still are, but went to step two also. (this is old news)
2. They are phasing in what has been called step two or phase two. This lets folks voluntarily validate thier XP to get updates. They basically are saying that the WILL be requiring validation as an anti-piracy measure, for XP update and security pack downloads. As of yesterday, I chacked a box that had XP Home on it adn then security packed it, went uneventfully and I let it validate what was on the box.
3. TO BE (future, time unspecified) phased in-- required validation for downloading updates and security packs. Expect WindowsUpdate to do an autovalidate. I would expect this within two-three months. They say this is an anti-piracy measure-- and let me tell you piracy is big business IF you can get away with it (I do not try, and do not condone such).
Here's an example with actual numbers in one case:
I got an email, part of OEM System Builder emaillings, that announced that the FBI had seized $80 Billion (US) of counterfeit Software CDs. This included a raid by the FBI on a counterfeiting reproduction lab (in the US) and charging of a total of 11 people for distribution and production of the counterfeit software. This was the result of a TWO YEAR LONG FBI investigation. Software seized was copies of software that had legit versions published by Symantec, Adobe, and Microsoft.
As of 5 months ago, Microsoft was estimating that almost half the XP software being updated was counterfeit (pirated)-- the figure given in precise percentages was 47% pirated software out there (from an anti-piracy reporting center supervisor to me in person as I called in to there). Microsoft, between then and now, has also said they are going to crack down big time on pirated software. So, they said they would, and they are going to. BUT, they have one further major problem-- the algorithm to gen CD Auth Keys has been cracked, has been for some time. The only way they can do a real live check is to check Windows Keys at update time. Let's say you have registered your Windows. They have that code in a database somewhere that they can access just the numbers from (without needing to get names, addresses, etc out of that DB). So, a Windows box calls in, they can do two things-- first, run a quick algorithm checksum. Second, check against the registered numbers DB for a presence check (without needing to know WHO, just IF it is registered). So far, tehy are saying that they will do this and require it at soem time in future, and are guessing by the percentage that refuse how crucial it is to move fast on this.
They have said, and said many times, that legit users will have minimum impact. My guess is that what will happen is this, based on current trends:
They WILL BE using some form of validate and force a registration if you have not done so before you get service pack and other updates for XP. Time frame is being left somewhat nebulous for right now, based on refusals logged and accepted validations. Guess??? By Jan 2005 at latest given current figures (I actually expect it earlier, within 2-3 months). And expect WindowsUpdate to do that ITSELF for most client boxes that are not part of adminned Enterprise LANs or Educational Institution LANs.
Microsoft is also doing something else that will be hittign the press in the next 2 weeks much more fully than it has. Microsoft has told some news folsk that they will NOT be porting the fixes for SP2 and forward to older operating systems-- the tech is not PRESENT in those operating systems to make them reasonably able to accept ports of these security packs.
What are Bill Gates and his employees and contractors doing??? Essentially requiring legit auth keys for XP and for older OS's right now they are saying they will NOT be fixing them as OS patches. Where does this leave 2000??? Unless Microsoft goes BACK to the idea of porting to it, almost SOL. As For Windows Me and earlier versions, looks like those will not be getting much patching. What is Bill doing??? Maximizing profits through enforcement of licensing terms with cross-checks and checking for valid tickets at the entry gates. Hopw can he do tis with earlier Windows versions without majorly rewriting them??? He CAN'T. And Microsoft folks are saying that they will NOT be patching those earlier versions (explixitly included, IE 6.0 SP2 will not be provided for earlier OS's than XP according to latest info I can get). They looked, and it is not at all quickly doable.
Tex