Hack Upgrades XP Home to XP Pro Lite

SpinnerSpinner Birmingham, UK
edited June 2005 in Science & Tech
German computer magazine C'T claims that by changing only 2 bytes from the file setupreg.hiv in Windows's XP Home, users can get access to certain functions only available in Windows XP Professional, such as Remote Desktop, User management and enhanced security features.
Edited for legality.
Source: The Register

Comments

  • mmonninmmonnin Centreville, VA
    edited June 2005
    Should we be posting how to hack?
  • RewiredRewired Member
    edited June 2005
    mmonnin wrote:
    Should we be posting how to hack?
    I don't see why not though I don't know ShortMedia's official policies. If we interchange the word hack with modification it sounds politer. Has anyone confirmed this hack works?
  • ThraxThrax 🐌 Austin, TX Icrontian
    edited June 2005
    mmonnin wrote:
    Should we be posting how to hack?

    Does this one violate any law?
  • Private_SnoballPrivate_Snoball Dover AFB, DE, USA
    edited June 2005
    *Disclaimer: This information is for knowledge purposes only. Short-Media.com does not hold responsibility for any individuals attempting to use the hack.

    There, problem solved :)
  • beregidberegid
    edited June 2005
    ah...i feel better now. i don't imagine its any secret that some users here either hack, or circumvent software licensing. that was just an informative post. never told ya to go do it. and if you do, don't brag about it. ;)
  • GargGarg Purveyor of Lincoln Nightmares Icrontian
    edited June 2005
    To me, it's like unlocking extra pipes on graphics cards. The manufacturer didn't intend it, but it's hardly illegal.
  • QCHQCH Ancient Guru Chicago Area - USA Icrontian
    edited June 2005
    I'm mixed on theis "Crack" being legal. If the ability is there just disabled, and you own the licence, then I feel it's OK. It's not like you need to steal something and cludge it into the WinXP Home to get it to work.
  • SpinnerSpinner Birmingham, UK
    edited June 2005
    The hack isn't and can't be used for illegal purposes and it probably doesn't even breach the Microsoft Licence Agreement. But to be fair, I've never read it all the way through. Bill might have just put something in there covering this sort of thing just to annoy people. ;)

    At the end of the day, it's your software, you own the contents of the disk, if you want to 'hack' it up and modify it, then that's your choice. It's like buying a toy car and scratching off the window paint so you can see inside.
  • danball1976danball1976 Wichita Falls, TX
    edited June 2005
    I've been saying all along that WinXP Home is just WinXP Pro with a few services disabled.
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