Windows Planning New Windows 7 Privacy Check

[LoadsaMoney]

How does it work? Once installed, the Update protects customers by identifying known activation exploits that may affect their PC experience. If any activation exploits are found, Windows will alert the customer and offer options for resolving the issue – in many cases, with just a few clicks. Machines running genuine Windows 7 software with no activation exploits will see nothing – the update runs quietly in the background protecting your system. If Windows 7 is non-genuine, the notifications built into Windows 7 will inform the customer that Windows is not genuine by displaying informational dialog boxes with options for the customer to either get more information, or acquire genuine Windows. The desktop wallpaper will be switched to a plain desktop (all of the customer’s desktop icons, gadgets, or pinned applications stay in place). Periodic reminders and a persistent desktop watermark act as further alerts to the customer.

It is important to know that the customer will see no reduced functionality in their copy of Windows – a customer’s applications work as expected, and access to personal information is unchanged. The Update will run periodic validations (initially every 90 days). During validation, Windows will download the latest ‘signatures’ that are used to identify new activation exploits – much like an anti-virus service. When tampering, disabling, or missing licensing files are discovered, the WAT Update runs a check and repair weekly to ensure that the licensing files are properly repaired.

http://windowsteamblog.com/blogs/genuinewindows/archive/2010/02/11/windows-activation-technologies-update-for-windows-7.aspx

 

[paradigm]

Good thing IMO, people really do need to stop leeching software that they actually want to use.

 

[alex24]

I have no problem if it's totally bug free. I do have a problem the minute that my legal copy gets messed with because some people felt they didn't have to pay the already quite reasonable price for Windows 7. The same way how I feel about DRM in general, it has to work and not annoy the people who actually purchased the product.

 

[Hotwired]

Getting increasingly nosy eh.

 

[marc2003]

Machines running genuine Windows 7 software with no activation exploits will see nothing – the update runs quietly in the background protecting your system.

you just know it's going to go wrong somewhere and it will end up accusing loads of innocent people of being naughty. these things always do.

 

[Begbie]

I'll be gutted if my free version gets mucked up

 

[stockhausen]

Good thing IMO, people really do need to start using LINUX

 

[Rainmaker]

So what happens with machines that have removed WAT entirely anyway? As above, this will probably just end up messing up tons of us legit owners and the piracy will continue regardless.

+1 for stockhausen's Linux love.

 

[mrk]

Good thing IMO, people really do need to start using LINUX

lolstockhausen.

 

[V4NT0M]

Heh, smart idea, pretty sure there will be a "fix" for it out pretty sharpish though.

 

[Hotwired]

Amazing how fast a few people working for free can get wossits out to counter these.

I know when XP had the WGA thing introduced, I swear it was less than 24H before "fixes" were out using a variety of methods.

 

[.one.]

It's optional so it is for people who are suspect of the originality of there version of windows other naughty people will just chose not to download.

 

[FoxEye]

How does it work? Once installed--

So the answer is... don't install it?

If you're running "free" win7, and you have automatic updates set to download and install everything for you, then turn it off now?

Personally, I have legit win7. But I know if I didn't, I would have put Windows Update in "inform but don't install" mode.

Maybe it won't be that simple, but maybe it will

 

[mrk]

Add it to the hidden updates list?

 

[mmj_uk]

Don't most pirates use BIOS mods with SLIC tables now?

 

[mrk]

BIOS mods and loaders don't bypass WGA though, I think this privacy update looks specifically for WGA bypasses by the looks of it.

 

[Rainmaker]

Don't most pirates use BIOS mods with SLIC tables now?

BIOS mods and loaders don't bypass WGA though, I think this privacy update looks specifically for WGA bypasses by the looks of it.

Na, apparently removing WAT altogether is the new thing. How does MS check for WAT hacks and SLIC/BIOS mods when WAT has actually just been completely removed?

 

[chronic86]

turns off automatic updates

 

[Kezmo]

Don't most pirates use BIOS mods with SLIC tables now?

Yup, this update will only effect the kids downloading the pre activated copies from pirate bay etc.

 

[Deleted member 77746]

All Microsoft should do is reduce the damn price and a lot more people will buy it. When I build systems I make sure the customers get a genuine copy and the option is not there for an illigal copy of Windows & any other software for that matter of fact. I hate piracy.