Vista Activation Server hackers: 1, Microsoft: 0

With Microsoft putting all of its Vista eggs in one DVD, signified by a figurative basket, they've painted a nice big red target on that Vista Activation Server of theirs: break through that and those bazillion dollar OS licenses are there for the taking. Well, to use the proper terminology, nothing much has been hacked yet: Microsoft's staunch Vista security is still holding fast, but some clever workarounds have emerged, which have some, erm, sub-ethical users running around with free copies of Windows Vista Business and Enterprise. The scam is to set up the actual Volume Activation 2.0 app -- which hasn't even been released on the up and up yet -- inside of VMware, tricking your Biz or Enterprise version of Vista to think it's approved for another 180 days of use, thanks to the wonders of local server-based Volume Licensing. There are still some problems with this workaround, since a Windows Genuine Advantage check could still spot such illicit license keys, and of course there's the fact that you have to sync up with your hax0red Volume Activation server every few months, but with the "resourcefulness" already on display by the hacker community in its fight against Vista licensing fees -- AKA stealing. Thanks, mom -- it doesn't look like Microsoft is going to have an easy fight here.

[Via Digg]

[Mike @ Dec 8th 2006 2:08PM]

YAY - Microsoft gets pWnd!

[Asaf @ Dec 8th 2006 2:20PM]

microsoft stopping piracy.... did i mention i got my new iphone today?

[Matt B @ Dec 8th 2006 2:24PM]

As long as there is software, there will be hax. The software company I work for issues a server usb dongle that is timebombed and hardcoded. The server app cannot run without accessing the dongle.

[Dae @ Dec 8th 2006 2:29PM]

You wouldn't happen to work for AT&T?

[Rivet @ Dec 8th 2006 3:22PM]

are you high? Dongles are bypassed daily. Hell Im running a couple progs that require dongles that I legally own and i download cracks just so i dont take up a port.

[Ayle @ Dec 8th 2006 2:30PM]

Edit - As long as there is "non-free" software there will be hax...

[MagusDF @ Dec 8th 2006 2:31PM]

The OS was in development for 5+ years. its antiquated before it is even released. Mean while tools and minds are still sharp.

[Alcaron @ Dec 8th 2006 3:29PM]

Thats the kind of ridiculous semantics that gets people stabbed in dark alleys.

[Andir3.0 @ Dec 8th 2006 2:39PM]

Not to add any ideas to the fire (oh hell, who am I kidding!) but couldn't you filter some of that "security" using a modified router firmware package?

[my moustache @ Dec 8th 2006 2:40PM]

stealing is the act of taking something from someone, not copying or activating something without their consent.

/not stealing.
//local licensing servers? sounds fun...
///linux time.

[disciple83 @ Dec 8th 2006 2:42PM]

Of course Ayle drops in with another claim to Linux superiority. If it's Linux, it's not hacking, its merely altering the code for the benefit of feeding open-source. If it isn't open-source, then it's hacking. The problem is that its the same damned thing, and Ayle is a paranoid little freak who is afraid of being called a pirate.

[Kevin @ Dec 8th 2006 2:45PM]

ok...

[Andir3.0 @ Dec 8th 2006 2:49PM]

Well, yeah, by the definition of the work "Hack" (programming), being open source does imply "hacking", but if your trying to say that open source is in the same light that phishing or cracking is, your sadly mistaken.

[Ayle @ Dec 8th 2006 3:03PM]

What? I've never talked about Linux.....My point is that as long as you have to pay for something but alternative ways to get that thing exist, there will always be some people willing to take that alternative road....

[Alexander @ Dec 8th 2006 6:48PM]

Stop bitching and install Ubuntu. If your so hell-bent for Windows, you should at least know the enemy your fighting against.

[Todd @ Dec 8th 2006 2:57PM]

Presenting Mr. Steve Ballmer - the man that stands to gain the most from Vista:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8zEQhhaJsU4

After watching that video I just feel COMPELLED to Torrent that Vista distro DVD

[NHAnimator @ Dec 8th 2006 3:20PM]

Thanks. I hadn't seen that. Now I need a shower.

[barry @ Dec 8th 2006 3:17PM]

"...AKA stealing"

Um, let's use our words.

When someone breaks into a warehouse and makes out with crateloads of boxed retail copies of Vista. When this happens they'll have no worries about activation, and this will actually be stealing.

When someone uses their own resources to produce unauthorized copies, it's copyright infringement. There is a world of difference, and when you use the language crafted by the media cartels you're only enabling them.

Copyrights terms are ridiculous. They were originally 15 years and we didn't recognize other nations' patents or copyrights for the first 100+ years of our country's existence. With the new distribution systems we have in the 21st century, we should have copyright terms *shorter* than 15 years. Not the 95+ years they are now, and not the 'forever minus a day' that some are fighting for. Yes, media cartels own our government, but do we really have to help them screw us? We're giving up the public domain without a fight, and we're calling anyone who rebels a 'thief.' Nice.

[Ayle @ Dec 8th 2006 3:23PM]

@disciple83

Something's really wrong with you dude, to totally misunderstand a comment and make that kind of personal attack.... Maybe you are the little paranoid freak or would you prefer me calling you Fanboy? Before you start bashing my first reply to you let me explain to you my point again(because you dont seem to be that smart) : Why do you think there are people using p2p software or cracks and keygens?It's because it's free! "Why should I pay xx$ when I can get this or that software for free?" This is the way those people think...When everything will be for free(that will never happen) then people will stop acting the way they do....

[MagusDF @ Dec 8th 2006 4:04PM]

To create a workaround/hack is not nececarily to steal or to cause damage. In the end its up to the person to decide.

I am not advocating stealing or what ever you wish to call it. But after microsofts fanfare over their security claims cant help but find this amusing even more so that it was done through the use of their own systems.

Semantics dont get you far unless youre in the spotlight. It seems that while in the spotlight there was enough talk from microsoft to land them in that dakened ally. ;)

[Alcaron @ Dec 8th 2006 4:07PM]

"Semantics dont get you far unless youre in the spotlight. It seems that while in the spotlight there was enough talk from microsoft to land them in that dakened ally. ;)"

Not only is that not english, I'm pretty sure you are a communist...

Get off my lawn...

[duke @ Dec 8th 2006 4:41PM]

All your base are belong to us.



theres never a better time to say this!

[Jason @ Dec 8th 2006 4:44PM]

There's never a time to say it period.

[liquid @ Dec 8th 2006 7:54PM]

geez, its funny how people justify stealing by calling it everything else in the book, except what it really is. Stealing.

[Mischa Lockton @ Dec 9th 2006 4:17AM]

M$ will have the last laugh- they know they don't need to rip over this.

You will need those patches therefore you will need to be truly activated. You know what I mean because they kind of started in with the XP.

They have been nice to give anyone "critical" security related patches, but basically that is the way they will drive way more revenues as former pirates realize they need to pony up or they might be vulnerable- one day they might not provide those patches to unactivated copies.

I love how many seem inclined to use/try Vista, because it sounds COOL, but noone wants to pay. You people are SCUM. If M$ sux so much a$$ then don't use their products. Seriously! This is like the New Old West if you ask me.

[Murc @ Dec 9th 2006 4:32AM]

I plan on buying Vista...probably on its launch release (1/30/07).

I'm just not sure If I want Home Premium or Ultimate.