Another Vista activation bypass: for reals this time?

Considering that as recently as a couple of days ago lots of people (including us) were potentially duped into believing that someone had created a keygen utility that churned out working serial numbers for Windows Vista, you'll forgive us for being a little hesitant to recommend the latest Vista crack on the block. Apparently the result of a combined effort by an application cracking group called "Paradox," the utility is actually a "BIOS Emulation Toolkit" that skips the activation process entirely. As always, these kind of programs are an extremely gray area, so we're not going to maintain any illusions here: this utility will be used by individuals to pirate copies of Vista. That said, these kinds of hacks -- if this one actually works -- does a service by pointing out the ineffectiveness of "activation," a process which has caused an enormous amount of annoyance to a lot of consumers that have purchased software legally. Just like every other form of piracy prevention, the only people that really suffer in the end are the innocent users stuck in the middle.

[Via digg]

[vakerrokero @ Mar 4th 2007 1:20PM]

Yeah... stops booting after a couple days... It's still way too early to have a real solution to the problem. I'm using the 120 day rearm thing and if a crack isn't ready by that time I will just install agains. it's a 30 minute thing that help me avoid worrying for losing my files with these 3 days cracks...

[Manuel @ Mar 4th 2007 5:00PM]

You should definitively try TimerStop V2 , Vista Pwned!
lets you download updates as well

[Scabies @ Mar 4th 2007 1:20PM]

end users stuck in the middle

true...
true...

[LJKelley @ Mar 4th 2007 1:27PM]

Activation isn't meant to stop Piracy... OMG. No really. Activation is suppose to stop casual copying between friends, families, etc... Remember a copy of Windows can only be used on one computer!

[world peace @ Mar 5th 2007 12:28AM]

What is it that you think software "piracy" is? Casual copying among friends and family is considered piracy.

[no1youknowz @ Mar 4th 2007 1:36PM]

Stops booting after a couple of days? Didnt this come out. Far too early to even come out with that comment. Lets see how the dust settles before saying one way or another, for definate, if this hack works or not.

[Rohit Kapur @ Mar 4th 2007 1:43PM]

The comments left by people on the site where this article leads seem to be positive. Quite a few people say it works. Either way, it's only a matter of time before we have ways to bypass everything. The key question, however, is whether people will be able to install service packs on these installations.

[Lokheed @ Mar 4th 2007 1:44PM]

It's stories like this that make me hug my Mac. (OS X doesn't even have a registration key.)

[NiGhTmArE @ Mar 4th 2007 1:58PM]

Because anyone who purchases a mac doesn't have the knowledge to copy the operating system and anyone smart enough not to buy a mac is smart enough to not warez osx ;)

Thus, no reason for a registration key!

[James Smith @ Mar 4th 2007 6:13PM]

It's stories like this that make me hug my Ubuntu PC. (Ubuntu 6.10 Edgy Fit is FREE!)

[Julien @ Mar 4th 2007 1:58PM]

This method let me think it is possible to use an OEM license key with a Retail DVD version of Vista. This is a great news, as it means we won't have to use anymore shitty recovery cd with tons of uninstallable malwares provided by computer Manufacturers... And seems totally legal.

[labtroll @ Mar 25th 2007 11:59AM]

You don't need to use the bios hack if your oem machine came with vista (bios already ok). just install xrm lic. you need to extract oem key from your preinstalled vista first.

legal way to use this.

[Joshua @ Mar 4th 2007 2:05PM]

Why don't people just buy the damn product. If a product is so low that you refuse to pay for it then why would you install it. Piracy ir piracy no matter how you spin it. Engadget even appears to be supporting this crie. Its because of people like you guys(pirates) that good hard working citizens like us get cornered when we change a hardware product and Windows says we need to reactivate.

[Rick @ Mar 4th 2007 2:10PM]

@ Joshua - why would anyone in his right mind support a company that is basically spyware. When M$ stopping imposing it's sense of morality, and ceases to try to track everything thing I do on MY computer, then I might support them... but still quite proud that I haven't given them a dime since MSDOS 6.1 upgrade - lol.

[Veniex @ Mar 4th 2007 2:06PM]

I tried this yesterday, and It works like a charm.

[Rick @ Mar 4th 2007 2:06PM]

how come you guy sdon't give a link to the crack? I just want it for purely intellectual reasons. Also, more female robot stories, plx & thx.

[Andrew Rahimi @ Mar 4th 2007 3:52PM]

If you hate MS so much then don't use their OS and get a mac/use linux/etc; still no reason to pirate it.

[Anthony @ Mar 4th 2007 3:25PM]

Joshua is completely right. If you pirates would actually spend some time in the sun a.k.a. "outside" and away from your computer you would benefit us all. I know it's a scary thought, spending time away from your computer because it is your worker, entertainer and girlfriend but you'll be ok... I promise.

I have a lot more respect for Microsoft than Apple, Bill Gates' success doesn't make him evil. He gives money to charity every freakin' year while Apple sues anyone that breathes because that's an Apple patent.

Basically, Microsoft needs an activation code because it runs more than 3/4 of the worlds computers and Apple wishes they could be like that. You pirates make it difficult for the average user because you have nothing better to do but to be cheap bastards.

[hh @ Mar 4th 2007 3:46PM]

because you know.. that stereotype of computer geeks being pale faced, socially inadequate losers is totally accurate. you dont have to spend tens of hours at a time on a computer, all while losing your wife and job, just to "pirate" an operating system.

[engadget @ Mar 4th 2007 3:52PM]

[Disclaimer: I’m a contingent staffer at MS and my opinions do not necessarily reflect those of my employer or those of Microsoft.]
I don’t quite understand why people think its okay to steal from another. If I agreed to pay you to build me a brick wall, you build it, then I decide that I don’t want to pay you, what would you do? Microsoft builds the software at their expense and expect payment for usage under the terms of the software license. What is the problem? Now, I can certainly understand why someone would want to crack the key’s just in the same spirit that someone climbs a mountain, however widespread distribution of the crack is similar to distributing a hard key to another's home; its premeditated accessory to a crime.

[Rick @ Mar 4th 2007 8:52PM]

Andrew I do! Speaking of "stealing" hows bout them "widgets" on Vista, see any similarity to OSX? In fact wasn't Windows just a rip from the original Apple OS? Yes, you go support your honest, pious MS. jeez

[Paul @ Mar 4th 2007 4:15PM]

"It's stories like this that make me hug my Mac. (OS X doesn't even have a registration key.)"

You pay 2x-3x as much for inferior hardware and a "pretty case" than you would if you were to build your own windows box. Since Apple charges you for 2 or 3 computers and you only get 1, and you cannot buy a mac without osx.. they can afford to let a few unauthorized updates happen.

Oh and have fun paying $150 for mac osx service packs, oh wait im sorry, "new versions"

[Kevin @ Mar 4th 2007 6:54PM]

Vista having added enough features to XP to justify a $400 upgrade and a five year wait....

[Geoffrey Sperl @ Mar 4th 2007 7:55PM]

@Paul. Don't even try attempting to say that 10.x is a service pack. Have you ever run a winver command on a Windows 2000 machine? What does it say? Right... Windows NT 5.0. Now, if I go an run winver on Windows XP, what does it say? RIGHT! Windows NT 5.1.

My point is that the vast majority of the computer industry, for years, is following the same numbering scheme... only Apple has been honest about it. Sun does the same as MS, too: Solaris 8, 9, 10, etc., are actually Sun OS 5.8, 5.9, 5.10, etc.

Furthermore, when you buy a Mac you can almost be guaranteed that the majority of software coming out 4-5 years down the road will still work on your machine. My sister has a stock Power Mac G4 from January of 2002... and it still runs everything (save the high-end games, but real gamers don't play on computers, do they?) that's coming out today, and that will include 10.5.

So, go ahead, buy your cheap-ass beige box or build it yourself. My stock Core Duo iMac and I will still be doing things with the latest software come 2009 and 2010.

Will you? I doubt it. You'll drop hundreds, if not thousands, more on "upgrades" from here on out because X game doesn't work with Y driver. If that's a world you enjoy, have fun. I prefer to be able to use my computer when I need to - not when MS or some software developer tells me I can - and leave the monkeying around for MS fanboys like you who have no lives outside of their computer's innards.

[Ryan @ Mar 5th 2007 1:25PM]

I think you must be smoking crack. OS X is a awesome OS.

[regomodo @ Mar 4th 2007 4:21PM]

Paradox has treated me well in the past for various popular expensive apps. CS2 for example

If it doesn't work properly now they will get it sorted eventually

[CraigS @ Mar 4th 2007 4:25PM]

Premium Vista according to Amazon.. :

Cost in the States $399
Cost in the UK $722.85

I wanted to buy Vista but being from the UK makes the costs prohibitive. I can see why a lot of UK users would take this crack and use it. Apparently the costs are just as bad in the rest of Europe so there's a few more million lost by MS.

[gareth @ Mar 4th 2007 4:33PM]

yeah this works, fascinating stuff. This puts a copy of vista on your computer that doesn't need to be activated, thereby letting yo have an install that sits 'indefintely' on your computer.

I cannot imagine that MS would not release some sort of update that detects the bios emulation driver, but this does work for what people want it to.

Its interesting reading the comments about this on Digg. Kids rationalizing how Okay it is to steal Vista simply because they cant afford it. BAH. I'm no fan of MS, but at least I know what end is up.

For what its worth, This crack method does what it advertises.

[Fenrir @ Mar 4th 2007 5:04PM]

Impressive, works for Windows Update and passes WGA with flying colours... For now.

[Brian C @ Mar 4th 2007 5:47PM]

I work for a large software company and we also have activation for our software. Our expectation is that someone would hack the system but that doesn't mean we should just give up protecting our own IP. As an analogy, should we leave our car door unlock while we park our car knowing that a desperate or professional thief would still be able to steal our car?

[Rusty @ Mar 4th 2007 6:27PM]

I think a lot of the hacking is just because MS said it "couldn't" be hacked, or was "more secure". I also think the other side of the hacking debate is because of the expense. I really feel sorry for those outside the U.S.A. with the prices I've seen on Vista.
For something that is 5 years in the making, features left out that a lot of people were looking forward to, to charge the prices
MS is charging only enhances the hackers to work around it.
Should MS charge what they are charging? That is their business.
Should I pay what MS wants for Vista? Nope, I'll stick with
XP. Vista is just XP, with more security and eye candy.
Yes, I've used it

[James Smith @ Mar 4th 2007 6:32PM]

I used to use Windows but then I got tired of the ridiculous prices they charge for they're bad OS. And I didn't have the money to waste on joining the Apple "country club" by buying an overpriced mac with a closed hardware/software environment. And also I find most Apple users arrogant so I found Ubuntu Linux to be the right choice for me. It's free, open, and has a great community behind it filled with people who are always willing to help.

[Pete @ Mar 4th 2007 6:42PM]

See, here's the thing:

Even if you were to switch to a Mac or Linux, there are certain online services and applications that REQUIRE (yes, require, no choice here) you to run Windows. THAT is why some people may pirate windows.

[Mike [gamebittk] @ Mar 4th 2007 7:30PM]

Paradox is the greatest hack/crack group EVAR! I'm %99.99 sure that this is legit.

[Hexidecimal @ Mar 4th 2007 7:50PM]

It works. I tested it out today, I'm honestly surprised it took this long to find a permanent (for now) work around to surface.

I've used all the major operating systems, Fedora, Ubuntu, Windows 3.1 - Vista, and OS X, right now my main is OSx86 and my secondary is vista enterprise, while my media center runs ultimate.

[treetrunk @ Mar 5th 2007 9:39AM]

Hold on- how exactly is Apple any more "honest" with its numbering scheme? Your analysis only holds is one considers OS X as the only version ever to exist of Mac OS. What about Mac OS 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8 and 9, and all of the sub-versions of all of those?

Apple went through OS 1 through 5.1 (12 sub-versions!) in the space of only a few years before it made the first major upgrade to its OS with system 6. This went through 8 sub-releases before system 7 was released, which came in a ridiculous total of 25 different sub-versions and model-specific versions. OS's 8 and 9 were minor releases which managed 13 sub-versions between them.

Then of course they threw all that in the bin and started again with OS X. Thankfully they've managed to keep things a little more under control this time and have only gone through 5 sub-versions (0 through 4) so far.

Furthermore, when you buy a PC you're also virtually guaranteed that it'll still run most software in 4-5 years time. Again, the principal exclusion is games. Somewhat silly then, perhaps, that in your later "I'll still be doing this" story you mention games. I find it highly doubtful that any home computer bought today will be able to play the latest games to their highest capacity in 3 years time. Exclude games though, and yes, even a "cheap-ass beige box" will be fine in 3 years time. My laptop is none of those things, but it is 3 years old, and runs Vista quite comfortably with all the new visuals turned on.

[James @ Mar 4th 2007 9:27PM]

You need to disable any updates - or choose the specific ones that are wont check your system.
-
http://www.WindowsVistaUserGuide.com

[Keaton @ Mar 4th 2007 9:40PM]

Can all the Mac, Ubuntu and Windows fanboy's all calm down a little? I've never seen so many "different" fanboy's all come out and start bickering at once...

I just came to a terrible realization... You know why Vista has been slow on the uptake? Because its taken so long to find a working crack! Don't 1 in 4 PC's fail the WGA Check anyways?

Hmmmm...

:-P

[Blake @ Mar 4th 2007 10:11PM]

Vista sucks. I have a free, legit copy here just collecting dust.

/me no likes bloat.

[chris @ Mar 4th 2007 10:44PM]

stop whining about cracks not working...

Vista Home Premium OEM on newegg is 120$ just buy a damn keyboard or something with it... Hell Vista Ultimate OEM is only 200$ shesh

[JonD @ Mar 5th 2007 8:54AM]

$120 for Vista Home Premium would be fine by me. Unfortunately I need Windows Vista Ultimate to get all the features I require for work and play which costs $632 here in the UK. That’s double what I’m prepared to pay for an OS. I'm hoping to scab a copy from works MSDN subscription otherwise I’ll be looking for a crack.

[Andrew Devis @ Mar 5th 2007 11:26AM]

"Joshua @ Mar 4th 2007 2:05PM
Why don't people just buy the damn product."

Because I bought XP Pro (and every other operating system I have ever owned) fair and square, and every time I upgraded my hardware, the stupid OS (XP) said you have reactivate your product because you added a couple hdd's. This meant I had to phone some idiot woman in Bangladesh, and have her treat me like a criminal while I explained why I needed a new key. Every time you phone they get more hostile, and less helpfull.

That's when I dpownloaded my first crack, and from now on I will never buy another Microsoft OS, because being legal is far too inconvenient !

[MagusDF @ Mar 5th 2007 11:58AM]

There are certain things that tie you down to windows. Most 3d graphics apps have non to sub par support on other Operating Systems that mixed with the lack of support for pro hardware on many of the other Operating Systems. As many of you out there preaching free choice of is complete BS in many cases for many different reasons. It really pisses me off when people jump out and make it seem like an effortless choice to swap to mac or Linux.

I'm not in favor of anyone using these versions in a business environment or anything along those lines. But I'm definitely pro the effort in general M$ has been less than considerate of other countries and many others. Of my personal opinion free software to the student population is free marketing a large bulk of casual ?pirating? is done by students without the finance to pay for every damn app, os, or program.

[Jason @ Mar 5th 2007 5:05PM]

I used this hack on a lenovo T31 laptop and it worked perfectly, now running Vista Home Premium (this was the only lenovo key available). I tried loading Ultimate and using the Asus emulator but it crashed my system. I have run it for 3 days and it has not stopped working.

[zaipai @ Mar 5th 2007 10:11PM]

Well I agree, its the activation that made me switch to Linux, I have not looked back. After hours on the phone to MS to activate windows because I replaced 2 cards it was the last straw.. I will only see vista in the stores not in my house!

[James Smith @ Mar 8th 2007 1:34AM]

That was sorta the same reason I left Windows as well. I used to run a cracked version of XP and then a while back MS came out with SP2, then WGA and then I came to the realization that I was gonna be in this endless battle, MS blocks updates for cracked versions, a new crack comes out, and then the cycle repeats. So I just decided instead of wasting all this effort on keeping one step ahead of MS, I could better use it learning a new OS like Ubuntu which is always free and you can download all the updates you want without verifying anything or talking to anyone on the phone overseas.

[zaipai @ Mar 10th 2007 10:09AM]

After playing abit I finally got Beryl working, I feel that its way better then Areo and is less bloated, heck there is no over head at all. Vista made my PC run at 30% all the time and caused it to heat up. Gotta love Linux. I agree about the endless loop with MS, for me its not as much an issue as my job pays for the OS on my home desktop, look at all the money I am saving them! 8-)

[zt @ Mar 6th 2007 11:51AM]

i'll use photoshop (cs2) as example: we have purchased legal copies, several times. i have to look after the installations in our org.
first it wants the cd of the previous version to upgrade - 30 min to find it, than it happens that the serial number is for multilicense cds only not for the busines version i've installed - 30 min on the support line to realize there's difference, but we've trown the packaging, to find out which cd is the right - reinstall few times - 1h30min. then it doesn't want to activate over the net - activate over the phone - another 30 min.

altogether - 3 HOURS!!! and an angry man

yesterday i had to do some design at home:
- found the torrent at the bay -5min
- downloaded it (with 1MBps! adobe site only wish to send with such speed) - 5 min
-unzip unrar and read the installation instructions - 5min
- install and activate - 5 min

altogether = 20 min! and an excited man
and in the other 2H40min the design was done.

the result - lesson learned - if you want to "unleash your creativity"[Adobe (C)] avoid beurocracy,if you can't get the tool work stright away you'll do more and better with other free tools.

[Chris @ Mar 6th 2007 12:54PM]

Seriously? Widgets again? Apple copied widgets from Konfabulator. Everyone in software uses ideas from it's competition. geez

[Chris @ Mar 6th 2007 12:58PM]

I bought a Ford and it didn't work well and had to take it to the shop alot. So when the new Corvette came out I hit a guy over the head and took his.