Windows XP Pro and copied software

[wallaceoc]

I heard recently that Windows XP has a way of detecting whether you are using legitimate software on your PC of whether it is a burned copy of the original.

Can anybody tell me whether there is any truth in this?

Thanks for your help,

Wallace

[Sualdam]

wallaceoc

I don't for a moment think that you are using pirated software, but this site obviously cannot enter into this discussion in anything other than superficial detail without it being seen that members clearly have access to pirated material.

This site is for professional users - which obviously does not include stolen software.

I suggest you search on Google to find the answers to this particular question.

Thank you.

[OSFan]

Hi,

Windows XP has gone down the route of Product Activation. This means that XP must be activated, otherwise it's use is limited to about 30 days. They can tell by the hardware of the machine, if you are illegally using it elsewhere. If you do a lot of hardware changes, it requires re activation, this happened to me. The activation is anonymous.

It would be illegal for Microsoft to take a look at software on your PC and decide if it was illegal or not, this would by spying on you, and even in the US where data protection is poor, this surely is not allowable?

You should purchase software you use, or look for a free alternative in the world of open source and freeware. Using copied software is the same as knowingly possessing stolen goods, and if you use for commercial purposes, you would be liable to large fines.

[stuza]

Which Windows XP Product Keys are affected by piracy?

Microsoft is not publishing the Product Keys that are affected by piracy; however, the following Product IDs are generated from these Product Keys (where X may be any numeric value):
XXXXX-640-0000356-23XXX
XXXXX-640-2001765-23XXX
To locate your Product ID, right-click My Computer,
and then click Properties. The Product ID is located under Registered to on the General tab.
Extracted from:
http://support.microsoft.com/default...b;EN-US;302878

[OSFan]

XP has two stages of authentication.

First, you need a valid product-key, which will be on a yellow sticker with the installation CD. Without this, you cannot even complete the installation of Windows XP.

After you have installed, there is a second authentication phase which must be completed within 16days I think? I can't remember, it gave me something like 15 days, and then the next day refused to boot. This phase involves your PC connects to one of Microsoft's authentication servers (at the end of a toll free line) and authenticates itsself. If you can't dial in (no connection) you can do it over the phone, you get a huge number you key in on tone dial phones, and the phone reads back a number you enter. If this fails, you will be sent to a representitive on the phone.

Windows keeps a track of hardware, and if you change it too much, you must re activate, diff PCs, diff hardware, and so they can track if it has been illegally installed elsewhere. I wouldn't go as far as to say Microsoft are looking at other software, nor do they know who you are, its a fully anonymous service.