Is Microsoft about to release a Windows "kill switch"?
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http://blogs.zdnet.com/Bott/?p=84[^] Got this from an MS private NG. Regards, Nish
Nish’s thoughts on MFC, C++/CLI and .NET (my blog)
Currently working on C++/CLI in Action for Manning Publications. Also visit the Ultimate Toolbox blog (New) -
http://blogs.zdnet.com/Bott/?p=84[^] Got this from an MS private NG. Regards, Nish
Nish’s thoughts on MFC, C++/CLI and .NET (my blog)
Currently working on C++/CLI in Action for Manning Publications. Also visit the Ultimate Toolbox blog (New)FTA:
- I have an XP Media center with a promise RAID 0 4-disc array. When I installed the WPA it broke the drivers for the array by causing failed delayed writes (half of the array just “disapears”.) If I do a system restore to before the installation of the WPA everything goes back to working just fine.
- [S]ince installing WPA … I’ve had blue screens and a total inability to boot. I had to run the XP repair function to get the computer to boot. I had a damaged boot sector on the hard drive. I am running two drives on a RAID 1 config.
- I purchased a SEALED OEM copy of XP Professional. WGA said the license key was already used. I called MS and they said I should uninstall and buy another copy. I told them I wasn’t made of money and hung-up.
- Microsoft rejected the product key that came with the ThinkPad I’m using. I had to call in and they gave me another code to enter which supposedly worked but now I get the blue screen of death about every other time I reboot. I’ve also lost all internet connectivity.
- I sent my Compaq Presario notebook for service repair, and it fails the WGA check. I have a legal version of windows xp professional on it. But I have no way to correct this problem.
X| Come on Microsoft!! A number of people who wouldn't otherwise may seriously start considering a switch to Linux one of these days.
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FTA:
- I have an XP Media center with a promise RAID 0 4-disc array. When I installed the WPA it broke the drivers for the array by causing failed delayed writes (half of the array just “disapears”.) If I do a system restore to before the installation of the WPA everything goes back to working just fine.
- [S]ince installing WPA … I’ve had blue screens and a total inability to boot. I had to run the XP repair function to get the computer to boot. I had a damaged boot sector on the hard drive. I am running two drives on a RAID 1 config.
- I purchased a SEALED OEM copy of XP Professional. WGA said the license key was already used. I called MS and they said I should uninstall and buy another copy. I told them I wasn’t made of money and hung-up.
- Microsoft rejected the product key that came with the ThinkPad I’m using. I had to call in and they gave me another code to enter which supposedly worked but now I get the blue screen of death about every other time I reboot. I’ve also lost all internet connectivity.
- I sent my Compaq Presario notebook for service repair, and it fails the WGA check. I have a legal version of windows xp professional on it. But I have no way to correct this problem.
X| Come on Microsoft!! A number of people who wouldn't otherwise may seriously start considering a switch to Linux one of these days.
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FTA:
- I have an XP Media center with a promise RAID 0 4-disc array. When I installed the WPA it broke the drivers for the array by causing failed delayed writes (half of the array just “disapears”.) If I do a system restore to before the installation of the WPA everything goes back to working just fine.
- [S]ince installing WPA … I’ve had blue screens and a total inability to boot. I had to run the XP repair function to get the computer to boot. I had a damaged boot sector on the hard drive. I am running two drives on a RAID 1 config.
- I purchased a SEALED OEM copy of XP Professional. WGA said the license key was already used. I called MS and they said I should uninstall and buy another copy. I told them I wasn’t made of money and hung-up.
- Microsoft rejected the product key that came with the ThinkPad I’m using. I had to call in and they gave me another code to enter which supposedly worked but now I get the blue screen of death about every other time I reboot. I’ve also lost all internet connectivity.
- I sent my Compaq Presario notebook for service repair, and it fails the WGA check. I have a legal version of windows xp professional on it. But I have no way to correct this problem.
X| Come on Microsoft!! A number of people who wouldn't otherwise may seriously start considering a switch to Linux one of these days.
FTA
with a promise RAID 0 4-disc array. ... I am running two drives on a RAID 1 config.
I've seen some of the comments before. And, it is why I haven't allowed it to be installed on any system I use (work or home) as they are all raided. If MS starts shoving this down my throat I will certainly begin looking for alternatives. Hey don't worry, I can handle it. I took something. I can see things no one else can see. Why are you dressed like that? - Jack Burton
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FTA:
- I have an XP Media center with a promise RAID 0 4-disc array. When I installed the WPA it broke the drivers for the array by causing failed delayed writes (half of the array just “disapears”.) If I do a system restore to before the installation of the WPA everything goes back to working just fine.
- [S]ince installing WPA … I’ve had blue screens and a total inability to boot. I had to run the XP repair function to get the computer to boot. I had a damaged boot sector on the hard drive. I am running two drives on a RAID 1 config.
- I purchased a SEALED OEM copy of XP Professional. WGA said the license key was already used. I called MS and they said I should uninstall and buy another copy. I told them I wasn’t made of money and hung-up.
- Microsoft rejected the product key that came with the ThinkPad I’m using. I had to call in and they gave me another code to enter which supposedly worked but now I get the blue screen of death about every other time I reboot. I’ve also lost all internet connectivity.
- I sent my Compaq Presario notebook for service repair, and it fails the WGA check. I have a legal version of windows xp professional on it. But I have no way to correct this problem.
X| Come on Microsoft!! A number of people who wouldn't otherwise may seriously start considering a switch to Linux one of these days.
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http://blogs.zdnet.com/Bott/?p=84[^] Got this from an MS private NG. Regards, Nish
Nish’s thoughts on MFC, C++/CLI and .NET (my blog)
Currently working on C++/CLI in Action for Manning Publications. Also visit the Ultimate Toolbox blog (New)I suspect that becoming insanely paranoid about people pirating their increasingly replaceable product is one of the signs that a software maker has completely lost their focus... :suss:
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I suspect that becoming insanely paranoid about people pirating their increasingly replaceable product is one of the signs that a software maker has completely lost their focus... :suss:
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I suspect that becoming insanely paranoid about people pirating their increasingly replaceable product is one of the signs that a software maker has completely lost their focus... :suss:
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Shog9 wrote:
I suspect that becoming insanely paranoid about people pirating their increasingly replaceable product
And it also encourages the very activity they are trying to prevent. Marc Pensieve Some people believe what the bible says. Literally. At least [with Wikipedia] you have the chance to correct the wiki -- Jörgen Sigvardsson
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http://blogs.zdnet.com/Bott/?p=84[^] Got this from an MS private NG. Regards, Nish
Nish’s thoughts on MFC, C++/CLI and .NET (my blog)
Currently working on C++/CLI in Action for Manning Publications. Also visit the Ultimate Toolbox blog (New) -
I suspect that becoming insanely paranoid about people pirating their increasingly replaceable product is one of the signs that a software maker has completely lost their focus... :suss:
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Don't even get me started on that whole dongle bullsh*t. The company I work for makes large pieces of equipment. A typical installation can run over $1M for one system. The software that runs the whole mess is worthless without all of the 'big iron', and yet the powers that be are making us 'protect' it using a dongle :wtf:. Not only that, but they're having the folks who make the applications that make the data for the thing protect their applications as well.
Software Zen:
delete this; -
Don't even get me started on that whole dongle bullsh*t. The company I work for makes large pieces of equipment. A typical installation can run over $1M for one system. The software that runs the whole mess is worthless without all of the 'big iron', and yet the powers that be are making us 'protect' it using a dongle :wtf:. Not only that, but they're having the folks who make the applications that make the data for the thing protect their applications as well.
Software Zen:
delete this;Gary R. Wheeler wrote:
The software that runs the whole mess is worthless without all of the 'big iron'
I'm in exactly the same situation. We haven't done dongels yet, but every piece of software is "branded" with the customer name to discourage copying. Hell, if it were my call - I'd hand it out like candy. "The trouble with jogging is that the ice falls out of your glass." - Martin Mull
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http://blogs.zdnet.com/Bott/?p=84[^] Got this from an MS private NG. Regards, Nish
Nish’s thoughts on MFC, C++/CLI and .NET (my blog)
Currently working on C++/CLI in Action for Manning Publications. Also visit the Ultimate Toolbox blog (New)Gee, I'm stumped why anyone would even think they have the right to steal...or complain when the owner attempts in a unique (and possibly effective way) to bitch-slap those thieves. If you steal phone service the phone company cuts off your access and no one complains. If you steal electricity from the power company and the company catches on you lose access to power and possibly go to jail. No one complains about that. Why is it that cry-baby software thieve are taken so seriously by usually intelligent people?
“Profanity is the attempt of a lazy and feeble mind to express itself forcefully”
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Gee, I'm stumped why anyone would even think they have the right to steal...or complain when the owner attempts in a unique (and possibly effective way) to bitch-slap those thieves. If you steal phone service the phone company cuts off your access and no one complains. If you steal electricity from the power company and the company catches on you lose access to power and possibly go to jail. No one complains about that. Why is it that cry-baby software thieve are taken so seriously by usually intelligent people?
“Profanity is the attempt of a lazy and feeble mind to express itself forcefully”
Jerry Hammond wrote:
Gee, I'm stumped why anyone would <snip> complain when the owner attempts in a unique (and possibly effective way) to bitch-slap those thieves.
Because Microsoft screws up. I know of a couple of people who have bought legitimate copies of Windows, and activation has failed because Microsoft told them it was pirated. Furthermore, I know the people who run the store they bought it from, and I know that they bought the copies legitimately from Microsoft.
Ryan
"Punctuality is only a virtue for those who aren't smart enough to think of good excuses for being late" John Nichol "Point Of Impact"
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Gee, I'm stumped why anyone would even think they have the right to steal...or complain when the owner attempts in a unique (and possibly effective way) to bitch-slap those thieves. If you steal phone service the phone company cuts off your access and no one complains. If you steal electricity from the power company and the company catches on you lose access to power and possibly go to jail. No one complains about that. Why is it that cry-baby software thieve are taken so seriously by usually intelligent people?
“Profanity is the attempt of a lazy and feeble mind to express itself forcefully”
Jerry Hammond wrote:
If you steal electricity from the power company and the company catches on you lose access to power and possibly go to jail. No one complains about that.
Damn right. What's with all these whiny computer users, anyway? If your neighbor stole power and the electric company mistakenly blamed you, cut off your power, and had you arrested, i think you might have a few choice words to say about it. But maybe not. And if not, well, i salute you sir, for reducing the amount of complaining being done... Oh, did i mention? The power company found out about the theft after you'd called in to complain about your unusually large bills. They just assumed you were to blame because your neighbor had also stolen your favorite monogrammed extension cord while he was sneaking around your tool shed looking for an out-of-the-way socket to tap. So, uh, yeah, in the end, the theft hurt you a whole lot more than it ever did the power Co. But you're a trooper, right? You can stand a little extra pain, expense, and time in the poky if it means that your neighbor will be forced to go to a little extra trouble next time he wants some free electricity. Hats off to you, i say...
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Gee, I'm stumped why anyone would even think they have the right to steal...or complain when the owner attempts in a unique (and possibly effective way) to bitch-slap those thieves. If you steal phone service the phone company cuts off your access and no one complains. If you steal electricity from the power company and the company catches on you lose access to power and possibly go to jail. No one complains about that. Why is it that cry-baby software thieve are taken so seriously by usually intelligent people?
“Profanity is the attempt of a lazy and feeble mind to express itself forcefully”
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Jerry Hammond wrote:
If you steal electricity from the power company and the company catches on you lose access to power and possibly go to jail. No one complains about that.
Damn right. What's with all these whiny computer users, anyway? If your neighbor stole power and the electric company mistakenly blamed you, cut off your power, and had you arrested, i think you might have a few choice words to say about it. But maybe not. And if not, well, i salute you sir, for reducing the amount of complaining being done... Oh, did i mention? The power company found out about the theft after you'd called in to complain about your unusually large bills. They just assumed you were to blame because your neighbor had also stolen your favorite monogrammed extension cord while he was sneaking around your tool shed looking for an out-of-the-way socket to tap. So, uh, yeah, in the end, the theft hurt you a whole lot more than it ever did the power Co. But you're a trooper, right? You can stand a little extra pain, expense, and time in the poky if it means that your neighbor will be forced to go to a little extra trouble next time he wants some free electricity. Hats off to you, i say...
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Sorry, Shog, but in the fanal analysis your argument fails muster. It makes no sense to deprive a developer (MS or other) the ability or right to protect their investment because a mistake "might happen". One thing does strike me about this thread though...how this site in the past year has become less and less pro developer rights and more and more about protecting the leeches and thieves of the software market. :(
“Profanity is the attempt of a lazy and feeble mind to express itself forcefully”
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The question was already raised in the thread. What if you own a legitimate copy of windows, but for whatever reason don't want to install WGA?
JazzJackRabbit wrote:
The question was already raised in the thread. What if you own a legitimate copy of windows, but for whatever reason don't want to install WGA?
Fine. Don't. But don't expect the *free* updates and such either.
“Profanity is the attempt of a lazy and feeble mind to express itself forcefully”
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Sorry, Shog, but in the fanal analysis your argument fails muster. It makes no sense to deprive a developer (MS or other) the ability or right to protect their investment because a mistake "might happen". One thing does strike me about this thread though...how this site in the past year has become less and less pro developer rights and more and more about protecting the leeches and thieves of the software market. :(
“Profanity is the attempt of a lazy and feeble mind to express itself forcefully”
Jerry Hammond wrote:
It makes no sense to deprive a developer (MS or other)
No one [in this thread at any rate] is depriving MS of anything. They are free to do what they want to with the products they release. That said, their products are the foundation on which is built my bread'n'butter - if i think they're doing something stupid, i'm gonna say so. Of course, they're free to ignore me, and quite likely will... but i'm still gonna say it. :) It isn't about protecting leeches and thieves. It's about how many hoops that you and i and every other Windows user are gonna end up being forced to jump through in the hope that the lazier leeches won't bother, and the stupider thieves won't see how to walk around them. Once again, this is the Operating System we're talking about; someone calls me up and says WGA just disabled their OS, i can't just tell 'em to use something else for the evening and we'll work it out tomorrow - they're unable to work, unable to use any of their other apps until the problem is resolved. As if it wasn't bad enough out there, trying to keep people from installing spyware and adware and worms and Norton Antivirus... now i have to worry about MS themselves breaking Windows? Uh, no thanks!
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I suspect that becoming insanely paranoid about people pirating their increasingly replaceable product is one of the signs that a software maker has completely lost their focus... :suss:
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JazzJackRabbit wrote:
The question was already raised in the thread. What if you own a legitimate copy of windows, but for whatever reason don't want to install WGA?
Fine. Don't. But don't expect the *free* updates and such either.
“Profanity is the attempt of a lazy and feeble mind to express itself forcefully”
Oh, you mean the free BUG FIXES and stuff that they left in the OS when they shipped it? I pay for a CD, I have a license certificate, I have the packaging, I have the sticker and I have the number that says I own it. If they want to SEE the stuff they can drive their silly butt over here and look at it.
