The Activation process

[Kingsman]

I must emit this whole windows activation process is extremely complicated. The issue I want to address, namely, is how does Microsoft know that my COA key is valid or not, or more precisely, know that my installation hasn't been licensed more than is allowed? Is my COA key a totally unique key?

Let me invent a scenario. I custom-build a computer, so obviously it's not a royalty machine, and I seperately buy a legal copy of windows xp professional. During the setup/activation process I must provide my COA key. Unfortunately, somewhere out in cyber space, someone has used an illegal keygenerator to generate a key, which just *happens* to be the same as my COA key. Now, what does microsoft do and how do they handle situations like this without preventing thousands of legitimate products activate?

Edited December 17, 2008 by Kingsman

[cluberti]

Technet has an answer that might help.

[iamtheky]

If they were really giving a concerted effort I dont think sticking it to the bottom would be the first choice.

Nonetheless, Telephone Activation solves the issue of being able to activate a valid key.

[Kingsman]

Thanks for the link. Gets me the info I need.

@iamthekey: So, an average pirater will be able to activate unlimited amount of installations with one COA Key through telephone activation?

Sometimes I begin to think Microsoft allows on purpose a few loopholes available to piraters or smart people to figure out, just for the sole purpose of keeping and developing windows dominance.

[iamtheky]

mmmmm borderline warez discussion. I'll do my best to keep this newsworthy.

I believe the average pirate would circumvent the activation. Takes far less time with no exposure, and it has been consistently cracked in beta stages.

Whats the point of stealing something to walk back in to the store and ask how to turn it on?

Even in 1999 they were just making their own.

http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/press/1.../counterpr.mspx