Is Microsoft even serious about piracy?

[shmokes]

I know that in the past MS has practically encouraged the pirating of their OS software (the all zero CD-Key for example).  Now they've instituted a new check to make sure your serial number is legit for XP called "Genuine Advantage".  It won't let a person with an invalid serial number download updates.  It was cracked in less than a day and all you have to do to crack it is type a short line into the address bar of IE.

Thursday, July 28, 2005
Microsoft "Genuine Advantage" cracked in 24h: window.g_sDisableWGACheck='all'
AV sez, "This week, Microsoft started requiring users to verifiy their serial number before using Windows Update. This effort to force users to either buy XP or tell them where you got the illegal copy is called 'Genuine Advantage.' It was cracked within 24 hours."

    Before pressing 'Custom' or 'Express' buttons paste this text to the address bar and press enter:

    javascript:void(window.g_sDisableWGACheck='all')

    It turns off the trigger for the key check.

I have a hard time believing that MS couldn't do a better job of locking down XP than that if they wanted to.  Their DRM in Windows Media 10 has held up extremely well.  It would be one thing for someone to figure out a crack for it.  But to defeat it simply by copying and pasting a few words into the IE address bar is a joke.

What are your thoughts?  Does MS really want to stop pirates or do pirates help MS in the long run by keeping their OS so ubiquitous that a real alternative never emerges?  I lean toward the latter.

edit:  BTW, I tried it.  It works.

[M3talhead]

Microsoft doesn't have to worry about being top dog in the next 10 years, or even the next 20. They've got that sealed, not by being the best software development company, but because they've figured out how to control a market; that once you get the masses used to something, they fear change. If I told you that there was this great operating system that did a few more things Windows couldn't do, but you had to relearn everything you knew about how to operate your computer, 99% of all people will say "To hell with that, I'm sticking with my BSODs!". Why? Because most people don't have the time or desire to relearn how to turn their machine on.

In addition, look at the back of most 3rd party software/game boxes. When was the last time you saw a great piece of software that didn't say "System Requirements: Windows based OS"? Its hard for a software manufacturer to develop programs that run on multiple platforms if there aren't enough people running those other platforms. They just cant justify spending the extra time/money writing that kind of code, since it will just jack the price of the product exponentially.

The whole thing is a snake eating its own ass.

[SirPoonga]

I'm actually more interested in what type of discount those who are found out to have a pirated copy.  The news article aobut Genuine Advantage said if it detects a bad registration key it will give the user the option to buy a legal one at a discounted price...

[AceTKK]

One thing I can say for MS, is that at least they continue to strive for improvements in stability and security in their product.  You would think that the monopoly would cause stagnation, but the differences between WindowsME and WindowsXP are staggering.  Overall, I've been extremely pleased with XP and, really, don't have a single complaint.  Especially since my copy was free (promotional deal for students several years back).

[J_K_M_A_N]

I'm actually more interested in what type of discount those who are found out to have a pirated copy.  The news article aobut Genuine Advantage said if it detects a bad registration key it will give the user the option to buy a legal one at a discounted price...

I believe if you turn someone in you get a free copy and if you just say you have a copy but no discs or names you can buy a real one from them for $149. Not a HUGE savings but better than nothing. I am guessing it is a full install but I am not sure. If it isn't, then it isn't much of a savings after all.

J_K_M_A_N

[Harry Potter]

I was just about to begin searching for a crack and then I find one here (for research purposes only, just like the good fishermen of Iceland hunt whales for research) 
I can't believe people here could be so immoral and rob poor Bill Gates of his hard earned $149. Now he won't be able to afford that 10th storey extension to his mansion. Shame on you all. 

Seriously, this has to be the most pathetic anti piracy attempt I've ever seen, right after DVD encryption (yeh yeh I know the encryption isn't really aout anti-piracy but control of the DVD licensing etc etc).

Someone mentioned that the DRM protection in Media Player 10 hasn't been cracked. It has been cracked partially but it's a pain in the --I'm attempting to get by the auto-censor and should be beaten after I re-read the rules-- to get around. Not really worth it at the moment. Counting the minutes until it's fully cracked.

HAH. Made a post which didn't have anything to do with bacon.

[M3talhead]

HAH. Made a post which didn't have anything to do with bacon.

For shame!

[Harry Potter]

The BEFORE shot:

[Crazy Cooter]

Is it supposed to "do" anything when you press enter?  I just hear a click but no window or anything pops up..

[Thenasty]

The BEFORE shot:

after shot.....

[shmokes]

One thing I can say for MS, is that at least they continue to strive for improvements in stability and security in their product.  You would think that the monopoly would cause stagnation, but the differences between WindowsME and WindowsXP are staggering.  Overall, I've been extremely pleased with XP and, really, don't have a single complaint.  Especially since my copy was free (promotional deal for students several years back).

This is nonsense to a large degree.  MS does only as much as it needs to, as a monopoly.  Which is considerably less than it would need to with real competition.  Look at Internet Explorer.  IE 6 was released in October 2001.  Microsoft crushed Netscape out of existence (with its big fat wallet, not with a remotely superior product) and then stopped development flat.  They haven't released a new version in four years and don't intend to release a new version until Longhorn Vista is released.