Using Windows 8 RTM leak not all plain sailing


Recommended Posts

I'm going to buy this, at $40 its an absolute steal.

I was one of the suckers that bought the full version of Windows 7 Ultimate when it first came out for $350 odd!

News now in... software that you aren't supposed to be using, doesn't work the way it probably should...

Despite the fact it's the same as the one to be sold to millions of customers around the world. Good one.

(Note: Not talking in an activation context here).

You act like metro is the whole O.S. When it's just an app launcher realistically.

Nah don't think so mate and frankly I fail to see how you made that connection. I said I was holding my tongue on metro if you re-read what I actually did say which was about the way explorer looks. Not quite sure why you edited out the bit about me holding my views on metro. Makes no sense in relation to what your reply was, really odd.

And just to prove a point Metro for MS will be the biggest selling point to Mr Jo Bloggs on the street. It is an integral part of how MS wants it's users to interface with that OS and it's part of Microsoft's vision of the future. Even if it is just an app launcher as you put it (which it isn't as programs will now have to be written for it and fall in line with how it looks and operates) it's an extremely important change for Microsoft and Windows users as it is going to stick around. A lot hinges on it for Microsoft's future success...so try thinking out side the box a little besides thinking its a 'little' app launcher. But hey lets get back on topic as I was merely pointing out my opinion on what I could see in the image, nothing else.

For those of you who have found and installed the RTM, it looks like whatever workaround still causes issues when trying to use it :p

Nabbed from WinUnleaked (requires registration to view):

post-2-0-63396500-1344075375_thumb.jpg

That is because, like Office 2013, the leaks are all VL (Volume Licensed) SKUs. Enter the VLK you got when downloading Office 2013 and the issue (in that application) goes away.

This identical issue affects all combinations of VL-licensed Windows and Office (it's not unique).

Despite the fact it's the same as the one to be sold to millions of customers around the world. Good one.

(Note: Not talking in an activation context here).

The operative words are 'to be sold' - As in future tense. Is it officially available or has it been obtained through unauthorised channels? I think you'll find it's the latter and therefore you aren't supposed to have it. Doesn't matter how you slice it, this is fact...

The operative words are 'to be sold' - As in future tense. Is it officially available or has it been obtained through unauthorised channels? I think you'll find it's the latter and therefore you aren't supposed to have it. Doesn't matter how you slice it, this is fact...

Not supposed to have it.

/=/

Not working properly.

You said it's because we're not supposed to have it that we shouldn't expect it to work properly, without bugs etc. But the fact is, it's the same version coming out to millions of customers worldwide.

Please stop acting like the goodie-goodie guy. This topic is about bugs in the RTM version aka the final version of the OS. It is not a moral debate.

He's not blaming Windows 8 O.o Where did you get that? He's merely informing us that the current leak has flaws most likely due to the applied workaround. XD

The *applied workaround* is not even a new one - it is one that has been in VL-licensed Windows since XP.

The skinny - it's a Visual Basic Script that is included with all VL versions of Windows that calls the System Managment Licensing service (slmgr.vbs) - however, it both requires Administrator priviledges AND is usually run via the CLI (due to several "switches" the script has). The switch in question (slmgr.vbs -rearm) basically resets the clock for a Volume Licensed version of Windows.

The problem - If a volume-licensed version of *Office* is on the same PC (such as the Office 2013 Preview), that clock also gets reset.

The fix - Re-enter your VL key you got with Office 2013 Preview.

Not supposed to have it.

/=/

Not working properly.

You said it's because we're not supposed to have it that we shouldn't expect it to work properly, without bugs etc. But the fact is, it's the same version coming out to millions of customers worldwide.

Please stop acting like the goodie-goodie guy. This topic is about bugs in the RTM version aka the final version of the OS. It is not a moral debate.

No - the reason that it doesn't work like it should, is because you haven't activated it like you should, which you can't do because you aren't supposed to have it. Doesn't matter how you try to spin this - you shouldn't be surprised that something doesn't work properly before its official release - and until it has actually been released, it's not a bug because maybe not everything is actually in place as it would be once it has been released.

I challenge anyone to find even one piece of media/software in my entire collection that hasn't been acquired through unauthorised channels. Anything else, is just stealing my friend, and if you were a software developer you'd understand why piracy hurts every one of us.

No - the reason that it doesn't work like it should, is because you haven't activated it like you should, which you can't do because you aren't supposed to have it. Doesn't matter how you try to spin this - you shouldn't be surprised that something doesn't work properly before its official release - and until it has actually been released, it's not a bug because maybe not everything is actually in place as it would be once it has been released.

I challenge anyone to find even one piece of media/software in my entire collection that hasn't been acquired through unauthorised channels. Anything else, is just stealing my friend, and if you were a software developer you'd understand why piracy hurts every one of us.

I'm not talking about any issues caused by not activating. I'm not the OP. We already know all of the limitations caused by not activating - everything else is a bug. Oh, are you saying we don't know all of the bugs that are caused by not activating? Because now you're just calling pirates stupid. We can't customise the start screen wallpaper, boo hoo. But actual bugs, such as the fact the window title text doesn't contrast with the window colour border, is a bug.

If I just read your post correctly, and I made sure to do it several times, you just said "I don't have any legal piece of software or media in my library" is that correct? I'm not sure if that was your intention.

Oh right. Well yeah, that's fair enough. I don't see how that guy specifically incited that he was going to do that though. We've heard activation cracks being discussed in the manner of "damn pirates, cheapskates" for ages. Can we not make a discussion on activation that relates to activating it before it comes out officially? That sounds much more fun to me.

No. You may not discuss activation cracks or any other type of cracks here.

Most people who would pirate it wouldn't have legitimate Windows licence to allow them to upgrade in the first place.

You probably won't have to upgrade like WIndows 7. I got the Windows 7 upgrade disk for buying a vista laptop like a month before win7 came out and i can use the upgrade disk to do a fresh install. I just click custom, delete the partition and click next.

No. You may not discuss activation cracks or any other type of cracks here.

I wasn't suggesting cracks, I was just looking to steer away from the usual, boring, "grr pirates" line of discussion. I'm talking about confirming with eachother what features are disabled due to lack of activation etc.

I'll ask our lab admin on availablity of Windows 8 Enterprise. We are currently running server 2008 and I would like to check if the latest DCERPC implementation in 2012 has broken inspection engine running on our firewall :| (we've had several issues with Windows 2008 implementation).

btw! I believe the leaked volume x64/x86 would still have the need of a centralized server to activate windows? And can these be installed on VMs?

I'll ask our lab admin on availablity of Windows 8 Enterprise. We are currently running server 2008 and I would like to check if the latest DCERPC implementation in 2012 has broken inspection engine running on our firewall :| (we've had several issues with Windows 2008 implementation).

btw! I believe the leaked volume x64/x86 would still have the need of a centralized server to activate windows? And can these be installed on VMs?

Pretty sure that's right.

Thanks for the confirmation. Is it possible to run it on VM w/o activation? Any idea when these are handed over to partners?

Does VM mean Virtual Machine? Well, it runs fine on a Virtual Machine for me but then, I'm just an end user. I'm not sure about your network virtual machine needs :/

This is the only info I have:

  • August 15th: Developers will be able to download the final version of Windows 8 via MSDN subscriptions.
  • August 15th: IT professionals testing Windows 8 in the enterprise will be able to access the final version of Windows 8 through TechNet subscriptions.
  • August 16th: Customers with existing Microsoft Software Assurance for Windows will be able to download Windows 8 Enterprise edition through the Volume License Service Center (VLSC).
  • August 16th: Microsoft Partner Network members will have access to Windows 8.
  • August 20th: Microsoft Action Pack Providers (MAPS) receive access to Windows 8.
  • September 1st: Volume License customers without Software Assurance will be able to purchase Windows 8 through Microsoft Volume License Resellers.

Does VM mean Virtual Machine? Well, it runs fine on a Virtual Machine for me but then, I'm just an end user. I'm not sure about your network virtual machine needs :/

This is the only info I have:

  • August 15th: Developers will be able to download the final version of Windows 8 via MSDN subscriptions.
  • August 15th: IT professionals testing Windows 8 in the enterprise will be able to access the final version of Windows 8 through TechNet subscriptions.
  • August 16th: Customers with existing Microsoft Software Assurance for Windows will be able to download Windows 8 Enterprise edition through the Volume License Service Center (VLSC).
  • August 16th: Microsoft Partner Network members will have access to Windows 8.
  • August 20th: Microsoft Action Pack Providers (MAPS) receive access to Windows 8.
  • September 1st: Volume License customers without Software Assurance will be able to purchase Windows 8 through Microsoft Volume License Resellers.

That is right, on Virtual Machine. Looking at the dates I guess we will get it pretty soon.

Max Payne 3 doesn't not work, and that's a huge deal for me. Going back to 7. BTW... isn't even that faster that windows 7 with everything that I normally use... and why I cannot autostart programs like K10STAT for overclocking my processor automatically, even when I put them on the startup folder? that sucks.

Tip for those who can't stand (like me) the small lower left rectangle: move up the taskbar, that way it doesn't interfere, who had the gread idea of having both the charm bar and the so missplaced small rectangle? what a mess is this.

No. You may not discuss activation cracks or any other type of cracks here.

See, now that's what I thought as well, but notice who started the thread, and clearly mentions the activation 'workaround', so right there seems to open it up for discussion. Kind of sets a double standard.

Personally I'm with quite a few in this thread that suggest that most, if not all, who have this software have obtained it illegally, and according to Neowin rules it should not be discussed, let alone encouraged.

See, now that's what I thought as well, but notice who started the thread, and clearly mentions the activation 'workaround', so right there seems to open it up for discussion. Kind of sets a double standard.

Personally I'm with quite a few in this thread that suggest that most, if not all, who have this software have obtained it illegally, and according to Neowin rules it should not be discussed, let alone encouraged.

Sigh, are you bound to this rulebook like you are bound to the constitution or something?

There is no such thing as an activation workaround anyway.

It's impossible to be breaking rules because you can't activate it.

  • Like 1

See, now that's what I thought as well, but notice who started the thread, and clearly mentions the activation 'workaround', so right there seems to open it up for discussion. Kind of sets a double standard.

Personally I'm with quite a few in this thread that suggest that most, if not all, who have this software have obtained it illegally, and according to Neowin rules it should not be discussed, let alone encouraged.

Well Neowin's staff themselves are geeking out over the leak. Neobond was not discussing activation method. He was mentioning the bug with activation of Office 2013 Preview which is perfectly legal to use.

This topic is now closed to further replies.
  • Posts

    • Doogee and Ulefone regularly release phones with 10k-25k mAh batteries, but those are bricks. I don't understand how they could make it only weigh 220 grams with a battery that size.
    • Windows 10 quietly gets one more year of support and updates by Taras Buria Windows 10 reached its end of life at the end of 2025. Microsoft kicked off the Extended Security Updates program, aimed at giving regular consumers one more year of security-only updates. By doing so, Microsoft gave users more time and money to update their computers to a newer operating system or compatible hardware. Now, with the end of the Extended Security Updates program quickly approaching, Microsoft is making an important adjustment. Users discovered that the official support article for the program now lists a new end-of-support date: The Extended Security Updates program is not a new concept. It has been an official way for business consumers to continue receiving critical updates for unsupported Microsoft products for many years. However, all this time, it was a business-only, paid feature. With Windows 10, Microsoft brought ESU to regular consumers, allowing them to get security updates for Windows 10 past October 2025 essentially for free. When Windows 10 was approaching the end of support, many guessed that Microsoft might adjust its support timelines, and this is exactly what seems to be happening. Of course, Microsoft would love everyone to switch to new computers, such as its latest Surface devices, but in the days of ever-growing hardware prices, not everyone is lucky enough to have money for a new PC. Leaving hundreds of millions of customers with a Windows version that no longer receives security updates is a major risk that Microsoft is not willing to take. If you have a Windows 10 PC to enroll in the Extended Security Updates program, check out this guide to learn how to do so.
    • Sony announces Bungie layoffs that will affect "significant number of employees" by Pulasthi Ariyasinghe Sony today announced that major layoffs are happening at its first-party studio Bungie, the developer that has spawned series like Halo, Destiny, and Marathon over the past decades. The news arrives just weeks after Bungie delivered the final update to Destiny 2, and it's that team being hit with the layoffs the most. CEO of Sony Interactive Entertainment Hermen Hulst revealed the staff reduction today, calling it "painful news." "Over the past several months, together with Bungie leadership, we reviewed the studio’s long-term direction, development priorities, resource needs, and role within our broader portfolio strategy," said Hulst, explaining the decision. "We explored multiple alternatives before concluding that a reduction was necessary to align the studio’s resources with its current priorities and long-term goals." The layoffs will be hitting "a significant number of employees" across most of the Destiny franchise development team. It doesn't look like Sony is planning to continue the series following Destiny 2's sunsetting update. The studio is said to be in early stages of looking at other projects to pivot to, but it's said that keeping the size of the team at current levels is no longer feasible. "We know this decision has a profound impact on the people affected, their families, friends, and teammates," said Bungie leadership in a separate message on social media. "While these changes are necessary to best position the studio now and for the future, that does not lessen the difficulty of this moment or the impact it has on those affected." At the same time, "some" of the Marathon development team are also affected by the layoffs. The recently released multiplayer-only extraction shooter title hasn't seen a big boom of players either, but the company is reportedly hoping that the live service experience will pick up players with future updates.
    • Microsoft adds reusable skills and finance data connectors to Copilot in Excel by Karthik Mudaliar Microsoft is giving Copilot in Excel a collection of new features aimed squarely at finance teams. The update introduces reusable instructions for common tasks, connections to services such as FactSet and Morningstar, and a better way to review what Copilot intends to do before it starts changing a workbook. The most interesting addition is 'Skills' finally coming to Copilot in Excel. Skills let companies teach Copilot how to handle a recurring process, so employees do not need to write the same detailed prompt every month. Users can create skills that can specify the steps Copilot should follow, along with the required layout, formulas, and formatting. Microsoft says users can create their own skills by saving a SKILL.md file in OneDrive. The file is written using Markdown and tells Copilot when and how to perform the task. Once it is available, a user can select the skill in the Copilot pane or mention it in a prompt using the @ symbol. There is also a library of prebuilt finance skills for customers who do not want to create their own. Microsoft plans to let developers distribute additional skills through the Microsoft Marketplace and the Microsoft 365 Admin Center, with LSEG, Ramp, Rogo, samaya.ai, Velixo, and Vena among the first partners involved. The company says that it is also expanding the external data that Copilot can access from inside Excel. New connectors are being added for CB Insights, Daloopa, FactSet, Morningstar, PitchBook, and S&P Global data through technology developed by Kensho. There is a catch, however. Accessing these services may require a separate subscription from the relevant data provider, so a Microsoft 365 Copilot licence will not necessarily unlock all of them. FactSet is also only available in preview for now, with general availability planned for July. Microsoft is also trying to make Copilot’s workbook edits easier to inspect. Users can switch to a planning mode that shows which sheets, cell ranges, formulas, and assumptions Copilot intends to work with before it begins making changes. Once the work is complete, the Show Changes pane can distinguish edits made by Copilot from those made by human collaborators. The update continues Microsoft’s push to turn Excel Copilot from a chatbot into an agent that can carry out longer tasks. The company previously added an Agent Mode capable of planning and completing multi-step Excel work. Microsoft also recently acquired financial AI startup Fintool, another indication that finance is becoming a key target for its Excel AI strategy. Prebuilt skills, personalization, workbook rules, external connectors, planning mode, and Copilot attribution in Show Changes are generally available to Microsoft 365 Copilot customers using Excel on the web, Windows, and macOS. Custom skills are initially available to Microsoft 365 Insiders on Windows and Mac starting today. Microsoft plans to make them generally available across Windows, Mac, and the web over the next month. Partner-built skills are expected during the third quarter of the year. Availability may still differ depending on region and licensing.
    • Exactly. They serve different (although related) purposes.
  • Recent Achievements

    • First Post
      kinowa earned a badge
      First Post
    • Rookie
      krychek57 went up a rank
      Rookie
    • Grand Master
      Jaybonaut went up a rank
      Grand Master
    • One Year In
      Philsl earned a badge
      One Year In
    • Dedicated
      Scoobystu earned a badge
      Dedicated
  • Popular Contributors

    1. 1
      +primortal
      438
    2. 2
      +Edouard
      169
    3. 3
      PsYcHoKiLLa
      134
    4. 4
      Xenon
      77
    5. 5
      Michael Scrip
      75
  • Tell a friend

    Love Neowin? Tell a friend!