Microsoft Download Centre Demanig OS Validation

By C:Amie
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C:Amie

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The Microsoft Download Centre has been updated with some graphical improvements on both the search, listings and item pages.

Crucially in the new look download centre many application downloads are now being flagged with a "Genuine Users Symbol"

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Clicking the link takes you off to read about the new validation system

"The validation process also determines if you have activated your copy of Windows. If you have not activated Windows, you will be asked to enter the 25-character product key printed on the Certificate of Authenticity (COA) you received with your PC or software purchase.

Windows Activation is not required. You may access genuine Windows downloads with either an activated Windows client, or by using a Windows services activation key. Activation is, however, the quickest and easiest way to receive genuine Windows downloads from the Download Centre. Activation is also the best way to let Microsoft know that you are a Windows Genuine Advantage customer, and that you are ready to receive the service and support you that expect and deserve from Microsoft. Read more about the Windows activation process."

The document implies that is checking product activation, something only applicable to Windows XP and Windows Server 2003. So for it to still be present on other Microsoft operating systems implies that it's also checking keys as well. Although that is pure speculation on my part.

The checker is an ActiveX control and is not mandatory to complete the download process.

Example: Download Center

More Info: About Validation

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C:Amie

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No big deal.

I'm posting it here in the BPN so that a News poster can make a big deal out of it ;)

Seriously though. If you use a web broser that doesn't support ActiveX, you're stuck with the long route around to the download... also what are the implications if they enfoce it.

sumeet; Looks to me that once the ActiveX Control is installed, then that's it. It wont bother you again.

Grand Master

Japlabot

Posted
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Its completely optionally.

You can select not to do any validation.

At the moment. But it will become manditory as they phase it in. I certainly would not update my OS with these kind of privacy implications, I really don't trust Microsoft. Sure I have nothing to hide, as I've got an OEM copy of Windows that is legitimate, but I don't know what other software they will install on my system without me knowing what it does together with that ActiveX control. I hope this security key won't be an issue for Autopatcher.

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C:Amie

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I'm with you TLOS, I avoid all ActiveX apart from the OU, WU and Flash clients.

Just to clarify, I'm all legal as well. So at the end of the day I've nothing to worry about. However this is a pain in the behind if you ask me. It's a clear attempt at MSIE enforcement.

Now I'm a MSIE user, but people should have the right to choose and not have it forced on them by any person / corp.

They've obviously never heard of User Agent checking though, as it's asking for validation under Linux as well!

Although it isn't on regional language download sites yet.

Edited by c e 3 2 0
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Yvo

Posted
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Bah - piracy check.

It's not necessarily the piracy check as that is the only good part about it, its just Microsoft installing unknown PC on one's computer. I'd rather not have something prod through my system when I have a legal version of everything.

Piracy is wrong, I don't care how much money Microsoft has or makes, but in the end that money doesn't go in the pockets of developers but most of it goes right back in the company. The amount of R&D Microsoft does compared to most companies is amazing. Yes Bill Gates is rich and happy but he donates more than anyone in the Fortune 500. At this point 1/10th of all school computers in the US are paid by Bill Gates and his software. Something most people take advantage of.

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M/\TT

Posted
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ahh, ive got a legal copy of windows, but this will make it a pain in the ass every time i want to download stuff now

Once you've done it once i'd imagine it will remember so you only do it once.

I doubt MS would risk putting users off by having them do that each time. At least I hope not :)

Enthusiast

Omn1

Posted
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What's the point of this validation process if someone like me (running WinXP Pro Corp on a generated key) can pass the validation check? Is there something I missed here...? Or are they just thinking of making sure you are running MS windows before you download the windows-only software? I am seriously confused about this, it makes no sense whatsoever. Of course, 90% of the time, most security measures don't make sense.

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