Media Center Key Accidentally Gives Pirates Free Windows 8 Pro License

MrSeb writes "In an amusing twist that undoubtedly spells the end of some hapless manager's career, Microsoft has accidentally gifted pirates with a free, fully-functioning Windows 8 license key. As you have probably surmised, this isn't intentional — Microsoft hasn't suddenly decided to give pirates an early Christmas present (though the $40 upgrade deal from Windows 8 Release Preview is something of a pirate amnesty). ... The bug involves the Key Management Service, which is part of Microsoft's Volume Licensing system. Pirates have already hacked the KMS to activate Windows 8 for 180 days — but this is just a partial activation. Now it turns out that the free Media Center Pack license keys that Microsoft is giving out until January 31 2013 can be used on a KMS-activated copy of Windows 8 to turn it into a fully licensed copy of Windows 8 Pro. "

As I surmised

[oodaloop]

In an amusing twist that undoubtedly spells the end of some hapless manager's career, Microsoft has accidentally gifted pirates with a free, fully-functioning Windows 8 license key. As you have probably surmised, this isn't intentional

Yes, in fact, this is exactly what I surmised after seeing the word "accidentally". That usually implies lack of intention.

Interesting hack, and pretty "Oops" on MS' part

[idontgno]

On the upside, you can have a fully activated copy of Win 8 with relatively little effort.

On the downside, it'll still be Windows 8.

I think I'll pass, thanks.

Re:Too expensive.

[RaceProUK]

Microsoft's two biggest earners are Office and Windows. Compared to them, the earnings from hardware sales are comparable to a grain of sand in the Sahara.

Re:Too expensive.

[Ambiguous Coward]

On the other hand, upgrading a household of OS X computers costs 0*(number of computers) + $20, whereas upgrading a household of Windows computers costs, at a minimum, $40*(number of computers).

Re:What about windows 7?

[pla]

You don't even need a key or a (code-based) hack to run Win7 forever without activation - You can run it in fully-functional pre-activation mode forever.

Google "slmgr -rearm" and "IR5". Note that IR5 doesn't install any sort of actual cracks, it just scripts a few simple tasks you can do manually if you don't trust it.

RHN Activation Key

[Frankie70]

Here - https://access.redhat.com/knowledge/solutions/2474 [redhat.com]

You can read about license keys and activation nonsense.

Re:Too expensive.

[chrisxcr1]

If you buy an upgrade from the App Store you are allowed to install it on all of the Macs you own. That does not work for businesses though. For business use you do have to buy one upgrade for one machine.