Media Center Key Accidentally Gives Pirates Free Windows 8 Pro License 255
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 (Score:5, Informative)
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 (Score:5, Informative)
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. (Score:2, Informative)
Re:Too expensive. (Score:4, Informative)
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? (Score:5, Informative)
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 (Score:4, Informative)
Here - https://access.redhat.com/knowledge/solutions/2474 [redhat.com]
You can read about license keys and activation nonsense.
Re:Too expensive. (Score:3, Informative)