Question..

[Distant.Echo]

I hope this is in the right place..and I hope I don't get banned for asking this..

If you have a Windows XP disc, is there a specific file that you can delete or alter to disable key activation.
Also, is there a file to fool the authentication check that Microsoft puts on their site?

[Newby]

This is highly illegal. Instead of trashing it, I'll let others decide whether or not this should be trashed, and I'll put this in security, since it involves breaking a product's security measures.

[iago]

Talking about this isn't illegal.  But if MS sends me a C&D order, I'll delete this thread.  Otherwise, it's fine.  Let's not pursue this side of it any longer

I'm not aware of any technique to do this, but I'm sure it's possible.  Maybe others can offer more insight. 

[Quik]

Just from installation from the CD, there is no way to manually delete a particular file or process to prevent the initial authorization of the WIndows XP serial. There are a few algorithms present on the internet today which can generate a working multi-install key for the Professional Edition, if I recall correctly.

[Eric]

* Lord[nK] notes that the Corporate edition does not require activation.

[Eric]

There are a few algorithms present on the internet today which can generate a working multi-install key for the Professional Edition, if I recall correctly.

Yes, however they do not pass activation.

[Joe]

I'm next to positive theres a crack out there somewhere that simply disables checking if your key is activated.

[Distant.Echo]

* Lord[nK] notes that the Corporate edition does not require activation.

Not everyone can afford or..um, aquire that edition.

[iago]

If you can't afford to have Windows legally, you shouldn't have it.  *pokes Linux*

[deadly7]

If you can't afford to have Windows legally, you shouldn't have it. *pokes Linux*

Or, if you can, you don't need to really.. waste three hundred dollars for an OS. Who the hell has that kind of money?  I'd rather save up with that $300 and get like.. Flash or something.

[iago]

Yet, everybody still uses Windows.  I don't understand why, though.

[Ergot]

I hope this is in the right place..and I hope I don't get banned for asking this..

If you have a Windows XP disc, is there a specific file that you can delete or alter to disable key activation.
Also, is there a file to fool the authentication check that Microsoft puts on their site?

Ask the people who made WINE... they fooled the authentication check o_O

[Newby]

Yet, everybody still uses Windows.  I don't understand why, though.

Lack of minimal computer knowledge that Windows has nullified in being a necessity to operating a computer.

I think tmp sarcastically said it best (in reference to someone having difficulty getting X/*nix working/installed): "It's pretty hard when you have to know what your computer is made of and what it does in order to get something working!"

[iago]

Yet, everybody still uses Windows.  I don't understand why, though.

Lack of minimal computer knowledge that Windows has nullified in being a necessity to operating a computer.

People would rather pay the $300 instead of spending some time learning?

And yet, people are forced to buy Windows XP when they buy a new computer, most of the time.  Is that fair at all?

[Quik]

Yet, everybody still uses Windows. I don't understand why, though.

Lack of minimal computer knowledge that Windows has nullified in being a necessity to operating a computer.

People would rather pay the $300 instead of spending some time learning?

And yet, people are forced to buy Windows XP when they buy a new computer, most of the time. Is that fair at all?

Not always. You can get most desktop packages without an OS. And you always have the opportunity to get a Mac.

Of course, if you have the time to spend learning how to use Linux, you can also learn how to build your own, cost-efficient computer with everything you need, and therefore have a place to install your operating system of choice.

Time is the issue here: most businesses that run on Windows do not have the time or money to train every computer users how to use Linux, even if it would save their IT people many-a-headache. Sometimes the quickest way isn't always the best way, but in such a demanding economy, it may be the only option.

If this is the inappropriate thread to debate this, someone can feel free to split these posts into a seperate discussion over the situation.

[Newby]

And yet, people are forced to buy Windows XP when they buy a new computer, most of the time.  Is that fair at all?

Not true. There is an option for no operating system installed.

Why would a company install a product that is free, when they could install a corporation's product and get on the corporation's good side (which could get $$$ and cheap products)?

[iago]

When I bought my laptop, the guy at Best Buy assured me that every laptop they sell comes with Windows XP.  He also assured me that it was "free", which is a load of crap. 

[Warrior]

Windows does what an OS should do. Manage the OS. IMHO Linux gives the user too much to worry about an too much power as opposed to Windows which is meant to be an OS a family can enjoy withought having to worry about the complexity of Linux.

[iago]

Windows does what an OS should do. Manage the OS.

You have that completely backwards.  Windows does WAY too much.  The OS shouldn't do things like web browsing.  It shouldn't come with a million integrated programs.  It should just be the OS. 

On Linux, the OS is what loads into memory in the first second or so, when it says "LOADING LINUX....".  After that, it's all scripts and programs defined by the distro running.  An external program loads the drivers, an external program displays the console or X, an external program does everything.  The programs can be audited, changed, debugged, etc., without ever mucking around in the kernel.  Linux does "what an OS should do": manage memory and devices, and allow communication between software and hardware.  That should be where the OS stops. 

[Warrior]

That's basically how all kernels work, just like Linux distros come bundled with applications like Firefox or GAIM. Windows comes with it's own applications. Both of them are at a user level so the difference is? Also Linux links the drivers with itself at runtime which IMHO isn't such a great idea if you are trying to be a minimalist kernel.

[iago]

Linux doesn't always come with Firefox or GAIM.  But have you tried getting Windows without Internet Explorer or even, in fact, without Explorer? 

[Warrior]

Internet explorer can't be completely removed since Windows uses it's engine to render some things (Not as much in XP anymore but still) Windows Explorer can be replaced but I don't know why you'd want to.

[iago]

See, that's annoying.  You said that "Windows does what an OS should do".  Should an OS force you to have certain programs installed?

[Warrior]

If it's necesary to operate the system why not? . On another note I think if you remove the dependant files (I think Help is one of them) you can remove IE. Assuming you switch all internet things to FF

[ink]

I'm pretty sure you can remove IE from the control panel using Add/Remove programs, and selecting 'Add/Remove Windows Components' but it's not wise to do since some applications have IE integrated into them for things like updating