Here we go again? Shortly after the beta of WinXP Service Pack 1 was released, locking out installations using leaked activation keys, a workaround with what appears to be a replacement key began circulating on IRC. We can therefore look forward to a repeat of the Windows Product Activation wars that were waged during the original XP beta, as crack and block alternate until the product actually ships.

At which point, barring the invention of an entirely new and uncrackable system, the final crack will be unveiled. At the moment, the SP1 beta won't install on systems using at least one widely-leaked activation key. The workaround circulating appears to include a replacement key, but given that this could be easily blocked by Microsoft in future builds, its main importance is that it explains a procedure for deactivating the system and entering a new corporate key. Which could even be a genuine one. You never know.

The cracking at this stage has about the same long-term significance as was the case during the XP beta, i.e., none. The beta itself will expire prior to the service pack finally shipping, and in the intervening period, if Microsoft wants to, then a game of block and counter-block will take place.

Read More at The Register

changing your key is sooo easy it is untrue, Microsoft are gunna have more hastle blocking keys than end users changing em. A keygen can produce about 35 keys in every 999 checks. So imagine how many people are doing this in comparison to the number of staff Mr Gates wants to dedicate to checking how many copies of the keys are being used and then dealing with disgruntaled customers when their key gets rejected cos a pirate is using it....

My money is on the pirates