Vista SP1

[Ian D]

There's an article on the msnbc.com site re Vista SP1.

This paragraph is an excerpt from it:

"Microsoft also said Monday the package of Vista updates will
fix two holes in the operating system that have allowed pirates
to create counterfeit copies - one that mimics the activation
of software by computer makers before a PC is sold, and one
that extends a grace period given to people who install new
software, before they must activate it."

Paying particular attention to the last part of it, it sort of
sounds like the "slmgr -rearm" command will be disabled in SP1.
By "software" I assume they mean Vista.

Any opinions?

 

[Andre Da Costa[ActiveWin]]

Well, to put it simple, the loop hole in "slmgr -rearm" will be closed.

 

[PNutts]

It depends on the definition of "closed". It still works, it just works
differently.

 

[Chad Harris]

Ian--

I'm not sure if this answer is what you're looking for, but MSFT has decided
in SP1 TRM to abandon throwing Vista into reduced functionality mode, and
will probably replace it with Nag ware which could easily be stopped. I'm
in favor of this decision and have criticized WGA throwing people into
reduced functionality because it's not a surgically precise tool, and it
happens to some people who have legit Vista.

CH

 

[Andre Da Costa[ActiveWin]]

Exactly, there is a loop hole in it and its being closed.

 

[Ian D]

Ian--

I'm not sure if this answer is what you're looking for, but MSFT has
decided in SP1 TRM to abandon throwing Vista into reduced functionality
mode, and will probably replace it with Nag ware which could easily be
stopped. I'm in favor of this decision and have criticized WGA throwing
people into reduced functionality because it's not a surgically precise
tool, and it happens to some people who have legit Vista.

CH

Thanks anyway. What I was talking about is the ability to extend
the 30 day activation grace period to 120 days in 30 day increments.
This is useful to me as I'm experimenting with Vista Ultimate, changing
drivers, programs, and hardware, etc., in a dual boot with XP, which is
still my main OS. I'm also trying to decide between 32 and 64 bit before
committing to one by activation.

 

[Chad Harris]

I'm not sure how SP1 will ultimately change that. It's been much discussed
here as to what you can do now. If my memory serves, you can extend up to
about 120 days with vista RTM using the SLMGR commands:

http://www.tech-recipes.com/rx/2062/vista_activation_slmgr_command_options_explained

If Andre says SP1 is closing a loophole, maybe it is.
http://itsvista.com/2007/01/slmgr-vistas-licensing-manager-disguised-as-a-hack/

CH