Flutterby™! : MS Advantage Defeated by Javascript 2005-07-29 13:49:11.972829+00

MS Advantage Defeated by Javascript

2005-07-29 13:49:11.972829+00 by meuon 4 comments

Microsoft's "Genuine Advantage", a program that required users to start verifying their serial number before getting more updates started this week was cracked in under 24hrs after release. The goal was to force users to either buy their WinXP, or tell Microsoft where you got the illegal copy. Bypass this typical M$ attempt at security before pressing the 'Custom' or 'Express' buttons, paste this text to the address bar and press enter:

    javascript:void(window.g_sDisableWGACheck='all')

It turns off the trigger for the key check, at least for now. :)

Yay! Given that on my last Windows Update session it tried to check for piracy and then wouldn't update because their server was down, this will come in handy.

#Comment Re: made: 2005-07-31 20:48:54.090461+00 by: meuon [edit history]

My current PC inventory: 2 desktops, 4 Laptops, 3 rack mount servers.. 3 machines are currently running WinXP, although EVERY machine was bought with legal M$-ware on it. My problem is keeping track of what license goes with what machine as I change OS's weekly when playing. although I have learned to like the Dell and Compaq practice of the sticker on the machine with the license#. Nancy's Compaq desktop (from Geeks.com)is the only one that matches. - And Crying.. I sure wish I could load MacOSX on one of these!

Note to M$ License auditors wanting to visit my house: I also have a few extra copies and licenses never used (shrinkwrap intact) ranging from WinXP, WinNT4 to Server 2003 and MS-SQL Server. Please bring a checkbook for a refund.

#Comment Re: made: 2005-08-16 17:02:03.643492+00 by: meuon [edit history]

So I need to turn a Compaq Presario 700 Laptop back into a WinXP-Home machine because what was Nancy's virus/ad-ware ridden WinXP Desktop is about to become a MythTV system with a Hauppage 350 PVR card. No problem, right? I got the MS Reg Key from the factory installed WinXP Home on the bottom of the Laptop.. and a WinXP Home CD burned from an MSDN DVD of OS's. But once I got to the umpteenth update from Microsoft, it decided my install was invalid because that key belonged to the former owner of the Laptop and the information did not match. I go through the 'activate by phone process' - wanting to be legit, and got an incredible voice recognition system that after reading it lots of information said: Sorry Charlie. Again, although my key is valid, it apparently belongs to the former owner of the laptop and it's not actually or practically transferable.

So, I clean out my DVD/CD/Media closet. Wow.. What a collection I have amassed in a couple years since I left HTS/COL/Ex-Wife/... I find 4 'new computer' software packages of WinXP-Home from various systems I have bought and installed Linux on, (thank geeks.com) and a few sets of "system restore/recovery" CD sets. - I take a guess, grab a shrink wrapped package labelled for a Compaq/HP laptop (no clue which system that was originally), do an install from a CD w/SP1 and AT NO TIME DID IT ASK ME FOR A KEY. I get through the product registration (with real info) and even do the 'Genuine Advantage' registration, and still it has not asked me for the key from the sticker on the CD package or the bottom of the computer. Wild, Eh?

So, Nancy has a "legit/registered/genuine advantage certified" laptop to run Quicken and a few other M$-things on, and we'll both enjoy a MythTV server for Video/Pictures/Music..

#Comment Re: made: 2005-08-17 03:44:46.326191+00 by: Shawn [edit history]

Ooo, I'd love to hear your MythTV experiences, meuon. I've been slowly putting one together here. Got most of the way there (MythTV wouldn't recognize input from the remote, although LIRC did), but then found the PII-350 I had available was too slow - there was a pause every 20 seconds or so to spool to the hard drive.

The current installation (5th or 6th try) is taking place on a Compaq Deskpro, PIII-650, now that I've got the sound card issues worked out (~~I think~~).