Well well well - what did Microsoft do?
 

Looks like they changed Windows Update - now it validates the product key before it lets you in. I know a few people at work who have stumbled accross this - tsk tsk tsk....

I am not normally a MS supporter - but for this one I say 'bravo'. They are shutting down the guy who doesn't buy the OS - no more security patches for him!

I think they had done this a while ago. The new Windows Vista (Longhorn)has even more controls.

From what I understand, people with illegal copies will still be able to get security patches, just not regular updates and stuff like the AntiSpyware beta. I agree that something needs to be done with all the pirates floating about. On the other hand, I've also seen outcry from people who at least think they have a valid license and can't get it validated through WGA.

Screw all that. Iv never paid for a copy of Windows, never plan on it. I will be switching to Mac soon. Whenever there is a new OS out for it, I will gladly pay.

Actually security patches are still available to all. An unpatched windows machine is a risk to everyone, legit or not. I guess you didn't read that the same day MS turned it on, there's a hack to get around it.

I think the MS pricing is outrageous and even if pirating was eliminated they would not drop the price.

:iagree:

Toast the pirates. While it may not directly lower the price of admission for those of us who are legit, it at least supports the concept that stealing software is, uh, stealing. If you don't like MS, just don't buy it, buy something else.

As long as the gov't doesnt interfere I really dont care. As much as I dont like Microsoft, I think anti-trust laws are bull. Free-market rules! Invisible hand rules!

Yeah, its good they block that stuff for the goons that dont pay. Walking around Bangkok, theres vendors out there selling full versions of AutoCad for 12 bucks. Works fine too. Maybe its about time MS did do something about it.

A lot of legit stuff is getting blocked. I'm not so much worried about the Windows Downloads because I do have a few machines that can still access it and I can use a burner..

It's the Windows Update that ticks me off. Those are really needed, so if you are getting cockblocked by WGA, just turn it off.

Go to Tools > Manage AddOns
Make sure it shows addon's that have been used (not currently in use) and find WGA and disable it.