News - Windows 7 cracked and activated with leaked OEM license key

[scaryjim]

It's hardly a major triumph though, using leaked OEM materials to install an OS. When they come up with a way to install and activate a retail copy on many PCs, then I'll be impressed...

[sadbuttrue]

I missed out on the sub £50 pre-orders. If Windows 7 Home Retail costs £150 when I plan to upgrade next year...

Fair pricing all of the time would eradicate most piracy, but Microsoft don't seem to do fair.

[Splash]

I missed out on the sub £50 pre-orders. If Windows 7 Home Retail costs £150 when I plan to upgrade next year...

Fair pricing all of the time would eradicate most piracy, but Microsoft don't seem to do fair.

Piracy won't force them to reduce the price though. Using a competing product will.

[stewis]

I missed out on the sub £50 pre-orders. If Windows 7 Home Retail costs £150 when I plan to upgrade next year...

Fair pricing all of the time would eradicate most piracy, but Microsoft don't seem to do fair.

you can still pick up a home copy on pre order for around 60 - 70 quid tho if you look around.

[Animus404]

I'm not surprised. I know a few people who are planning to pirate a copy regardless of price. One actually called me "stupid for buying something I can get for free" and another said I "must earn to much to even consider buying a Operating System" later that day he wee'd an equivalent amount of money up the wall then purchased a doner kebab.

[shaithis]

Piracy won't force them to reduce the price though. Using a competing product will.

Where are the competing products that will run the latest games and apps?

Linux will only get you apps (to some degree) and support for some games.....It is also massively over-complicated for the vast majority of home users.

If you think that the vast majority of users have a REAL choice as to whose OS they run, you are living in a dream-world.

[djglenn]

I have no sympathy for Microsoft tbh.... I am sticking with Vista, as MS should have given all loyal vista users a free upgrade to Win 7.

[dangel]

I have no sympathy for Microsoft tbh.... I am sticking with Vista, as MS should have given all loyal vista users a free upgrade to Win 7.

At 40-45 quid on the pre-order it felt too expensive? Guess you'd never go Apple either then

[pauldarkside]

....MS should have given all loyal vista users a free upgrade to Win 7.

So in your world, how do they go about funding Windows 8?

[blinky]

I have Win7 on pre-order and valid licences for XP and Vista.

It was a matter of time. Even if they weren't leaked prior to release once hardware with Pre-activated OEM W7 on, it wouldn't take long to determine the required certificates and keys.

Microsoft could revoke the keys but the manufacturer would have to re-image all their inventory stock and risk a backlash from customers for items they missed.

[kalniel]

If you think that the vast majority of users have a REAL choice as to whose OS they run, you are living in a dream-world.

If you think the vast majority of users have a REAL need for Windows-only games and apps then you are living in a dream-world.

[dangel]

If you think the vast majority of users have a REAL need for Windows-only games and apps then you are living in a dream-world.

Can't we all live in a dream world?

It sounds really nice!

[mercyground]

New record?

Rofl. Thats the leaked Dell key. I remember that one.

[Tigerteeth]

I have no sympathy for Microsoft tbh.... I am sticking with Vista, as MS should have given all loyal vista users a free upgrade to Win 7.

If you're a 'loyal' Vista user, wouldn't you have stayed with Vista regardless of a free upgrade?

[shaithis]

If you think the vast majority of users have a REAL need for Windows-only games and apps then you are living in a dream-world.

No, you don't NEED a game, but if you want it you NEED Windows to play it.

So, an entire market of products is reliant on 1 companies product to run.

It would be like 99% of cars not working unless you used Dunlop tyres.....the outcry about monopolies would be overwhelming.

[kalniel]

No, you don't NEED a game, but if you want it you NEED Windows to play it.

Or a games console, which does a far better job for a lower total system cost/hassle.