Hackers 1, Micro$oft 0

Microsoft had been trying to crack down on pirated software with a new thing called "Genuine Advantage", a component of which is to deny updates to pirated Windows loads, despite that likely leading to machines with the usual security holes remaining unpatched, just waiting to become spam zombies.

Of course, this may not be too big a deal cuz Boing Boing reports that Microsoft "Genuine Advantage" was cracked in 24 hours! Nice going, Team Redmond!!!!

AV sez, "This week, Microsoft started requiring users to verifiy their serial number before using Windows Update. This effort to force users to either buy XP or tell them where you got the illegal copy is called 'Genuine Advantage.' It was cracked within 24 hours."

Before pressing '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.

Like all anti-piracy strategies, the thieves will find a way around the roadblock and legit users will have to suffer the brunt of the roadblock. That's fair. [/sarcasm]

Hat tip: /.