[Tenchiro]

http://blogs.zdnet.com/Bott/?p=84

I like to review updates before they are installed. The only update that I have not installed is the latest WGA because of the security issues related to it.

I called Microsoft support to see if there is a hidden option to say, "yep, I've got updates turned to manual… it's okay." The rep said, "No and why wouldn't you want to get the latest updates to Windows."

I responded with the issues relating to WGA. He spent some time telling me that WGA was a good thing, etc. I reiterated that I have accepted all the updates except WGA and just want to review the updates before they're installed on my machine.

He told me that "in the fall, having the latest WGA will become mandatory and if its not installed, Windows will give a 30 day warning and when the 30 days is up and WGA isn't installed, Windows will stop working, so you might as well install WGA now." [emphasis added]

I'm wondering if Microsoft has the right to disable Windows functionality or the OS as a whole (tantamount to revoking my legitimate Windows license) if I do not install every piece of software that they send it updates.

Very interesting.... I suppose they do have the right to disable stolen software, lets just hope that their DB of pirated keys is actually accurate.

 

[Tenchiro]

If/when this comes into effect I wonder how long it will be until the first virus exploits it and deactivates a few thousand or even a few million PC's...

 

[Pau11y]

If it happens, I think you'll see a class action lawsuit to end all class action suits, raping the fat hog wealthy MicroSoft over the coals (or at least that's what I hope will happen)

 

[binary visions]

Uh... Do you guys not know about XP Activation? If you don't activate, Windows will stop working. And a virus could unset your activation of Windows. That hasn't seemed to be a problem.

The vast majority of people won't care since their copy is legal and they have no security concerns. There is a portion of the population who has a legal copy and cares about it, and they will pitch a fit. Then, there's the portion of the population who have illegal copies and they will pitch a fit as well.

Who do you think is gonna sue them, Pau11y? That middle minority who both have a legal copy and still care about the validation patch? A lot of them will crack it, just like the people who have illegal copies.

 

[LordOpie]

I have a legal copy and won't install WGA, in part for security reasons, but mostly for principle.

Yes, if I have to install it eventually, I will.

No law suit will happen.

 

[Ciaran]

I have far more faith in the skills of the hackers and crackers than I do Microsoft's engineers. To date they have NEVER been able to create an unbeatable security system for Windoze. I don't think this is going to change anytime soon.

 

[MMike]

Crap I wish I'd seen this thread sooner.

It's telling me I have a counterfeit version of Windows. I'm not sure how the hell that is possible. They want to charge me $200 to fix it...