Microsoft Anti-Spyware? More like Anti-Piracy application...

[KC Kings]

I installed the new Anti-Spyware at work, and it worked great. Ad-aware and Spybot were run, found 0 spyware instances. I ran anti-spyware and it found over 20, including an invisible key logger loaded as a driver, (pretty sneaky and possibly loaded internally).

I decide to install it on my home PC, running XP Pro Corp Gold disk with a hacked key. When you install the app it tells you that you must have an authentic version of XP. I understood that as saying that "anti-spyware would not work, or would not be available unless you have XP installed with a valid key", so I hit the button to bypass verification and installed the app. What it should have been interpretted as saying is, "If you are running a hacked version of XP, installing this software will bend you over your computer desk and pound you Taco John style for stealing my software! Sincerely, Bill".

It worked fine until the first autoupdate. I was up at 5am and watched it start to update. It got the new files, then 60 seconds later a black bar appeared across my desktop and the PC locked up. After a reboot and chkdsk the PC comes up like normal, and then 60 seconds later a black bar appeared across my desktop and the PC locked up. After a reboot and chkdsk the PC comes up like normal, and then 60 seconds later a black bar appeared across my desktop and the PC locked up. After a reboot and chkdsk the PC comes up like normal, and then 60 seconds later a black bar appeared across my desktop and the PC locked up. After a reboot and chkdsk the PC comes up like normal, and then 60 seconds later a black bar appeared across my desktop and the PC locked up.

No other software was installed and no other changes were made, and I ran a full virus scan Saturdays at 2am, so it is not a virus. I am 99.9% sure that it is this software, but since it is so new there is nothing out there on the internet yet. I uninstalled the app and searched most of the regsitry for any leftover keys, (can't search it all with 60 seconds to work with), so I will reinstall tonight.

For any of you as dumb as me, please heed this warning and do not make the same mistake.

[J Diddy]

Originally Posted by Saulbadguy

I've had to do it quite a few times. One time after flashing the BIOS.

Its really not a big deal though. Its a toll-free call, and it doesn't take more than 5 minutes.

I like tweaking my system, changing cards, hard drives, etc. I've had to call that damned number so many times now that I should have my own direct line to bill gates. Maybe he should get a red telephone.

[J Diddy]

Originally Posted by dirk digler

My advice is to never use a pirated copy for your OS. Just my opinion.

truly.

that is about the only thing I will pay for.

Especially XP, with so many security holes, without being able to get the updates you're a dead man, when and if anyone wants to toast you.

[AeroSquid]

Originally Posted by J Diddy

truly.

that is about the only thing I will pay for.

Especially XP, with so many security holes, without being able to get the updates you're a dead man, when and if anyone wants to toast you.

MS won't stop you from downloading security updates even if you choose not to validate your copy of XP.

If you don't pay for anything else then i'm sure you have plenty of security problems with your warezed games and apps. You think that pirated copy of Office is secure without updating it?

[KC Kings]

Originally Posted by J Diddy

I like tweaking my system, changing cards, hard drives, etc. I've had to call that damned number so many times now that I should have my own direct line to bill gates. Maybe he should get a red telephone.

I change hardware all the time and have never had to call any number? Only once have I had to install drivers for the hardware, XP always has them in the library. I love XP because most of the time the hardware is installed and configured before it logs in.

I can do updates and SP's. I don't use a borrow key, but have a key gen and use the technet article to change the key in the registry. I have only had to do it twice in 2 years. I guess it could be a hardware problem, but find it odd that the problem began immediately after the update.

[Mr. Laz]

Originally Posted by J Diddy

I like tweaking my system, changing cards, hard drives, etc. I've had to call that damned number so many times now that I should have my own direct line to bill gates. Maybe he should get a red telephone.

if you have a corp version then i think you dont have to call after changes.

if you have normal version it fugs with you after ever change

[Garcia Bronco]

I still use windows 2000.....and XP doesn't have that many features that make a difference to me.

[Garcia Bronco]

Also as a rule of thumb...never...ever..ever..ever...get the Home Edition of anything unless it's trival pursuit. Always get the professional/corporate..whatever

[Kerberos]

Originally Posted by AeroSquid

Your peace of mind primarily. I own several copies of XP but I have never installed them. I don't want MS to have records of my computers configuration and have to deal with the hassle of calling MS every time i change a piece of hardware.

If he has a corporate copy then he wouldn't have to call them for changing anything anyway cause you don't have to activate a corporate or open license key>>>(schools and such).

You can buy XP Home OEM on ebay for $50 to $60 ... beats hassling with a hack key anyday!

The only advantage of using XP Pro over Home is networking and a few restore features not included w/ Home edition !!

Other than that is is a solid OS for any home user.

My.02



Cliff

[J Diddy]

Originally Posted by lazarus

if you have a corp version then i think you dont have to call after changes.

if you have normal version it fugs with you after ever change

Not everyone it is like 3 in a certain period of time. I don't have the moolah to buy the corporate version.

[J Diddy]

Originally Posted by AeroSquid

MS won't stop you from downloading security updates even if you choose not to validate your copy of XP.

If you don't pay for anything else then i'm sure you have plenty of security problems with your warezed games and apps. You think that pirated copy of Office is secure without updating it?

BS, I tried to install sp 2 with a hacked corp. version of xp pro corp. Kicked it out, said go to hell and buy the OS. Which was alright cuz I already owned xp home.

My statement of never paying was a little misleading. If I am going to dish out cash for a program that I can't get my money back on I'm going to try it first. If I like it I'll buy it. If not then it's off my hard drive. No harm lost.

[Kerberos]

Originally Posted by J Diddy

Especially XP, with so many security holes, without being able to get the updates you're a dead man, when and if anyone wants to toast you.

I agree .... I work on computers EVERYDAY .... 90% of the stores business on computer repair is corrupt or fugged up windows ... #1 cause of corrupt or fugged windows is 0, Zero, Notta, zilch ..for windows updates.

I try to explaint to people what windows updates are and show them how to go and get them... set them up on AUTO UPDATES and they still don't update the critical updates and wonder WHY they have to keep bringing thier computers in for repair...... DUH! "which way did he go George"

The #2 reason and it goes along with or right behind corrupt windows is NO ANTI-Virus...zilch, zero, notta... And they bring their computers in and ask "How did I get so much infection on my computer"????

Get some antivirus you jackass ... even if it is free *crap like AVG it is better than nothing... but usuallly it is both of those together ... no updates and no antivirus and usually spend $300 or better a year just getting windows reinstalled and updated ... yes I update windows before i give it back to customers ... but if they ignore the auto update (which is usually the case)... that is more business for me and job security!



*(That is my opinion and nothing more)



Cliff

[AeroSquid]

Originally Posted by rxrider

You can buy XP Home OEM on ebay for $50 to $60 ... beats hassling with a hack key anyday!
Cliff

lol hassle

Originally Posted by J Diddy

BS, I tried to install sp 2 with a hacked corp. version of xp pro corp. Kicked it out, said go to hell and buy the OS. Which was alright cuz I already owned xp home.

My statement of never paying was a little misleading. If I am going to dish out cash for a program that I can't get my money back on I'm going to try it first. If I like it I'll buy it. If not then it's off my hard drive. No harm lost.

It's your fault it didn't work because you didn't know what you were doing. A working XP Pro Corp SP2 is not the same as SP1, back then you had to change your key before you installed SP2. Unless you are willing to put forth some effort and find out what is going on, it's probably better that you buy XP.

[Kerberos]

Originally Posted by AeroSquid

lol hassle







It's your fault it didn't work because you didn't know what you were doing. A working XP Pro Corp SP2 is not the same as SP1, back then you had to change your key before you installed SP2. Unless you are willing to put forth some effort and find out what is going on, it's probably better that you buy XP.

I got a key gen that does corporate, Acedemic, xp Pro, Xp Home too...

so that doesn't impress me much ...

For the EVERYDAY computer user it would be easier than hassling with a hacked key.

That is what I should have said??????



Cliff

[Kerberos]

Originally Posted by AeroSquid

You think that pirated copy of Office is secure without updating it?

I got a VERY good "hacked" edition of Office 2003 Professional that is completely updatable and is working fine ... it just depends on who you get it from... I guarantee you that most of the hacked programs I have are not on someones download site for just any fuckwad out there to download and give to all his buddies ...

As I am sure you know there are allot of members only sites out there that the guys/gals share thier programs that they have made work in thier OWN way. I stoped looking for hacked up programs from search engines a while ago ... you just have to know where to look !



Cliff

[Bob Dole]

Fred Langa verifies that it contains a sniffer app.

Originally Posted by Langalist

The beta expires in July, and there's no word yet on whether or not MS will then start charging for the software. I suspect not: Even now, when you install the beta, a sniffer app checks to see if you have a legit copy of your OS, and refuses to install on pirated copies. My guess is that the Antispyware software will be offered as a "carrot" to entice users of pirated copies into getting a legit version of their OS; and secondarily as a reward to those who have legit copies.