A note to persons running illegal copies of Windows XP

[marcus]

Its not just XP, Ill only purchase software as a last resort. Its got nothing to do with singing its praises or not, its a case of simple economics.

[MartyG]

There's no problem with Windows XP, there is a problem with a lot of Windows XP users.

Yup, definitely agree with that. Now, Windows ME is a totally different proposition. I think my MSDN subscription gives me ten or more licenses for that too ...

My XP and 2000 installations are stable for months at a time - my file server hasn't needed to be rebooted for anything other than updates.

[marcus]

Same here, totally rock solid for me too. On the occasion I do have issues, its invariably due to 3rd party products (such as Nortons AV) or, less frequently, hardware issues.

[kernow]

"Mr Policeman, I could have bought a car, but it was a case of simple economics"

Its not just XP, Ill only purchase software as a last resort. Its got nothing to do with singing its praises or not, its a case of simple economics.

[Vince]

Do you need a license per machine? I have a legit one on my laptop but i've just recieved the evil blue star on my 'media' pc. I would buy one for it but i was planning on buying a legit version of Vista when it comes out.

[MartyG]

Yes you do.

[Resonance]

I spend money on a awful lot of things, but software isnt going to be one of them wherever I can help it.

does that count for games too?

I must admit to some piracy but when there is a product I really appreciate and can afford I pay for it, I buy it. It just feels like the right thing to do.

[randombs]

does that count for games too?

so if he bought games but not software you'd be ok with that?

[Ginger Tosser]

One thing you could do is become an IT contractor, that way you end up with a vast collection of Volume License Keys. However it would be very very wrong to use any of them

[buster_broon]

well i think i just downloaded it and my system came back up fine

this computer i have now was an insurance replacement from sony and i was worried about the whole company sticking the OS on alot of machines from 1 copy

but </touch wood> it seems fine

[Ish]

I find it strange that on this forum there's some serious frowning goes on over the pirating of games but then in this thread we find out that people are happy to use pirated software and OSes. Its no different. Except presumably you can afford the game and not the software.

[sputnick]

Be sure not to install that nasty 'Windows Genuine Advantage Update' and you'll be fine.

will that automatically update???

i have burned version of xp pro with sp2 and crack for auto updating.

[marcus]

The 'morality police' within this thread make me laugh. Im just being honest and to the point, I dont for one second believe that the people who are so upset by this have never, ever, used or still use software which can be considered as 'not legal', but to admit doing so is wrong. Such hypocrisy.

I dont own one copied videogame, gaming is something I am happy to spend my money on, but I dont make any distinction for it. If people want to use copied software, games, music or whatever then its up to them, I hate how others pretend to be whiter than white when in all liklihood they use illegal installations and media just as much as anyone else.

Seriously, if you want to purchase every application you use (where there are no free alternatives) then good for you, but Im not going to lose sleep because someone somewhere on an internet forum doesnt agree with the usage of unlicensed software.

[sj33]

will that automatically update???

i have burned version of xp pro with sp2 and crack for auto updating.

Make sure network cable is unpugged and turn off Automatic Updates. Now instead of using Windows Update, just use AutoPatcher XP http://www.neowin.net/forum/index.php?showforum=89
Making sure not to install anything to do with Windows Genuine Advantage.

I ordered XP Home OEM yesterday. I always said I would once I found it at a non-stupid price (over ?100 for the retail is mad).

[Dirty Sanchez]

I find it strange that on this forum there's some serious frowning goes on over the pirating of games but then in this thread we find out that people are happy to use pirated software and OSes. Its no different. Except presumably you can afford the game and not the software.

Spot on.

It just doesn't wash that the 4, 8 or 10meg line is for web surfing or downloading open source video etc. If you download one type of media you cannot have double standards and claim to be squeaky clean on a game level.

Pirating is pirating, whether that's an OS, movie, console game or a TV show that you just must see.

I pirate, simple as that. Why? Just because I can.