Genuine Verification s*!t !

DonkeyRhubarb

I run a legitimate copy of windows xp pro. Yes, it is legit, I do own it, I did pay for it, yes I despise microsoft.
I want to try out certain programs from microsoft.com, but I resent having to install something just to see if my windows is legit. I know there are LOADS of people with the same stance as me on this.
I tried going to download.com, but it just redirects me to ms.
More specifically, I want to try defender beta. I know there are lots of people don't like this, but I wan to form my own opinion.
Is there anyway I can get this without having to get on my knees and prove myself to the gates keeper?
Here's to the rise and hopefully, fall of MS. (The staff can get jobs with linux or something:p )

Asok

Ok so you dont want to spend 5 minutes of your time proving something you have is genuine in order to get free software from microsoft.....Different strokes for different folks I guess.

Edit: I actually just went to download defender and had to validate my install. It took a total of 40 seconds. I will never get these seconds back so I must take them from bill gates.

RangeR

I'm sort of with Donkey on this one. I have a legit version of XP too, very unstable though.


I have to verify my Windows with EVERY MS download. I've download their genuine app thingy. Pain in the butt having to validate my PC for every download. I've just stopped downloading MS stuff, except for things that come in Windows Update. Not worth the hassle. And yes it IS a hassle.

Validate me once. Not every time.

Sully

Im running a legit version, MS validated my install when I installed the OS and I was able to run Windows Update and patch up my PC.

Then a few weeks back I tried installing Internet Explorer's latest version to see what all the talk is about, but was unable as Windows said my copy wasnt legit. From looking at there website, I have to pay to get support on this - there problem, not mine.

Odd this only appeared now, its a legit copy I got from Dell (was on the PC, I wiped the PC and installed it again - validated fine, now it says im not genuine).

Sorry for hi-jacking :P

snappieT

Correct me if I'm wrong, but don't you download a little app that gives you a code that you type into the website? Couldn't someone with a genuine copy not just post that code for all to use?

Sully

snappieT wrote:

Correct me if I'm wrong, but don't you download a little app that gives you a code that you type into the website? Couldn't someone with a genuine copy not just post that code for all to use?

Im not sure what your on about... the Windows Genuine Test just does some sort of scan on the PC and comes back with the result: Pass or Fail. If you fail, you cant download some MS Products. If you pass, you can.

You get your Windows code when you purchase Windows, and on installing Windows you gotta enter that code to "activate" Windows.

I presume the code can be given out, but I always thought it was tracable and each "registered" code was stored in MS Database and if entered again - was refused until you get the validation over the phone...

carrotcake

snappieT wrote:

Correct me if I'm wrong, but don't you download a little app that gives you a code that you type into the website? Couldn't someone with a genuine copy not just post that code for all to use?

it's just a line that you put into the address bar. you don't need an application. search on google and you'll find the line very easily

DemonOfTheFall

It is possible to obtain special validation tools aswell. I use one on my legit XP install just so that MS don't p*ss me off everytime I want to download something from their site.

X-SL

when I first tried to validate it did it fine, downloaded whatever it was. if I try now it says it's no valid!! argh! :@ same version, same computer, etc. nothing has changed

snappieT

Sully04 wrote:

Im not sure what your on about... the Windows Genuine Test just does some sort of scan on the PC and comes back with the result: Pass or Fail. If you fail, you cant download some MS Products. If you pass, you can.

You get your Windows code when you purchase Windows, and on installing Windows you gotta enter that code to "activate" Windows.

I presume the code can be given out, but I always thought it was tracable and each "registered" code was stored in MS Database and if entered again - was refused until you get the validation over the phone...

But that test runs as ActiveX, something the likes of Firefox doesn't support, so the site gets you to download a little .exe called GenuineAdvantage.exe

This did the scan, and gave you a (I think 8-bit) hex code that you typed into the website to allow you through. So my point is could anyone not use that hex code?

Or am I completely lost?

DonkeyRhubarb

I appreciate all your replies, however, my point was to get by this verification process.
Im in two minds as to whether people who didnt purchase windows should get support, but personally, I WILL not verify my PC out of principle.
I use Linux SUSE whenever possible, and only use windows whenever I need compatibility.
Im not going to look for an illegitimate way to download windows software on a legitimate site, but I do think there should be an alternative.
Regards all,
Mike

DemonOfTheFall

Yep I think that is the case. If you google around a bit for whatever it is that you want to download, you'll find a pre-verified link.

Capt'n Midnight

Their license, their rules.

But it's really annoying when you can download the same files with windows 2000 and no validation :mad: