Microsoft's Black Screen of Death - Vista..

[the1]

Just thought I would give you guys/gals a quick heads up on what Microsoft has started to do with pirated copies of Vista. Take a lookie:

http://www.computerworld.com/action/article.do?command=viewArticleBasic&articleId=9035478

 

[Gareth]

well mine is a genuine copy, so good!

 

[bmh.01]

Wonder how long it'll take for someone to crack it, shouldn't be too long I imagine.

 

[Marky_]

For me, the only reason to have Vista is if it came preinstalled on the machine. Why anyone would want a update to it (especially on a pirated copy) is beyond me.

 

[bmh.01]

I think its quite a good improvement over xp imo.

 

[Darren S]

I think its quite a good improvement over xp imo.

It is in many ways. I'm getting used to Vista64 Ultimate, but there are quite a few times where I miss the simplicity of XP64.

Some of the security features on Vista64 are just annoying. And no doubt they have been cracked/bypassed already.

D.

 

[Nigel]

It's on my laptop and theres a lot I like about it.

 

[H182]

Wonder how long it'll take for someone to crack it, shouldn't be too long I imagine.

Already been done.

 

[bmh.01]

Wonder how long it'll take for someone to crack it, shouldn't be too long I imagine.

Already been done.

What vista or the black screen things? Already know vista been cracked .

 

[@Spoonie]

Cracked copies will suffer this fate....

 

[dk]

my mate has a cracked copy and this has been happening to him for a while, he just uses it to browse the internet, hasn't bothered to sort it yet.

 

[beavis]

According to HardOCP "The rumors floating around the internet about a new Windows Vista anti-piracy measure that causes a “black screen of death” have turned out to be a hoax."

Vista's 'Black Screen of Death' Is a Hoax

 

[dk]

According to HardOCP "The rumors floating around the internet about a new Windows Vista anti-piracy measure that causes a “black screen of death” have turned out to be a hoax."

Vista's 'Black Screen of Death' Is a Hoax

not true, i've seen it for myself

 

[@Spoonie]

Not a hoax

http://www.microsoft.com/genuine/downloads/faq.aspx#ID0E5IAC

Q: What is reduced functionality?

A: Reduced functionality has been a part of the initial Windows XP product activation process for retail and OEM installations. As with Windows XP, after initial installation and the conclusion of the 30-day grace period, product activation will be required. In addition, systems in a non-genuine state will be required to reactivate within a 30-day grace period. If a system fails to activate, it will go into a reduced functionality mode. In this mode, there is no start menu, no desktop icons, and the desktop background is changed to black. The Web browser will function and Internet connectivity will not be blocked. After one hour, however, the system will log the user out without warning. The system will not be shut down, and the user can log back in. Even with reduced functionality, the system will not block access access to personal data stored on the computer.

 

[rustybolt]

heres the flip side...

http://computerworld.com/action/article.do?command=viewArticleBasic&articleId=9035918&intsrc=hm_list

and heres a Video to watch...

http://oem.microsoft.com/downloads/public/US/wgavista/Flash.html

 

[andywright182]

I am getting a new PC which has Vista installed but since it has 2 500gb hard drives i will probably istall XP/ubunutu on the other drive and use as a dual boot system, providing I can get my head around how to do it without breaking everything

 

[bigmouk]

I am getting a new PC which has Vista installed but since it has 2 500gb hard drives i will probably istall XP/ubunutu on the other drive and use as a dual boot system, providing I can get my head around how to do it without breaking everything

I'm dual booting with 2 drives. I started with XP and then installed Vista, i had to unplug the XP drive because the first time around it messed with the boot files and XP wouldnt boot. Then i used the VistaBootPro software which worked a treat.

 

[H182]

Already been done.

What vista or the black screen things? Already know vista been cracked .

The reduced functionality only happens if it hasn't been activated after 30days. If vista is cracked this won't happen unless the update is automatically downloaded from windows update.

 

[Maxx]

Surely it wont work for the crack that stops the 30 day timer counting down..


Thing is with Microsft etc making all the protection etc is that it will always get cracked by someone out there you just need to look at Microsofts past, Bioshock and the Psp for example

 

[Mells]

another reason to ditch windows!

 

[KDF]

Just one of the many reasons why linux will prevail !! muhahaha !

 

[Rasclart]

A black screen after one hour of browsing
No start menu or task bar
No desktop


LOL thats what Windows does after about an hour of constant use or installing programs

 

[Bloooor]

Get a Mac.

End.

 

[StevieP]

Vista so far has been rubbish compared to XP, I've gone back to XP after hours trying to deal with hardware issues. BSODs all over the shop, especially within gaming. The whole OS seems to be exactly the same as XP but with the 'Aero' facelift and a few new bells and whistles here and there. UAC is a highly annoying 'feature'. Granted I only use my pc at home, but XP is where its at for now, been stable as ever lately.

If I understood how Linux and all that jazz worked I'd probably be a bit more of a happier pc user (if that exists?... Apple anyone?)

Blackscreen of death sounds like rubbish, and if it isn't, it'll get cracked by the time I finish writing this sentence.

 

[Inodaz]

i have a key for vista as my laptop came with vista discs and the key, but the discs dont work and i ve been waiting over 10 weeks for them. I assume there not coming. If i can get a copy that requires and key and use my key will this black screen of death happen to mine???

 

[KDF]

Shouldn't have any probs..

But ! if I were you I would send the disks back along with your COA and get a refund lol.. its been done before by a bunch of protestors...

 

[Greeny.]

I have a hacked Dell OEM Vista iso image I downloaded, seems ok still.

Vista should be better after SP1!

 

[Bloooor]

I have a hacked Dell OEM Vista iso image I downloaded, seems ok still.

Vista should be better after SP1!

Police! Get Him!!

 

[ollie]

See you soon Greeny, lol

 

[@Spoonie]

Cracked OEM copies of XP were detected and dealt with

 

[KDF]

^^ hmm not really as you will find most people surfing this forum are probably using cracked copies.. as is most of the non corporate world lol