Alleged loophole lets users bypass Vista activation

A flaw in the product activation code for Microsoft's Windows Vista operating system makes it easy for the registration process to be bypassed indefinitely, according to the owner of the site WindowsSecrets.com. The writer, Brian Livingston, who has tracked various Windows flaws in the past, claims that Microsoft is "leaving the activation barn door open" through a loophole in its registry key. By accessing the registry and adding a line that changes a "0" to a "1" in the code, the need to activate Vista is postponed indefinitely. The hack, which the writer stresses does not really require any "hacking" expertise, exploits a one-line command that is used to extend the activation deadline from 30 days to 120 days. According to Livingston, this can then be repeated over and over again. This isn't the first piracy concern about Vista activation bypasses. Earlier this month, it was rumored that a downloadable tool could randomly generate Vista keys until it created one that worked. And in February, an IT professional discovered a way to clean-install the upgrade version of Vista on a computer with no prior Windows operating system installed, thus circumventing the high cost of purchasing a full version of the software. The amped-up antipiracy protections in Windows Vista were heavily touted by Microsoft in the lead-up to the operating system's glitzy launch. If a copy of Vista isn't activated within 30 days of installation, it locks out the user. Microsoft, unlike rival Apple, has required a key for installation since 2001's release of Windows XP. Microsoft representatives were not readily available for comment. Source: http://news.com.com/2061-10789_3-6168953.html?part=rss&tag=2547-1_3-0-20&subj=news