It looks like pirates have been able to mix files from previous beta versions into the final version so as to bypass anti-piracy and activation controls. Well, according to Microsoft, this should not be a problem anymore with their most recent updates.

Microsoft has released an update to Windows Vista that is designed to prevent a type of piracy of the operating system in which files from various test and final versions of the software have been mixed so as to bypass the product activation technology, an approach the company has dubbed the “Frankenbuild” monster.The Frankenbuild workaround essentially involves cobbling together files from a Vista Release Candidate build with the build that was released to manufacturing in November, to create a hybrid that bypasses activation.[more]

Personally, this is a good step on Microsoft’s behalf, but it will only be a matter of time until pirates find another vulnerability with the OS to take advantage of. Let’s just hope this fix will work in the long haul.

Tags: Piracy