http://blogs.msdn.com/wga/archive/tags/_2600_quot_3B00_Windows+Vista_2600_quot_3B00_/default.aspxTags: &quot;Windows Vista&quot;en-USCommunityServer 2.1 SP1 (Build: 61025.2)http://blogs.msdn.com/wga/archive/2006/12/14/the-frankenbuild-monster.aspxThu, 14 Dec 2006 21:19:00 GMT91d46819-8472-40ad-a661-2c78acb4018c:1287449alexkoc28http://blogs.msdn.com/wga/comments/1287449.aspxhttp://blogs.msdn.com/wga/commentrss.aspx?PostID=1287449Over the last few weeks,&nbsp;we've seen&nbsp;a number of attempts at workarounds for Vista product activation.&nbsp;&nbsp; As of now there are at least two distinct workarounds that have worked to some degree, but I'm sure there are more on the way.&nbsp; One of these workarounds we have affectionately named "frankenbuild" because it involves cobbling together files from an RC build and with an RTM build to create a hybrid that bypasses activation.&nbsp; The other workaround involves the use of some virtualization technology and our practices for activating larger business customers. <P mce_keep="true">For me, it's an interesting moment.&nbsp; We've been investing a lot of resources into continuously evolving our approach to piracy.&nbsp; One of the key "pillars" we focus on is what we call the Engineering pillar - this is essentially the body of work that shows up in the products themselves (as opposed to policy or education efforts).&nbsp;&nbsp; With the release of Windows Vista we're putting into place a number of new anti-piracy innovations.&nbsp; And with these first work arounds we're getting to see those innovations in action.</P> <P mce_keep="true">I thought it would be useful to walk through what our plan is for the "frankenbuild" systems.</P> <P mce_keep="true">Windows Vista will use the new Windows Update client to require only the "frankenbuild" systems to go through a genuine validation check.&nbsp; These systems will fail that check because we have blocked the RC keys for systems not authorized to use them.&nbsp;In other words, the wrong key is being used. The systems will then be flagged as non-genuine systems and the experience will be what we announced back in October <A href="http://download.microsoft.com/download/c/2/9/c2935f83-1a10-4e4a-a137-c1db829637f5/10-03-06SoftwareProtectionWP.doc" mce_href="http://download.microsoft.com/download/c/2/9/c2935f83-1a10-4e4a-a137-c1db829637f5/10-03-06SoftwareProtectionWP.doc">(direct link to doc)</A>- including losing certain functionality (e.g. Aero, ReadyBoost) and the system will have 30 days to activate with a good product key.&nbsp; If they don't produce a new product key within 30 days, they will then only be able to access their system in what we call reduced functionality mode - a mode which limits their use to one hour with their default web browser.&nbsp; I want to be clear here that even though they can only use their browser for an hour, we will never limit their access to their data.&nbsp; A user can always -boot their PC into what is called Safe Mode.&nbsp; Safe Mode is a mode of using Windows that has limited driver, display and networking support - but allows a user access to all their files.</P> <P mce_keep="true">We hope that this action will help get the message out that pirating Windows Vista will have real consequences and will, in turn, encourage people to check before they buy.</P><img src="http://blogs.msdn.com/aggbug.aspx?PostID=1287449" width="1" height="1">&quot;Windows Vista&quot;&quot;frankenbuild&quot;