Microsoft has released a new update "KB971033" for Windows 7 users. It updates the activation and validation components in Windows Activation Technologies for Windows 7.
Windows Activation Technologies helps you confirm that the copy of Windows 7 that is running on your computer is genuine. Additionally, Windows Activation Technologies helps protect against the risks of counterfeit software. Windows Activation Technologies in Windows 7 consists of activation and validation components that contain anti-piracy features.
- Activation is an anti-piracy technology that verifies the product key for the copy of Windows 7 that is running on your computer. The product key is a 25-character code that is located on the Certificate of Authenticity label or on the proof of license label. These labels are included with each genuine copy of Windows. A genuine product key can only be used on the number of computers that are specified in a software license.
- Validation is an online process that enables you to verify that the copy of Windows 7 that is running on your computer is activated correctly and is genuine.
This update for Windows Activation Technologies helps detect validation errors and activation exploits. This update also detects any tampering attempts made to important Windows 7 system files. Be aware that some counterfeit copies of Windows include malware.
When this update is installed, it performs a validation process for the copy of Windows that is running on your computer. However, this validation process does not affect the functionality of Windows. The update process exits silently if it detects no validation errors, activation exploits, or tampered files.
If the update discovers a tampered file, it tries to restore the file. This restore may require a restart. If this update cannot restore the tampered files, it will direct you more information on the Internet.
If a validation error or activation exploit is detected, you will be directed to more information on the Internet for resolution of the activation exploit or the validation error. When validation errors or activation exploits are removed, you may be asked to use a valid product key to activate the copy of Windows 7 that is running on your computer. If you decide not to resolve the validation error or the activation exploit at that time, you will be periodically notified that the copy of Windows 7 that is running on your computer is not genuine. Additionally, Windows will provide a link to more information online for resolution.
This update package is available through Windows Update and Microsoft Download Center.
Download Link (64-bit)
This article was posted by VG in following section: Windows 7.
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Leomate
Sound bad for pirate windows 7.
But. I still use ori winXP because i no have enough money :D
Alexander-GG
That means that even if I'm running the genuine copy of Windows 7, I will always have one additional background process running on my computer which permanently checks my system. What for? Additional system resources and besides, why I should be sure that they do not collect other data on my PC?
VG
^^ No. It doesn't run regularly. Its mentioned in the details:
cclloyd9785
Do you really think that pirates will download this update? Just a theory. Why would they want to go through this hassle?
Restricti0n
So that means if we customize the start orb in explorer.exe, we'll have validation problems? Also, is retail (business like Best Buy) version of the upgrade considered pirated...?
Alexander-GG
It's okay if it runs just once. But, what if we have patched system resources? According to announcement, they will be replaced with the original ones. That's an additional inconvenience for the legal consumers. Besides, I'm sure, this "fix" will be hacked in the nearest 4-5 days. So, this is just the waste of time for MS.
Osmosis Ching
The microsoft could not take down the pirated copy window with this method, very soon this method will be tackle.
cclloyd9785
Just to let you know, Osmosis, it already has, this just killed pre-activated copies of windows 7.
And guys, if you actually read, it says it justs looks for tampered Windows 7 Activation Technologies resources. Its only like 3 or 4 DLLs, which arent customizable, and a few registry keys. Modding explorer.exe, explorerframe.dll, uxtheme.dll ect. will not be ruined by this.
Osmosis Ching
Thank for the info, clloyd9785, the microsoft still far away for get rip of pirated window copies. So, if cracked window 7 RTM will get effected or not?
cclloyd9785
Im sorry I dont understand what you are saying.