Windows XP update starts to weed out pirate keys

[PtP]

MICROSOFT HAS started implementing features in upgrades to Windows XP which specifically prevent users of pirated keys from upgrading parts of the operating system. Microsoft said its Genuine Advantage scheme would prevent pirated copies of XP from downloading anything but the most critical downloads. Owners of pirated keys in Western Europe tell the INQUIRER that scheme has now kicked in. What this means, for example, is that if you upgrade the Media Player to version 10, and you're using a pirated copy of XP, you'll lose functionality on your machine.

Microsoft said it would launch the scheme in China at the end of October, and throughout Europe early next year. But it appears to have implemented it early. Pirate users are being invited to either validate their copies of the operating system, or to download and pay for a full version of Windows XP.

[MadMax]

And naturally with the level of piracy of their software being reigned in they will of course bring down their prices, seeing as software companies often state their prices are higher because of this piracy.

You all have a valid Windows licence of course so you won't be worrying about this, will you?

Cheers,
Max