Microsoft and Windows piracy pre-XP \ VOGONS

Microsoft and Windows piracy pre-XP

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First post, by Errius

Posted on 2018-03-06, 05:13

Errius Offline

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How did Microsoft deal with Windows piracy before activation became a thing?

For example, if someone bought a single copy of Windows 2000, then installed it on a dozen computers, which then all tried to access Windows Update at the same time - would all but one of them be kicked off?

"This all reminds me when i took the windows vista sticker thingy off my old laptop, and on my washing machine as a joke. A few days later said washing machine stopped working. I still think this cannot be a coincidence."

Reply 1 of 2, by Plasma

Posted on 2018-03-06, 06:02

Plasma Offline

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No. The only thing that checked the key was the installer. A lot of people still didn't have Internet back then so "online activation" in software wasn't widespread.

Reply 2 of 2, by squiggly

Posted on 2018-03-06, 06:03

squiggly Offline

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MS did and does conduct on-premise audits of companies to ensure compliance.

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