Vista upgrade hack still present in SP1
By Emil Protalinski | Published: April 03, 2008 - 09:49PM CT
Soon after Windows Vista hit RTM, a workaround was put together for the operating system's upgrade install DVD. In essence, the upgrade disc requires that the user has Windows XP or Windows 2000 already installed on the PC that he or she wants to upgrade to Vista. The discovered workaround is quite simple: install Vista without entering your product key, then run the setup again within Vista, choose upgrade, and enter your key. Essentially, you're installing Vista twice. Sure it's a pain, but if it saves you a few smackaroos, why not?
Apparently, Microsoft has not bothered fixing this workaround for slightly cheaper prices for Home Premium, Business and Ultimate editions. This makes the "Upgrade Edition" looks even more appealing than the "Full Edition" for those okay with breaking Vista's EULA: "To use upgrade software, you must first be licensed for the software that is eligible for the upgrade."
Microsoft has had over a year to remove the workaround, but has apparently made a conscious decision to let it slide. Microsoft probably figures that relatively few users know about the workaround and it's therefore not worth expending the effort to remove it. Who knows, maybe those tech-savvy users who buy the "Upgrade Edition" with plans to use the workaround would never have bought Vista (SP1) in the first place.
arstechnica.com
It's official: upgrade hack included in Vista SP1
windowssecrets.com |
