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Pirates Face Vista Black Screen of Death

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Pirates Face Vista Black Screen of Death

It's so dark... I'm scared.... hold me?

http://www.computerworld.com/action/article.do?command=viewArticleBasic&articleId=9035478
from WinCustomize Forums

If you're running a non-genuine copy of Windows Vista, expect something very unpleasant in the upcoming weeks/months.  Microsoft is activating a function in your PC which, if you're found to be running a non-genuine copy of Vista, the OS will go into "Reduced Functionality Mode", disabling the PC for all intents and purposes.  What will this feature look like in practice?

  • A black screen after 1 hour of use
  • No start menu or task bar
  • No desktop

This is probably the most aggressive stance Microsoft has ever taken on OS piracy, in the past content to letting non-genuine copies run, but to deny them many system patches and improvements.

Will your screen be going dark soon?

Update: According to follow-up stories, the "Reduced Functionality Mode" is not being activated this week.  There is no estimate on when the switch will be flipped.  Many have claimed that the story is an out-right hoax.  Reduced Functionality is something that Microsoft itself has documented.  The inaccuracy in the story was over when it would go into effect.

23,452 views 57 replies
Reply #51 from WinCustomize Forums Top

'Reduced Functionality Mode'

Thought that was Vista straight out of the box...

Reply #52 from WinCustomize Forums Top
'Reduced Functionality Mode'

Thought that was Vista straight out of the box...
Zubaz looks around for the rest of the slashdot crowd   
Curtains - Customize Windows with additional styles
Reply #53 from WinCustomize Forums Top
'Reduced Functionality Mode'

Thought that was Vista straight out of the box...


Reply #54 from WinCustomize Forums Top
  Veesta=tardware
Reply #55 from WinCustomize Forums Top

I'm just saying that to quote those copies as "lost revenue" is wrong and misleading - basically a way to make the company complaining look more like a victim than it really is.

Odd Borg .... 'victim' is much like 'pregnant'....it's an absolute and cannot 'really' be quantified by 'more'.

If one is a victim of piracy then that is that.  'less' and 'more' have no relevance....

Reply #56 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Black screen o' death, be it? Well I'll be tellin' 'e now, tha first blaggard to show I a black screen 'll be feelin' tha sharp end o' me cutlass.
Reply #57 from WinCustomize Forums Top
IMHO I think that it's crazy to use a pirated copy of an OS. I mean why would you take the chance that something could happen and you all the sudden have no access to your computer at all. Man I'm glad I bought my copy