Like previous releases of their OS, Microsoft is offering Windows Vista in two forms - either as a full-install version or as a cost-reduced upgrade. Like previous releases, the cheaper upgrade version of Vista requires proof of ownership of an older Windows version before it will install. Unlike previous releases, Vista requires that the older Windows be actually installed on your hard drive before it will install (previously you could just insert the installation media of the old version and it’d be fine). This means, essentially, that it is impossible to install the Vista upgrade pack on a fresh hard drive, as is the recommended method for installing any version of Windows…

…Or is it? Some users have discovered a workaround that fools an upgrade Vista into installing on a blank hard drive, with no proof of previous ownership required.

Read the article here.

In a nutshell, the article describes a process by which Vista can be “fooled” into upgrading itself, if certain steps are followed during the installation process. We won’t detail that process here, not only because it’s technically a violation of the Vista EULA, but also because it could result in irrecoverable data loss if done incorrectly. You may feel free to click the link to see how it’s done, but WotG accepts no responsibility for your actions. If you decide to follow these steps, you do so at your own risk, and we cannot be held accountable for any consequences, legal or otherwise, that may ensue. We only alert you to the presence of the door; whether you decide to go through it is entirely your own affair.

Naturally, Microsoft isn’t pleased about this at all, and has issued a stern warning to its users that while, yes, this backdoor does exist in versions of Vista that are on store shelves at present, it will almost certainly be welded shut in subsequent upgrades and releases. Furthermore, anyone who does this is considered to be in violation of every end-user agreement in Microsoft’s book, with all the penalties and risks violating their EULAs generally entails.

I’m sure we can expect even tighter version control in the future… just as I’m sure that someone will eventually find a way around it. One of these days, you’d think MS would learn that there is no copy-protection scheme that cannot be broken, given enough time and effort by the hacking community (not that we’re condoning such behavior, mind you).

If you liked that, try...

1. Microsoft Vista Launches Today, Just Don’t Try to Upgrade
2. Microsoft Spreads FUD About… Windows XP?!
3. Microsoft: Vista will be deployed quickly!
4. MS Allowing Vista-to-XP Downgrade (Home Users Need Not Apply)
5. MythBuster Advocates Linux

1 Comment »

1. 
   Firlefanz
   February 21, 2007 at 10:01 am

   More and more I am determined never to touch Vista with a five-foot pole, and to turn my back on MS after XP runs out.

   A company that is basically offering a straightjacket for its customers and calls them criminals if they try to tear it off won’t get a single cent from me if I can help it.

   [Reply]

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