The release of Windows Vista Service Pack 1 could mean the end of two common Windows Vista anti-activation exploits - the Grace Timer exploit and the Paradox OEM BIOS activation crack. But those who think they can escape by not updating to Service Pack 1 would be sadly mistaken.
That's because Microsoft has quietly released an anti-hack detection update via Windows Update. Those who chose to have Windows Vista install updates automatically would have this update installed and running by now. If you chose to manually select updates to be installed, you should find this update listed.
You can see (below) that the KB940510 update is listed as "Important". At this point, most users would assume it's an important patch that fixes flaws in Windows Vista and install it.
Microsoft describes the KB940510 update [
page link] as follows:
This update enables Windows Vista to detect activation exploits that bypass product activation and that interfere with usual Windows operation. An exploit is a form of software that replaces or modifies authentic Windows components. When exploits are present on a system, it indicates that a software or hardware vendor may have tampered with genuine Windows to enable the sale of counterfeit software. Therefore, the security and the privacy of the computer are put at risk. After this update is installed, you will know if exploits are present on the system.
The KB940510 update installs an anti-hack detector that looks for the two most common hacks - the Grace Timer exploit and the Paradox OEM BIOS activation crack. If none of them are detected, then the update silently exits.
If these exploits are detected you will be sent to a Microsoft website where you will learn how to remove the exploits. Removing the exploits will require you to use a valid product key to activate Windows Vista. However, if you refuse to remove the exploits, Windows will disable them anyway, forcing you to activate Windows Vista using a valid product key.
Currently, KB940510 appears to detect only the Grace Timer and the Paradox OEM BIOS hacks. Both the hardware SLIC BIOS mod and the software Vista Loader hack are not affected.
If you do not wish to install this update, you can ignore and hide it, however, Microsoft will no doubt require you to eventually install this update should you wish to receive further Windows updates as was the case with the WGA update in Windows XP.
It is believed that this update cannot be uninstalled or rolled-back. Once it is installed onto a PC with a hacked version of Windows Vista, the only way to remove it is to reinstall Windows Vista.
source:
www.techarp.com
Re: Microsoft Quietly Rolls Out Vista Anti-Hack Update
