Windows Home Server – The Pirate Copy

Well it didn’t take long. Windows Home Server has only been out for a month and a pirate copy of the final RTM OEM version has been leaked out onto torrent indexing sites The Pirate Bay and Demonoid.com.

The 1.54 GB torrent package even includes scans of the installation DVD, connector, restore and OPK CDs and a front package cover scan alongside the full ISO’s of the Installation DVD, connector, restore and OPK CDs.

Although the download does not include a serial key, down loaders have left comments at both sites providing serial keys to actually install the product with a genuine key, although trying to activate will not be successful because the key has already been blocked by Microsoft. But since Home Server is based on the Windows Server 2003 code base crackers are using a utility called AntiWPA3 v3.4.6 to bypass activation.

So now, those that have the know how, can download the full version of Windows Home Server, install it with a genuine serial number and not worry about it deactivating after 30 days since it doesn’t need activating in the first place. Now I’m sure that those that have downloaded this already have never had no intention of ever buying a proper licensed copy, but my research shows that this bypass activation utility has been around for over 2 years and nothing was done or changed on Home Server to prevent utility’s like this giving others a free ride when we have paid good money for our Home Server.

But then again I’m sure the pirate underground scene is never far behind or indeed in front of the software producers. That’s why company’s like Microsoft hire the hackers.

69.png

AddThis Social Bookmark Button

After Windows Update 6.0.1500.0 or 6.0.1500.6?

I have a question for you readers, that will hopefully cure my problem. Since upgrading Windows Home Server with the update from Windows Update on the 25th September my Resources tab within Settings on the Console shows that only the “Windows Home Server Backup & Restore” item was updated to version 6.0.1500.6. All the other components remain at 6.0.1500.0.

Mine

But a screen shot from a friends PC shows ALL components being upgraded to the latest 6.0.1500.6.

Others

The Windows Update Knowledge Base Article KB941913 shows that all components should have been updated to 6.0.1500.6.

Version_Details

Posts within the threads here and here on the WHS Forums shows that others are still at version 6.0.1500.0 apart for “Windows Home Server Backup & Restore” which the same as me is the only item to be updated to version 6.0.1500.6.

So over to you, dear readers, what should it be?

69.png

AddThis Social Bookmark Button

Windows Weekly Podcast with Paul Thurrott

podcast_17

This weeks Windows Weekly 37 Podcast with Paul Thurrott has devoted the first 13 minutes to Windows Home server. Discussed are the Code2Fame Contest winners and the Windows Home Server OEM software. The 1hr 19min podcast is available as a download in the MP3 format.

69.png

AddThis Social Bookmark Button

Windows Home Server in depth: the Ars Technica review

Technology site ars technica has published an in depth 7 page Windows Home Server review explaining what WHS is and what it is not. They tour through the available features and finish with a benchmark and performance test and a list of features they would like to see in version 2 of Home Server. Overall ars technica awarded Windows Home Server 9/10

9

69.png

AddThis Social Bookmark Button

Windows Home Server 120-Day Evaluation Kit – Pictures Emerge

img-1682

Tom from Ramblings Of a Home Server User is giving away 3 copies of the Windows Home Server 120-Day Evaluation kit. Although it is not officially available as yet, Tom has been able to get hold of some copies.

img-1683 

At least now we can see what it is going to look like.

img-1690

Thanks for the pics Tom, just one of the benefits of working with the Windows Home Server TeamOpen-mouthed.

69.png

AddThis Social Bookmark Button