Windows Home Server - The Pirate Copy
October 15, 2007 — Philip ChurchillWell 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.
October 15, 2007 at 10:08 pm
Here’s where I think they will fall down: compatibility updates. Microsoft has conceded it has a duty to provide security updates without requiring a WGA check, but Vista’s compatibility updates do require it; I wouldn’t be surprised if some WHS updates don’t go the same way, and already we’ve seen at least one WHS update that is only available on Windows Update, with no seperate download, so no downloading with a legal copy to install on a non-legal one later.
I’ll be the first to laugh when an update fixing a data corruption issue requires a WGA check.
October 16, 2007 at 2:40 am
I wouldn’t call that a pirate copy. If it was a VLK version, then I would. I wonder how long it will be before someone realizes they can merge a few parts of a W2K3 Server VLK with WHS and have the best of both worlds?
October 16, 2007 at 11:06 am
Hi Jay Schlackman,
Thanks for your comment. The crackers have even a utility to bypass the WGA check also!
October 16, 2007 at 11:10 am
Hi Frank Melrose,
Thanks for your comment. We had the frankenstein build for Windows Vista so W2K3 Server VLK with WHS is proberly not so far fetched as it sounds.
November 2, 2007 at 3:03 am
I have a genuine copy of WHS that i payed $180 for. I use the anti wpa activation tool so I don’t have to deal with Microsoft everytime I want to re-install. There is nothing more annoying then having microsoft treat you like a criminal when all you want to do is get your OS up and running again. I know you all have many caveats for my reasons. The simple fact is I payed for it and I don’t like being hassled about it by MS.
November 2, 2007 at 9:54 am
Hi velvet,
Thanks for your comment.
November 7, 2007 at 7:56 pm
Hi velvet,
Thanks again. Same can be said to DRM. I paid for my CDs and only to get harassed by MS repeatly.
November 10, 2007 at 3:22 pm
What is an “Anti Activation Tool,” that the above reader referred to. Is it legal to use when activating your “LEGAL” copy of WHS?
Rufus Roper
November 12, 2007 at 1:19 pm
Hi Rufus Roper,
I have done a search and have found out that the tool you refer too bypasses the activation process and so, the product will not time out without being activated.
Is it legal to use when activating your “LEGAL” copy of WHS? I have no idea, more info is available here http://antiwpa.freehostplace.com/index2.php
November 27, 2007 at 11:44 am
Frank Melrose:
It can be done and it is very easy. You just need inject nine files from the \i386 folder of a W2k3 Standard Edition VLK x86 installation disc into WHS ISO and install using a valid VLK. The filenames are the same as those used in converting any other W2k3 Server version from retail to VLK. The result is somewhat ugly but automatic updates do work, there is no activation and it has full Home Server functionality:
http://img339.imageshack.us/img339/1278/whsstandardvlmzt5.png
December 10, 2007 at 8:23 pm
Frank Melrose / ‘juggernaut’:
I’m intrigued about your ability to inject 9 files to turn your copy into VL. This would work perfectly for developing on as I have Volume Licenses for Windows Server 2003 (thanks to MSDN) and with that would not have to worry about activation issues when I will — inevitably — have to nuke and load the system several times throughout development. What are these nine files? I’ve heard some talk but no specifics on the MSDN forums as well.
December 20, 2007 at 2:28 am
I recently heard of the AntiWPA thing, so out of curiosity I set up a VMWare virtual WHS server to try it out.
AntiWPA installed successfully, and I changed the server clock to 1 year ahead, rebooted the server. No activation warnings, however the WHS Console now had a red critical problem, with “0 days remaining for activation” error message that couldn’t be disabled. I reset the clock back to the current date again, but this failed to remove the critical problem error message.
So this might be an annoyance for those that use it - a constant critical problem message…
December 21, 2007 at 10:37 am
forsythem,
The following thread may be of interest to you.
http://defcon5.biz/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=853
December 27, 2007 at 9:15 pm
Now, i have a pirate copy of windows home server, although it´s not cracked i´m using the 30 day trial just to try it out. The thing is i can´t buy it. There is always a problem buying software here in Iceland. It´s not for sale here, and i can´t order online because no one wants to ship it here. Also if i would find some company to ship it here it would cost me roughly 330$ instead of the 160-180$ because of taxes are so high here in Iceland.
December 28, 2007 at 11:39 am
Hello.
I havetried and dl several copies of the whs, but when i install it, on the end i get the error, when it boots and in the windows i have to click next:
“Windows home server setuo encured an error. Click back to retry. Or, Click Next to close the setup wizard and run setup again…”
Why do i get this error? I am trying to install on a Intel Little walley with 1,2 GHz and 1 GB ram and 500GB hdd.
Did someone get the same problem? I have ordered the 120 trial version, but i didn’t get it yet (i will in aprox 20 days), s i want to test the version frm the “wild” (piratebay).
Can you help me?
Cheers and happy hollidays!
December 29, 2007 at 11:56 pm
I found the way how to remove red healthy indicator on client computers with antiwpa and OEM vers. Just use regedit on WHS, delete keys under HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\WPAEvents and set apropriate permissions on WPAEvents, so system cannot recreate the keys. After reboot you will see still evalueate version, but Activation msg is gone.
December 30, 2007 at 12:48 pm
I would like to trial this in a VMWARE 6 Workstation image.
Having tried to install it I get a failure - along the lines of my Virtual DISK not being compatible, I tried SCSI and IDE interfaces but neither work, any pointers here?
Thanks
January 1, 2008 at 10:21 pm
All you need to do is adjust your virtual machine memory for IDE of 80GB in size. Your done… easy wasn’t that?
January 7, 2008 at 5:12 pm
@ danman:
DPCDLL.DL_
EULA.TXT
OEMBIOS.BI_
OEMBIOS.CA_
OEMBIOS.DA_
OEMBIOS.SI_
PIDGEN.DLL
SETUPP.INI
SETUPREG.HIV
(the files were extracted from an ISO image created from a SP1 CD after slipstreaming it with SP2)
January 11, 2008 at 8:28 am
Hello.
I have finally got the software and it is working now great.
But I have one qouestion. On almost all links i see that the users when they log on, they have a tab called “computers”, but I dont. Where should i turn this on? or is this a add-in?
Thanks
January 12, 2008 at 8:01 pm
Juggernaut,
I used your suggested method to build my home server install dvd (OEM version was downloaded) with files extracted from a VLK of standard edition. Initial home server setup (whsoobe.exe /server) would not complete and it always retried on each bootup but killing it in the startup tab of msconfig fixed that. I assigned the password by ctrl-alt-del (default is left blank), and finished the rest of the settings in the WHS console screen normally. Connector software on each client fails to detect the server but if you click cancel and then kill the connector program in task manager instead of clicking finish (clicking finish starts the program uninstall procedure) it actually does work the next time it launches on the client. Everything else after completing this works normally, there is no activation and updates do install with no issue. I do have badging for server 2003 standard edition at logon and computer properties but the settings screen of the WHS console does show windows home server. I am hopeful that when they release the super patch 1 that it updates with no issues or at least is available for manual download and installation. Maybe you have some insigt as to how that will actually go?
I tried the listed files extracted from RTM version slipstreamed to SP1 and then SP2 with different copies of NRMVOL_EN and all ended with the same result of having to complete the WHS setup manually and kill the connector software during installation. If there was something I missed it might help others but for now mine is working with 9 250GB drives for a total volume of 2.05TB on a system with an AMD XP 2000+ and 512MB ram. I was previously a FREENAS user but like WHS much better. The backups are great and the storage pool with folder duplication is much faster and simpler than dealing with software RAID.
January 17, 2008 at 5:53 pm
I purchased the 120-day trial version of WHS and I love it. I’m in my 2nd month of testing and I’m receiving a message that I must activate my copy immediately. What happened to the 120 days? I’m sure this is a well-known issue but I can’t seem to find the info I need to get it fixed. Thanks in advance!!
January 17, 2008 at 9:37 pm
Urosh,
If you’re talking about the web-based remote access client, than you will not be able to access the “computers” section while using firefox. You need to either use IE or use the IE tab extension of firefox to render the WHS remote access page in IE. Hope this helps!
January 20, 2008 at 12:09 pm
I also have (whsoobe.exe /server) problem. I thouht that whssysprep.exe procedure (from OEM Preinstallation Kit) might solve it, but it did not.
After syspreping either whsoobe nor WHSconsole worked properly.
January 21, 2008 at 1:51 am
benjamato,
I noticed that my OEM version has the following key’s vs. a standard win2k3 install:
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon\CustomBrand]
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon\CustomBrand\{F20B21BE-5E3D-11d2-8789-68CB20524153}]
“DontPaintText”=dword:00000001
@=”whsbrand.dll, -1004″
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon\CustomBrand\{F20B21BF-5E3D-11d2-8789-68CB20524153}]
“DontPaintText”=dword:00000001
@=”whsbrand.dll, -1001″
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon\CustomBrand\{F20B21C0-5E3D-11d2-8789-68CB20524153}]
“DontPaintText”=dword:00000001
@=”whsbrand.dll, -1003″
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon\CustomBrand\{F20B21C1-5E3D-11d2-8789-68CB20524153}]
“DontPaintText”=dword:00000001
@=”whsbrand.dll, -1002″
If you insert these via branding.reg file it will probably do the trick.
January 21, 2008 at 5:01 am
I replaced the files on WHS disc with the ones from Server 2003. Everything is working perfectly now except that Windows Update thinks it’s a 2003 Server and won’t install the Windows Home Server updates.
January 22, 2008 at 7:52 pm
Is it possible to update to 6.0.1500.8 with “9 files from 2K3″ replaced?
Is the update available for manual download?
January 23, 2008 at 6:42 pm
I replaced the files on WHS disc with the ones from Server 2003, but i don’t find a valid key.
the keys generated from key generator and the keys fuond in internet are invalid.
When whs request the key i put the key, but a error message appears: “the key inserted is invalid”
January 23, 2008 at 6:44 pm
Where i find the keys?
thanks
January 25, 2008 at 1:14 am
KB941914
http://mihd.net/cmsjaf
January 25, 2008 at 2:46 pm
Spaceman, this is realy nice, thank you.
January 29, 2008 at 10:42 am
So, if I use WHS with 9 files from Server 2003 there are no updates for Windows Home Server via Windows Update?
January 29, 2008 at 3:22 pm
While using WHS with 9 files of 2K3, there were only Win2k3 updates available from Windows Update and Microsoft Update.
Using “WHS Update” button from the console resulted with “No updates available” message.
I confirm what Jimmy wrote, “Windows Update thinks it’s a 2003 Server and won’t install the Windows Home Server updates”
January 30, 2008 at 1:18 am
And KB941914 is the only update yet for “Windows Home Server”. The rest is 2003 Server updates.
January 30, 2008 at 7:58 am
I merged the 9 files mentioned above into a WHS RC1 ISO and did the install. It popped up a couple of minor errors, but nothing major. I provided a W2K3 VLK and it took. I have no branding issues as others are seeing. Everything says Windows Home Server (except at boot time it says Windows Server 2003 because this is RC1). Maybe the branding issue is applicable only to OEM ISOs. In the Console — Settings — Resources section it does not say Evaluation Copy as it does with straight RC1. Just wanted to share my resutls with all.
Ciao
January 30, 2008 at 8:05 am
sorry, was a bit hasty. i have to correct the above. it does say Windows Server 2003 under system settings and the logon screen. guess i’ll have to update manually also
January 30, 2008 at 3:29 pm
I am not sure what exactly is the “branding issue”. I used OEM ISO, incjected 9 files and installed with 2K3 key.
I thought that that Multisync69’s trick with registry will help dowloading WHS updates but it did not. Maybe just logon window changed… to WHS… but I am not sure.
February 1, 2008 at 12:37 am
WHS Product Planner says there are two udpates for WHS to date (video link below). I see one mentioned in this thread above. Where can I download all available updates to install manually?
http://mschnlnine.vo.llnwd.net/d1/on10/8/1/4/0/2/WHS%20Power%20Pack_2MB_on10.wmv
February 1, 2008 at 7:55 pm
Hi
Can any one tell me how to convert a 120 eval copy of WHS to a full copy please? What happens after 120 days, does WHS stop me from accessing the console and data?
Thanks
February 24, 2008 at 5:03 am
Using the injected files will also mean that all software build for WHS will re recgonize it as WHS but as WS2K3 and refused to install. This includes diskeeper, perfectdisk, avast and lots of others software…
February 26, 2008 at 7:33 pm
Hmmm… May be there is a way to swap back injected files with original ones, after the activation..?
February 27, 2008 at 10:31 pm
Why not buy a LEGIT copy?? Then you don’t have problems. Cheapskates!
March 16, 2008 at 1:59 am
Why buy software with a big nasty bug in it?
March 21, 2008 at 12:53 am
Skyhigh’s right - will buy once there’s Home Server SP1, but never the x.0 release of any operating system. Consider early adoption as nothing more than extended beta. Can you imagine anyone paying for a data-corrupting file server???
March 25, 2008 at 4:55 am
Skyhigh’s NOT right. Buy the darn thing and rightfully complain to Microsoft, or don’t buy it and don’t use it. I don’t see anybody twisting arms around here to make you use it and “enjoy it, or else!!”.
Don’t want a Microsoft OS? There are tons of Linux OS’s out there. Install openSUSE, or Ubuntu, or Kubuntu, or Fedora, etc. They are all free. OR PAY FOR YOUR MICROSOFT OS.
Flame me all you want, rationalize my comments all you want. The bottom line is: You are cheap and hypocritical. Here you are saying the OS is worthless because it corrupts data, yet you can’t wait to put your hands on a pirate copy.
March 31, 2008 at 1:08 am
I just want to know what happens? I ordered the WHS 120 day trial. Was not able to install from DVD on boot. But was able to install from DVD after boot. I can’t get the connector CD software to work but it’s OK. Old Dell poweredge 2400 1 gig ram, several 73 gb drives. Question is can I buy it once it expires or do I buy it and have to reinstall it?
April 2, 2008 at 11:09 am
if you use Files from VLK 2003 server
1st you will get error on first logon setup.
2nd tne WHS connector software not working.
which is critical for WHS imho
April 2, 2008 at 5:23 pm
Yes but will Windows allow me to purchase option?
April 11, 2008 at 7:56 am
Commin guys… Home server for its OEM cost isnt expencive. Its actually pretty damn cheap. Its like cheap insurance for ur home network.
Crack all you want; but I agree with some of the others. Buy it if you like it.
I got the 120 day free trial just to make sure its going to install and work on a compaq DL380 G2 server… anyone else try installing it on a like system?
Buy the damn thing if you like it.
April 11, 2008 at 2:31 pm
I have been able to use WHS with the zero day activation notice appearing but not shutting me down after suing this crack, but I have not been able to get port forwarding to work and therefore cannot access my whs remotley. I was abel to do this with nor problems when using the 2120 day evalution version. Is anyone else having this problem?
April 13, 2008 at 8:03 am
Its actually the first packaged MS OS I ever bought. I have had access to VLK stuff since 1995 and after being on the beta for WHS, I was hooked on the backup features. Been running it for maybe 8 weeks now and already had to restore some files - was worth the $$ I payed at that point.
I am need of x64 vista support to complete my backups however.
April 13, 2008 at 9:24 am
While I can understand Microsoft’s need to protect their software, such things as WGA place an unneeded burden on us already. For example, I ran across this check when swapping WHS servers around to a different PC after a period of testing. Is it possible to obtain another licence key for a few pounds or something? I really want to support the product but it’s made infuriating by all the “protection” which evidently isn’t working.
April 13, 2008 at 7:02 pm
First, I own a licensed WHS that I bought from New Egg, however, it remains sealed and unopened sitting in my desk drawer.
Second, I initially ordered and paid for the the eval edition, after waiting several weeks receiving nothing, I ordered and paid for a 2nd eval edition. Both arrived arrived within a day of each other, of course.
I used the trial edition for about two weeks before I realised that I was wasting my time as I would eventually have to reload everything.
It seemed the best alternative to trying out this product was to go pirate!
The pirate edition was clean and it works fine if you follow the above post by the “Master” on 12/29/07:
“I found the way how to remove red healthy indicator on client computers with antiwpa and OEM vers. Just use regedit on WHS, delete keys under HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\WPAEvents and set apropriate permissions on WPAEvents, so system cannot recreate the keys. After reboot you will see still evalueate version, but Activation msg is gone.”
Why do I use the pirate edition when I own a licensed copy?? Because everything is so unsettled right now, both on my part and Microsoft. I keep changing out motherboards(as I rotate out and uprgade my home hardware), which is no problem with the pirate copy(no activation). If I activate my OEM product, I feel I will be stuck without any fexability since this is not a retail product, and no retail product is available. With the data corruption issue, and the news of this product moving to the 2007 platform, I feel like I am using a Beta software product.
Is anyone in the same boat as me??
April 19, 2008 at 2:06 pm
I have also tried the priated version of WHS OEM. It worked really well. It installed without a hitch and activation was easily by passed by a utility for Server 03 that I used while in “Safe Mode”. I was able to perform updates and connect all my Vista (32-bit) and XP Pro machines to it. After using the pirated version a short while, I found that I really liked WHS. So, I bought an OEM disc from NewEgg and its been running great. I suppose I could have kept using the pirated copy. But when Power Pack 1 is released, I dont want any problems with WGA. If I did have a problem with WGA, I’m sure I could get past it. However, I dont want to have to worry about having to reinstall, move my data around, or the possibility of losing data.
Bottom line, the pirated version works. But if you dont have time to deal with the WGA issues, buy a legit copy. It’s not too terribly expensive.
April 27, 2008 at 7:33 pm
Anyone know how to add a 64-bit Vista machine to the WHS network?
April 29, 2008 at 2:01 am
You can’t put the WHS client on x64 machines yet. It will come out in PowerPack1 when they release it around the end of June
July 2, 2008 at 1:37 am
I’ve installed PowerPack 1 on my WHS cracked with the 2003 server files. Works perfectly!