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Microsoft presses users to register Vista on time(Microscope Via Thomson Dialog NewsEdge) Microsoft is putting increasing pressure on customers that continue to sidestep the accredited channel and buy counterfeit products by reducing the functionality they can enjoy in Vista. The software giant has been actively pursuing those responsible for producing illegal products (MicroScope, 30 July) and is now planning to make life difficult for those using dodgy versions of its operating system. Known colloquially as 'the black screen of death', a user will get a warning message prompting them to register the product within 30 days or functionality will be dramatically reduced after this time if the product remains unregistered. Mike Haigh, Windows product marketing manager at Microsoft, said the idea behind the approach, which has been used on other products and is the policy in the US, was to provide users with the opportunity to be clean. He warned problems would occur for people who had failed to registered their Vista, with the screen going black and the user being given limited access to the browser for an hour at a time as well as limited access to some files in safe mode. "Some people are trying to get round the anti-piracy features and get round the time [the 30-day trial period]," he said. Haigh added that the Windows Genuine Advantage programme would be tested in some countries next month and the UK was expected to start the system later this year. Resellers have always backed moves by Microsoft to quash piracy but have called on the vendor to ensure that there is an appreciation for what might be innocent victims in the channel. One source expressed concerns that with users experiencing black screens and inconvenience its target might well be the reseller. "If the reseller supplied the software in good faith there has to be some recognition that the chain of victims might also include the dealer," he said. </a> Copyright 2007 Reed Business Information - UK. All Rights Reserved. |