Microsoft to Require Windows Piracy Check

PCWorld.com - Microsoft to Require Windows Piracy Check

In an effort to combat computer piracy, Microsoft will soon require users of Microsoft Windows XP to validate their copy as genuine to take advantage of upgrades to Windows Media Player, the new Windows AntiSpyware product and the install security updates. Validation will not be required for automatic updates. Microsoft hopes to cut down on practice of illegal copying of XP. There is no word on whether a similar validation process will be implemented for other Microsoft software such as Microsoft Office.