Windows Hacked the Hard disk of my friends computer for using pirated OS
By venkit
@venkit (2955)
India
November 2, 2010 6:49am CST
My friend was using a pirated version of windows xp and windows some how hacked his hard disk.
he was using internet with the pirated version keeping the update settings on.
now he is unable to install new xp os also.
now is it not possible to install new windows os on that hard disk.
i heard that we can install linux on that hardisk.
presently the hard disk is not usable and he had given to some one to do low level formatting.
have anyone experienced this problem?
how to solve this issue?
7 responses
@owlwings (43915)
• Cambridge, England
2 Nov 10
Using a pirated version of Windows is a crime and if you try to update such a version from the Microsoft site, Microsoft will now effectively disable the pirated version.
The only solution is to buy a genuine version of Windows, reformat the hard disk and install the genuine version.
1 person likes this
Only the big distributors.
@ShepherdSpy (8544)
• Omagh, Northern Ireland
2 Nov 10
If You're using Windows,you accept as part of the license agreement to accept their software updates.Whoever had the original install of the Copy Your Friend has,is already registered with Microsoft for updates.Somehow,Your Friend's copy seems to have been recognised and flagged and as a result shut down..that sucks..
Maybe replace the Hard drive and start over? A new one's not that expensive..
@ShepherdSpy (8544)
• Omagh, Northern Ireland
2 Nov 10
Is there no way of getting the drive unblocked so you can use it? if not,go with the reformat option first,or if that would be expensive,consider another drive..but no more pirate software!
@djbtol (5493)
• United States
3 Nov 10
I had something similar happen once. When windows became concerned that my operating system may not be a legitimate copy, they frequently displayed a warning message on the screen. This did not begin until I had allowed an update, so clearly Microsoft got into my computer to check software ID.
Even though the warning messages were not nasty, they worked. It is like psychological warfare and eventually I found the money to order and install a full price version of Windows XP.
Sure it felt better then, but for some it is a huge deal to come up with the money.
@tonyllenium (6252)
• Italy
3 Nov 10
ehehehe..beh you know when bill gates is really annoyed it cna happen...hehe..may be is better that next os you friend will choose linux...
@slovenc1 (2089)
• Slovenia
3 Nov 10
Don't know how serious your situation is all i know is that windows checks if you're using pirated os and if you aren't you'll be warned your windows haven't passed windows genuine advantage test. Than you're not able to update...that's why a small free program called wga remover is for
@dheerajlko (471)
• India
2 Nov 10
the issue is simple first ask ur friend to boot his machine using cdrom drive using a bootable windows xp disk then format the drive in the non windows envirnment then install the windows xp u wnat and switch off the automatic updates and he can use it as long as he want this thing once happend to me they currupt the copy of ur os with a bug if u r using a pirated version but good news is they can only harm a software but not ur hardware which is ur harddisk so after the formatting u will not face that problam again
@Vegtamr (82)
• Italy
2 Nov 10
Updating a pirated version of a software from the official site means asking for troubles. It's like parking in front of a police department a car you just stole...
Next time, just disable the autoupdate, if you really want to install other pirated software. It's still piracy, but at least they won't caught you ;)
