no word on wether the tool being installed will stop you from having to do manual authentification checks from on MS's website. I find it odd that even with someting client side, i still have to authenticate every single time i try to use a microsoft service online.

To combat piracy; lower the cost of the software....I know your software is inexpensive Stardock, and people still pirate from you. Though I would bet that per capita you get hacked less than microsoft.

Speedy

this tool is absolute shit!
At my job, we have an enterprise license for XP. I have seen WGA just out of the blue decide that a PC is running an illegitimate copy of XP, despite having passed before on numerous occasions along with any other of the 600+ systems we have.

To combat piracy; lower the cost of the software.

No, it'd never happen - piracy ceasing because software prices were lowered. Truth is, most pirates do it simply because they can, while getting rich in the process.....

And even if MS suddenly decided to lower Vista Ultimate's price to 10 cents, pirates would think gleefully: " Well why the heck not steal it, it's not like they'll not be losing a fortune at a zac a pop...hardly worth the time, effort and expense of pursuing us for undercutting them by 5 cents"

Possible solution: crack SAS squads on covert ops to trash and burn the whole kit n' kaboodle...with the organisers/owners remaining occupants of the factories while they're obliterated by a few kilos of C4....napalm to ensure no owners/crack copies survive.

A bit extreme....but considering my legitimately acquired CD/dvd collection probably cost me more than twice the price because of mainstream pirating, me thinks that's just deserts.