So, we have probably all at one point seen those free activation keys for Windows, that seem to work on multiple different computers, even several years after they were posted. How does that work?
Is it a sort of unlimited, universal key that works for everyone?
It always amazed me that a 10 year old Windows XP key could work on multiple different computers at the same time, cause when I think license keys, I think One time usage, one device usage or having to transfer it to a new system somehow.
Any explanation would be great, thank you.
In: Technology
I… err… a friend of mine, used to have a Technet account back in the day and you received tons of licenses for all levels of Windows. Those keys are still being used on various Windows 7 systems (and some XP). Many of those systems are never ‘windows updated’ in fear of the key being discovered. Some of them seemed to be discovered and desktop went black, it yelled at your every log in, and you couldn’t do Windows Updates anymore, but the system still works. A key on the later system would not work on a new install. I never found a rhyme or reason to it. These are all home use, not commercial settings. Microsoft discovering and fining organizations for license abuse is big business.
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