Microsoft blacklist OEM key of Windwos 7

The first public crack of the RTM build of Windows 7 (6.1.7600.16385) did not survive for very long.The reason behind this is the Microsoft and Lenovo’s partnership (Pirates – 1, Microsoft – 1). Microsoft has now blacklisted the OEM key and ensured that Lenovo will be able to deliver genuine, non-pirated copies of Windows 7 to its consumers. Microsoft made it clear earlier on the Genuine Windows Blog that this leak will not cause any issues for Lenovo.

Microsoft then goes on to state that pirating Windows 7 will not be as easy as it was for Vista or XP, as it has an improved mechanism for protection.
Considering that the pirates are usually always one step ahead, it will be interesting to see how the game between Microsoft and the pirates will evolve once Windows 7 has been released. Microsoft can’t simply just blacklist a key once it has already been sold to genuine customers, and more OEM keys will almost certainly be leaked once the date of General Availability (GE) has arrived,22 October. Once that happens, we will see if Microsoft’s new anti-piracy system is up to par, or just another exaggerated scheme out of Microsoft.

Nonetheless, Microsoft is much more confident this time!
Here is the important parts of Microsoft’s Statement for Lenovo:

Windows 7 already includes an improved ability to detect hacks, also known as activation exploits, and alert customers who are using a pirated copy. There is a hack that is said to enable, when paired with the leaked key, a system to install and use a copy of Windows 7 Ultimate. The Windows Activation Technologies included in Windows 7 are designed to handle situations such as this one, and customers using these tools and methods should expect Windows to detect them.

We’ve worked with that manufacturer [Lenovo] so that customers who purchase genuine copies of Windows 7 from this manufacturer will experience no issues validating their copy of Windows 7. At the same time we will seek to alert customers who are using the leaked key that they are running a non-genuine copy of Windows. It’s important to note that no PCs will be sold that will use this key.

Our primary goal is to protect users from becoming unknowing victims, because customers who use pirated software are at greater risk of being exposed to malware as well as identity theft . Someone asked me recently – and I think it’s worth noting here — whether we treat all exploits equally in responding to new ones we see. Our objective isn’t to stop every “mad scientist” that’s out there from dabbling; our aim is to protect our customers from commercialized counterfeit software that impacts our customers’ confidence in knowing they got what they paid for. That will continue to be our focus as we continue to evolve our anti-piracy platforms, and respond to new threats that we see emerge in the future.
Now Wait & See…..