This might just be an ethical question, but thought I'd ask. Say someone buys a legal copy of XP, but does not like the idea of WPA. Would it be illegal for them to get a "crack" to bypass WPA? My reason for asking? My dad would like to try XP, but HATES the idea of WPA. The usual story... hates giving M$ info and such.

DISCLAIMER!: This is in no way implying that I would do this. Nor does it imply that I am asking for a crack. Like many here, I do not believe in such things.

it wouldn't be legal as it would allow the one copy of XP you bought to be installed on multiple computers which is exactly the reason it's there in the first place.

RussH

Do a search for the EULA (End User Licence Agreement), the the statement you agreed to when you pressed F8 during installation, and you will find all of what You agreed to when you purchased the license. As rhbowler said, it would be illegal.

Thanks guys! The only intent would be to bypass (in this instance) WPA. Installing on extra stations never came into the picture. Unfortunately (or fortunately), I've bever bothered with reading the EULA.

it would still be illegal, because you're altering the software in a way the manufacturer did not intend.

Happy computing!

Alex "crazygerman" Byron
Webmaster, Editor-in-Chief
PC911

I reread your post. I thought you were giving him your copy which would be illegal. If your Father purchases XP, all he has to do is Activate and not Register. WPA sends no personal information, only a hardware identifying string which in no way indentifies the user. You may install XP and not Register it (providing Name, Address, etc.) and still have it supported by M$. All you need is Product Key. Registration is mearly an advertising tool clearly meant for your TOTAL DESTRUCTION, DAMNATION, ENSLAVEMENT, and... well maybe not, but you get my drift.

Nope. Don't even have a copy. (Although I plan on getting one and don't have a problem with WPA.) I had heard about not having to register and fully plan on skipping that part when I do purchase XP. This was all hypothetical anyway and just wanted to make sure.

Forgot to ask something. (Probably belongs to in another post, but it's semi-related.) I had read somewhere that having a NIC installed and then doing a XP install will increase the # of changes one can do to the hardware before having to check-in with M$. Does this ring a bell with anyone?

Not true, you can make 6 hardware changes in 120 days, or within any 120 days period, I have made 4 changes to my XP Pro and my machine has not complained yet (New Nic, New Audio Card, New DVD player, New Keyboard)

Thanks!

Roni's right. I think they were originally going with 4 changes but recently upped it to 6 within 120 days.