Are your customers requesting PCs with no operating system license? If so, and they are planning to install a Windows operating system on those PCs, let them know the risks and consequences of using non-genuine Windows, including WGA validation failure and denial of access to updates and downloads.

The Software Protection Platform A new platform built into the Windows Vista operating system detects when a non-genuine version is in use. When that occurs, it shuts down features on non-genuine versions, and the PC operates only in a reduced-functionality mode. This will change when Windows Vista with Service Pack 1 (SP1) is released in early 2008. Details about this change are below.

Microsoft is taking measures to support our partners by addressing known exploits to our Windows Vista activation technology while becoming more efficient and effective in our implementation. These measures will be part of Service Pack 1 (SP1) for Microsoft Windows Vista in early 2008.

Microsoft remains committed to the principle that users of genuine software will have a better experience than users of non-genuine software. However, based on partner and customer feedback, with delivery of SP1 for Windows Vista, we will no longer reduce user functionality on systems determined to be non-genuine. Instead, we will provide clear and recurrent notification to customers that their systems are not genuine when they do not activate or if they fail validation. SP1 also includes updates that block common methods used by pirates to circumvent our activation and validation processes (OEM Bios exploit and Grace Timer exploit).

For more information, watch this Microsoft partner video featuring Mike Sievert, Corporate Vice President for Windows Marketing and read a letter to partners from James Pinckney, General Manager, Microsoft OEM Division.

Get more details about genuine Windows Vista, as well as partner and customer downloadable resources.

Authorized Microsoft OEM Distributors Your only assured source of genuine Microsoft software is a Authorized Microsoft OEM Distributor. View the distributor list.

System builders often visit the Windows Update site to update the PCs they are supplying to their customers with the latest patches and releases of Windows software. System builders may encounter issues when attempting to download these patches because validation is now required before they can use the Windows Update site. In order for the WGA validation process to begin, activation of the software is required.

For more information on WGA validation during preinstallation, enroll in the Microsoft Partner Program.

From business planning to customer retention, the Microsoft Partner Program offers:

• A single, integrated partnering framework that recognizes your expertise
• Rewards you for the total impact that you have in the technology marketplace
• Delivers value to help your business succeed

When you become a Registered Member of the Microsoft Partner Program you get free, exclusive system builder resources!

Learn more about the Microsoft Partner Program.