Slashdot: Updating device drivers may require Vista to be deactivated

[the_poochies]

I know I'm preaching to the choir here, but this sounds like this problem would really, really suck. Dealing with drivers is already PITA in XP.

http://slashdot.org/article.pl?sid=07/10/23/1255235

KrispySausage writes "After weeks of grueling troubleshooting, I've finally had it confirmed by Microsoft Australia and USA — something as small as swapping the video card or updating a device driver can trigger a total Vista deactivation. Put simply, your copy of Windows will stop working with very little notice (three days) and your PC will go into "reduced functionality" mode, where you can't do anything but use the web browser for half an hour."

[Lux Interior]

Dammit! If you need to update a driver, then MicroSoft will TELL you when to do it!

What? You thought it war YOUR computer?


Bwahahahahahaahahahahahahaahah!

[tortoise]

Hey rejoice and look at the bright side of things on the darkside!! As a dual platform consultant I have been observing this for many years and the net effect of the draconian Microsoft activation schemes is to alienate their users and drive them straight to the alternatives, namely Macintosh and Linux. Given the geeky nature of Linux Macintosh is the clear winner in the battle for switchers and the current run up in the stock is testimony to the ongoing success and growing market share.

Oh and the video card swap is nothing new, I have experienced the same thing in Windows XP. Windows Genuine advantage is a RPITA that does nothing but waste the valuable time of honest consumers. It is easily bypassed by anyone that knows how to use Google search to look for answers.

[jdc]

"Your mouse moved, click here to re-register Windows Zenith. Make sure you have your birth certificate and blood sample ready. Or click cancel to go into RTFM"

[Donkey Hotay]

Bring your own soap, and be prepared to drop it on command.