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Windows update ferrets out pirated Microsoft copies

Microsoft's "service pack 1" for Windows XP is due to be released soon and, with the update, users can expect more than the usual bug fixes.

The updated version of Windows XP can recognize whether a user has installed an illegal copy of the operating system, and the upgrade will act to impede any further updates.

That's what researchers at computer magazine PC-Welt found after testing a preview version of the update software. The update uses a dialog box to invite owners of an illegal copy of XP to contact Microsoft's Anti-Piracy Team. The installation then breaks off, and the Windows Update function is deactivated, the magazine reports. All updates, security and otherwise, are no longer possible.

Black market copies of the operating system are widespread on the Internet, the magazine reports. Very often these are copies of the business edition of the operating system, which does not need to be registered.

The update package does offer some changes to the original release, including the ability to turn off Internet Explorer and the Media Player software.
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