updating illegal copies of windows

[Robyn]

We are suggesting that our students perform Microsoft
updates to their Windows operating system (and Office),
before using a specialized exam software can be used. We
want to warn them about using illegal copies of
anything. Is it true that the MS update system will not
work if a product is unlicensed?

[Earl F. Parrish]

"Robyn" > wrote in message
...
> We are suggesting that our students perform Microsoft
> updates to their Windows operating system (and Office),
> before using a specialized exam software can be used. We
> want to warn them about using illegal copies of
> anything. Is it true that the MS update system will not
> work if a product is unlicensed?

Since the release of Sp1 by Microsoft, the Product ID is checked
for a series of number indicating that the version is the Corporate
Edition which is a modified legal version of Windows XP Professional
Edition which has been assigned a CD key for a volume license. The
SP1 or SP1a update will not run on versions of Windows XP with the
watched Product IDs. Updates issued subsequent to Sp1 or SP1a will
not install if SP1 or SP1a is not also installed unless it is a
critical update applying to both pre and post service pack versions
of Windows XP. Microsoft has always required that service packs be
installed sequentially even before the days of product activation.

--
Earl F. Parrish

[Bruce Chambers]

Greetings --

This bit is inaccurate. Service Packs for the WinNT/Win2K family
of operating systems, of which WinXP is the latest member, are
cumulative. This means that they do _not_ need to be installed
sequentially; the most recent service pack includes all of the
updates/fixes that were included in earlier service packs.

Bruce Chambers

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----
You can have peace. Or you can have freedom. Don't ever count on
having both at once. -- RAH


"Earl F. Parrish" > wrote in message
...
>
>
Snipped...

> Microsoft has always required that service packs be
> installed sequentially even before the days of product activation.
>
> --
> Earl F. Parrish
>