'Unlock' BIOS, steal Vista copyright

Microsoft is currently investigating a BIOS-editing solution to bypass the built-in anti-piracy solution in Windows Vista.

The root of the OEM Activation program is not a hacker, but some major OEMs that have a direct relationship with Microsoft.

In fact, OEM Activation began to appear online a few weeks ago. The program has a feature that allows manufacturers to authenticate the Vista operating system license on each new PC by inserting a digitally programmed code into the BIOS.

When Windows XP or Vista detects a digitized program, the operating system will automatically activate the product and ignore the copyright check. Some users who have installed pirated versions of Vista can fully use the OEM Activation program to activate the product.

Another solution to unlock an operating system from the BIOS is to change the content that the OEM manufacturer has included. However, this solution takes a lot of work and is relatively risky. A small error can also damage the motherboard.

The most common solution is to use a special software to trick Windows into thinking that it is running on a copyrighted system.

" This method is very easy to apply, but it is also very easy to detect ," said Alex Koc - Director of Windows Genuine Advantage program - speaking on his official blog.

However, Mr. Koc did not disclose details of Microsoft's action plan, but only said his firm is closely monitoring the situation.

" Our goal is not to prevent any idea of ​​action that wants to break Windows. Our goal is to prevent any organized counterfeiting groups from protecting users. That means we focus on unlocking action can be widespread and vulnerable to commercialization . "

Microsoft has discovered cases of editing the BIOS to crack Windows XP a few years ago, but this method is not common. However this method has not been widespread.

Hoang Dung