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Windows XP activation algorithm has been cracked and reprogrammed

After more than two decades since its launch, one of the most popular Microsoft's operating system, Windows XP, got a brand new unofficial activation method. A post on tinyapps reveals that the algorithm used by Microsoft to verify product keys for the outdated OS has been cracked and reprogrammed.

Windows Xp Bliss Wallpaper

This will now allow users to generate valid activation codes for Windows XP, even without an internet connection, despite Microsoft having disabled all the activation servers.

In an old discussion on Reddit, someone has shared the appropriate software that does the calculations. It doesn't modify system files, like many activators for Retail editions do.

The application computes the Installation ID and generates the related Confirmation ID to activate Windows XP offline. Even after wiping the system and reinstalling Windows XP, the same Installation ID is assigned by Windows (provided there is no alteration in hardware or product key). Consequently, the msoobe's typical telephone activation window will produce the same Confirmation ID.

It is worth noting that there are some editions of Windows XP that never required online activation. Those known as "volume licensing". However, there still cases when the user may need to activate an retail OS. For example, if they use XP Mode for Windows 7, or they have an old device with a legally purchased Windows XP. The latter won't activate without such a tool, as all the activation servers now offline.

Source: tinyapps via TheRegister

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Author: Sergey Tkachenko

Sergey Tkachenko is a software developer who started Winaero back in 2011. On this blog, Sergey is writing about everything connected to Microsoft, Windows and popular software. Follow him on Telegram, Twitter, and YouTube.

One thought on “Windows XP activation algorithm has been cracked and reprogrammed”

  1. Windows 7 free, would be nice. The pro. version of course. Ready to download to a USB drive. Any chance ???

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