It WASN'T the update, says MS: Windows 7 suffers identity crisis... activation errors (tr)

The Register ^ | Jan 11, 2019 | Richard Speed

[dayglored]

You know it's gonna be a long day when your copy of Windows suddenly -- and incorrectly -- announces that your license is invalid.

[dayglored]

Windows 7 license activation screwup ... PING!

You can find all the Windows Ping list threads with FR search: just search on keyword "windowspinglist".

[dayglored]

Original title:

It WASN'T the update, says Microsoft: Windows 7 suffers identity crisis as users hit by activation errors

[null and void]

What is this ‘Windows’ of which you speak?

In a world without walls, who needs windows?

[dayglored]

https://www.extremetech.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/bliss-windows-xp-original-640x514.jpg

https://www.extremetech.com/computing/179576-rip-windows-xp-the-story-behind-bliss-the-most-iconic-wallpaper-of-all-time

[dayglored]

"...The photo you see above — the default wallpaper for Windows XP — is probably the most recognizable image in the world. What you probably didn’t know is that it’s a real photo, called Bliss, taken by Charles “Chuck” O’Rear in 1996, and then sold to Microsoft for an undisclosed sum (but it was apparently one of the highest prices ever paid for a single photo)..."

The story of 'Bliss'"

[DaxtonBrown]

Reason 1 million why I went to Linux. I can’t risk that kind of shutdown.

[PAR35]

The update is waiting to install on my computer. Think I’ll keep it waiting.

I generally avoid updating software to the extent possible so as to avoid breaking working software.

The good news is that MS has promised to quit rolling out updates for Win7 next year, so it should finally become stable.

[dayglored]

> The good news is that MS has promised to quit rolling out updates for Win7 next year, so it should finally become stable.

Well, that's one (valid) way to look at the support cutoff.

The other is that we "What? Take My Win7 Away? FMCDH!" users will not get the benefit of security updates. After Jan 2020, surf with greater care.

[BipolarBob]

My Win10 got slower and slower. I tried all kinds of virus software and nothing helped. I was driven to Linux. It is just as fast now as the day I installed it.

[W.]

It was the dog, honest!

[Openurmind]

“Even Microsoft was initially confused, before finally updating its known issues for the iffy update”

I do not believe this for one minute. They tried to pull something to force everyone to upgrade to 10 and got caught. But the opposition and attention it got made them cover it up. MS NEVER does anything wrong or make mistakes. Just call customer service and they will tell you this straight up with no flex. It’s always your fault never theirs.

Yes, I’m still mad about your last MS post... Just the word “windows” sets me off anymore. lol

[Bob434]

[[After Jan 2020, surf with greater care. ]]

I do- by using linux to surf the net with lol- only use windows for windows only games, and photoshop

[mountainlion]

This article might be of use if the one that cobbled it together was more interested in giving fact instead of trying to be so cute!

[Openurmind]

We should start a Linux group here to collaborate...

[dayglored]

> This article might be of use if the one that cobbled it together was more interested in giving fact instead of trying to be so cute!

The Register does have a penchant for cutesy, sarcastic writing. OTOH they also have an excellent record of coming out with tech scoops hours or days ahead of most everyone else, which can be advantageous in the case of problems.

I find that following their links to the original articles/papers have drier but more complete descriptions.

[dayglored]

> We should start a Linux group here to collaborate...

ShadowAce runs the (mostly-Linus) Tech Ping List. I suggest you start there, if you're not already on it.

[dayglored]

Oops. s/(mostly-Linus)/(mostly-Linux)/

[McGruff]

I’ve got to reinstall Windows 7 on a PC tomorrow. I’ll let you know how it goes.

[rockrr]

We had multiple instances of this last week. It coincided with a change of KMS (virtual) server. It was fun to watch them squirm!