With piracy getting more and more bigger, Microsoft had decided to release an update to Windows 7 which will check if the copy of Windows 7 is genuine or not. Windows Activation Technologies helps you confirm that the copy of Windows 7 that is running on your computer is genuine. Additionally, Windows Activation Technologies helps protect against the risks of counterfeit software. Microsoft has published a KB article (KB971033) and also made available the update for Windows Activation Technologies.
This update package is available through Windows Update and Microsoft Download Center. When this update is installed, it performs a validation process for the copy of Windows that is running on your computer. However, this validation process does not affect the functionality of Windows. The update process exits silently if it detects no validation errors, activation exploits, or tampered files.
If a validation error or activation exploit is detected, you will be directed to more information on the Internet for resolution of the activation exploit or the validation error. When validation errors or activation exploits are removed, you may be asked to use a valid product key to activate the copy of Windows 7 that is running on your computer. If the user skips the process, then users will be periodically notified that the copy of Windows 7 that is running on your computer is not genuine.
Users that don’t want the Windows Activation Technologies Update for Windows 7 are free not to download the refresh, and also hide the item when it is delivered via Windows Update later this month.
Download Windows 7 Update for Windows Activation Technologies (32 Bit) | 64 Bit Version
I think it’s important to note that this add-on from Microsoft will “phone home” on a weekly basis. On that basis alone, I will not be installing this update, even with a legal copy of Windows 7. maximumpc.com just had an article yesterday on this.