XP pirate update question

[needhelp]

What is the latest news on Microsoft updates on pirated copies of Windows XP.I have genuine copies on my computers but when I tell this to some of my friends, they laugh and tell me that I have wasted my money because Microsoft still updates pirated copies of XP so I am gaining nothing by having a genuine copy of the OS. Surely this can't be correct, what are the advantages of having a genuine copy if Microsoft still update the pirate copies. I thought Microsoft didn't update these pirated copies. I can't see a big company like MS allowing this. Why doesn't Microsoft disable these pirate copies, when they try to update, surely it wouldn't be that difficult for them to do. Surely I must be getting some advantage by having a genuine copy of XP on my computer or are my so called friends pulling my leg?

[freakitchen]

The so-called 'pirated' copies of XP are generally leaked volume licence keys. When Microsoft identifies one of these keys, it stops access to updates for that key through WGA. So yes, your genuine copy has the advantage of no problems with updates, not to mention legality.

Please note that discussions of pirated software aren't permitted here, I'll be keeping an eye on this thread

[needhelp]

Thanks for your reply, I am sorry I didn't mean to break any rules. Please remove the thread if you feel it necessary.

[freakitchen]

No, you didn't break any rules with your question - my comment was just a note for if the thread turned into further discussion.

[needhelp]

O.K thanks.

[sgtspector]

I believe the policy of MS is to allow not genuine copies to download security updates only to protect the rest of us from them.

[glc]

Here is the "official" word - copies that don't validate will still receive critical security-related updates through Automatic Updates but cannot access Windows or Microsoft Update. They also cannot download anything from Microsoft that requires validation.

Any discussion here on workarounds is not permitted.

[needhelp]

Thanks guys, that makes me feel a lot better.