We should expect changes in the way KMS activation works for windows, cos I think thats the only other major way left if oem spoofing days are over. We should look out for that now. MS cannot be so stupid as to block oem spoofing and leave the kms door wide open.
I'm actually positive, for these reasons: The loader is based on an open source loader Anyone can modify the open source loader to add additional features Each user has a unique version of the loader installed The loader contains no information that flags it as a SLIC injector Theres multiuple ways to install the loader The loader doesn't modify MS owned files so breaks no copyright Nothing has ever flagged the actual loader and nothing ever will. That said, of course it's not going to work for Windows 8 as Windows 8 uses UEFI and it's a totally different activation system.
What I've said is that activation via a loader will work and should continue to work for Windows Vista, 7 and some of the server editions. I'm not sure how you think this all relates to OA 3.0 since it's an entirely different activation system and the loader doesn't support UEFI. When Windows 8 goes RTM there's going to be no surprises.
Putting this thread back on track, I do have a question. I know this is early days BUT a general guide would be nice. On the theme of installing Windows 8 with UEFI activation, what is the general consensus of the way to go. (just looking at future purchases). I dont need the details, just wondering is it 1. Install with UEFI on, and then look at a work-arround 2. Install with UEFI, then turn off(if your machine has that function), and look at a work arround 3. Turn off UEFI (if your machine has it) and install and look at a workarround 4. cant be done 5. Some other method. As I said, no details, just curious where its heading.
It can't be that big of a surprise when we already know that the loader won't run on it and we're developing new methods. I think who will really be surprised is MS after what I've just seen EDIT: That's not to say that *I* will do anything about it as I might not have any free time.
You can't just turn UEFI on or off as you like, but you can emulate BIOS on UEFI based machines. OEMs and MS won't support BIOS anymore on New PCs so we won't be able to bypass activetion with old tricks. But Microsoft needs to install Windows 8 (retail or upgrade edition) on old BIOS based machines for commercial reasons using a classic Product Key (I guess), so the solution might be emulating bios and find a way to activate your sistems with a fake retail key.
Likely a hybrid setup whereas the new PC's aspire to kill off the BIOS for good. Note that there is UEFI out now that is loaded on the HDD but is booted from BIOS. Things like the EFI used to install Mac OS X on some PCs. Anyway I don't think OA 3.0 will require secure boot to be on if there are options to disable it (otherwise you lose activation if you wanted to dual boot Linux). So if you can turn that off you can mess with the bootloader. I don't think secure boot is a part of it, but I think digital signing and unique keys could put an end to things. You don't have to lock boot if you just kill off the old model of having a grand unblockable key activate indiscriminately (they don't even match the key to OEM SLIC). A one time key burned into digitally signed UEFI is all they need, forget all this secure boot crap. I've always found the keys to be the weak point. Who cares if you can loader a SLIC into memory if you cannot reuse/share the keys that are needed?
Mine is an ASUS Laptop that I bought a month ago. I would send a picture BUT its in the Setup (preboot) system, BUT the UEFI boot option is definitely there. I dont think its a hybrid system as such, (isnt UEFI just an advance BIOS if you like that you can add to, like an authentification system after all), And the option is there to use it if you wish. Its probably there to allow laptops like mine to "upgrade to OEM windows 8", thru ASUS if I wish. No doubt I would have to flash the motherboard with unique keys, digital licences to match, bootloader AND enable UEFI for the laptop. Or am I missing something??????????
Upgrading doesn't require UEFI. To upgrade you'd simply install a retail upgrade version, activate it, and be done with it. All those UEFI requirements only apply to machines you buy that come with Windows 8 already installed. Asus can't sell you an OEM license because they may only be distributed along with a PC, and they sure won't provide you with a firmware to flash to your mainboard to upgrade to Windows 8.
So what about older systems like mine. I have a new Laptop from Acer but my main system that I use 98% of the time is a 3 year old FoxConn main board, Intel quad core at 2.8 gig, 16 gigs matched ram, and a total of 6 terabit hard drive space. I have checked FoxConn's site and there is no update for the firmware. In fact it is now listed as outdated board. So what happens to people like me.
And why not!!!!!!!!!!!! In the past Manufactureres have provided their own upgrades of Windows when a model is close to a new release of an operating system (built into BIOS upgrades) - ie an OEM upgrade ( at a cost). They would be utterly MAD if they didn't do it with Windows 8 as well. If not, we are going to have a wealth of Laptops next year going dirt cheap, as they can't be upgraded thru the manufacturers websites. By releasing models NOW with UEFI functionality, and the ability to turn it off and on, at least ASUS is covering the bases for them to sell OEM windows 8 licences to their customers. I see it as a vert smart move. And as said before, if you have a laptop with this function, it can be flashed with the software to accept OEM windows 8.
Nothing really happens. I also have a BIOS and I guess there will be no UEFI update for my board (which is only 1 and a half year old). I guess people are still confused / worried about UEFI. Let me explain..... You don't need UEFI to run w8. You simply cannot buy a new machine that comes with W8 PREINSTALLED that has still a legacy BIOS. UEFI is the successor of BIOS and hence an advancement (So they say when they promote UEFI). Also you cannot turn on or off UEFI. What you can switch on or off are UEFI features like UEFI boot that reqiures a GPT (GUID Partition Table) instead of a MBR (Master Boot Record) to boot. Also Secure Boot is a UEFI feature specified at UEFI specifications. A BIOS can have UEFI features. There are also BIOSes which have UEFI features implemented, these are hybrid BIOSes. Hybrid BIOSes have still the old module layout, but already features specified for UEFI. UEFI consists of firmware volumes, similar to partitions. In the volumes there are different modules. UEFI modules have a GUID (Global Unique Identifier) string for each module. UEFI modules are programmed in 64 bit language. So if you still have a legacy BIOS you just can't use the features of UEFI, that's all. W8 retail will boot with a MBR as well. If you have a hybrid, you can use some of the UEFI features. IMHO nobody really needs UEFI. Some advantages might be: -Better GUI (Graphical User Interface) -UEFI accessible from OS level to adjust settings. -Better support for large partitions (HDD) -Easier and safer to flash / update. No more bricks hopefully, lol.
As stated before, if (and its still an if), OEM licences will only be UEFI, then your only legit method of upgrade is a retail version. End of story. "other" methods will also work, like KMS too. "future" methods will simply depend on whether its a requirement to have UEFI functionality of your motherboard or not. That one is up in the air (or being kept close to the chest at this stage). One possibility is virtual UEFI for motherboards without that function, BUT again that will depend if UEFI is essential for "future" methods. While its a very small chance, OEM-SLIC just may exist, BUT its looking highly unlikely. That will depend solely how M$ will deal with manufacturers who still produce old BIOS boards.
It is no if, believe me. What they can sell is: A laptop that comes with w7 preinstalled close to the release day of w8. It must have a UEFI that has a SLIC ACPI table that activates w7 preinstalled. BUT it also must have UEFI already. If they sell an upgrade option with it is doubtful, though. Technically it is possible.
This is the point I am making, it is possible to have a UEFI motherboard, and have an OEM Windows 7 operating system (as you stated). PLUS it should be able to be flashed to accept an unique OEM Windows 8 upgrade if the manufacturer wishes (or sells).
Care to expand on this bit mate. Lets assume one has one of these Hybrid boards. Does that mean "in theory" can it be flashed to accept an OEM Windows 8 (if one could be bought for instance). If not what are the features a hybrid board has if you enable UEFI.
Dude, calm down. Well that's something different. I suppose OEM-provided upgrades will require the same UEFI-based systems as for Windows 8, so that they can ship the same installation/restore media as with regular Windows 8 systems when it's out. Upgrading your current systems to Windows 8 will require retail installation media. I don't think OEMs have ever provided upgrades for older models, at least not through the OEM channel (except for PCs shipped shortly before the OS release). Sure, you can buy a retail upgrade version and install that, but the OEM can only provide OEM licenses along with a PC.