Volume license key
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Volume License key (VLK) is a term used by some computer software companies to denote the product key used when installing software licensed under volume licensing, which allows a single product key to be used for multiple installations. This form of licensing is typically used in business, government, and educational institutions, with prices for volume licensing varying depending on the type, quantity and applicable subscription term. For example, Microsoft software available through volume licensing programs includes Windows Vista, Windows Server 2008, Microsoft Office 2007 and many others.
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[edit] Volume Activation 2.0
Starting with Windows Vista, VLKs have been replaced with Multiple Activation Keys (MAK) or Key Management Server (KMS) keys. MAK Activation may occur independently (by means of connection to Microsoft through internet or telephone activation) or through a proxy using Microsoft's Volume Activation Tool (VAMT). Hosts activated via a KMS have to report back to that key server once every 180 days.
[edit] Unauthorized use
Since Volume Licensing bypasses activation, VLKs have been exploited by software pirates since the advent of this service. The FCKGW key is the prominent example of VLK exploitation. Although to some this may seem like an easy way to circumvent Microsoft's product activation feature, each VLK is uniquely linked to the company for which it was purchased. Therefore, should the software be installed on more computers than it was licensed, Microsoft can hold the company responsible, and blacklist the product key in extreme cases.
Volume license keys have also been used incorrectly on Windows XP installations where the owner had a retail or OEM license to Windows XP but the person doing the installation (such as a computer repair shop) did not want to bother with activation, used disk cloning software, or did not have access to the original license. Volume license keys on Windows Vista have been used (like the YFKBB key) in fake KMS server activations over the infamous Chinese servers available.
Volume license keys that have been abused have been blocked by Microsoft, starting with Windows XP Service Pack 1. Microsoft argues that it does not need to cater to the needs of those who did not pay for their software. Microsoft even developed a new key verification engine for Windows XP Service Pack 2 that could detect illicit keys, even those that had never been used before. Several security consultants have condemned the move by Microsoft, saying that leaving a large install base unpatched from various security holes is irresponsible because this unpatched install base can be leveraged in large scale Internet attacks, such as trojan horses used to send spam e-mail. Others have come to Microsoft's defense, arguing that Microsoft should not have to provide support for illegal users. After much public outcry, Microsoft elected to disable the new key verification engine. Service Pack 2 only checks for the same small list of commonly used keys as Service Pack 1. This method does not completely prevent piracy, as users can generate new VLKs that will not be detected as pirated. Users of existing installations of Windows XP can also change their product key by following instructions from Microsoft.[1]
A small number of keys have been completely banned by Microsoft and cannot be used with any CD that has been slipstreamed with Service Pack 2. If an original Windows XP CD (or a slipstreamed copy with Service Pack 1) is used to install Windows XP, the key is accepted; however, the system will not allow any newer updates (including Service Pack 2) to be installed. Microsoft has also released the Windows Genuine Advantage (WGA) program, which requires users of Windows XP (and other recent operating systems) to activate their copy before downloading updates and certain programs from Microsoft's website.
[edit] FCKGW
FCKGW-RHQQ2-YXRKT-8TG6W-2B7Q8 used to be a volume license key that was commonly used to bypass product activation in early versions of Microsoft's Windows XP operating system. The key is obsolete, as it has been blacklisted by Microsoft since August 2004. Despite this, it is regularly a symbol of warez geek pride - dubbed the "devils0wn" key, this particular key came with the first warez release of the final version of Windows XP. The version was supplied by a group calling themselves "devils0wn" 35 days before the official retail release on August 28, 2001.[2] The key was made famous partly because it featured in a popular image circulated on the Internet before the retail launch of Windows XP. In the image, the key is written on a CD-R containing the leaked operating system and held in front of a digital Microsoft sign counting down the days until the release of Windows XP. [3]
[edit] YFKBB
YFKBB-PQJJV-G996G-VWGXY-2V3X8 used to be a DVD key that was commonly used to activate Windows Vista over illegitimate KMS servers. This key is also obsolete, as it has been blacklisted, and victim computers will display a WGA notification.
![[3]](http://static.flickr.com/33/43669488_7001732faf.jpg){kind=link}