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With all the deals being introduced, it seems Microsoft is trying all they can to reduce piracy on their new operating system, Windows 7 – a large problem with the earlier Microsoft OS’s. Unfortunately though, it seems an OEM master key from Lenovo has been leaked.

However, Microsoft became quickly aware of the issue and has since blacklisted the key, allowing Lenovo the use of a new product key. As the old key is now blacklisted, Windows 7 installs using the leaked key will warn their user that the operating system they’re using is not genuine and that they will need to purchase a genuine key in order to perform any operation on the OS. To ensure no Lenovo systems are using the blacklisted key, Microsoft is actively checking all their Windows 7 systems.

Mr. Kochis confirms Microsoft’s commitment to ensuring all installations are genuine, "We’ve worked with that manufacturer so that customers who purchase genuine copies of Windows 7 from this manufacturer will experience no issues validating their copy of Windows 7. At the same time we will seek to alert customers who are using the leaked key that they are running a non-genuine copy of Windows. It’s important to note that no PCs will be sold that will use this key."

As its still early days for the introduction of Windows 7, I’m sure we’ll see more future cases like this as users try and steal a copy of Microsoft Windows 7 for free.

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