Sunday, June 8, 2008

Upgrade Factory-installed Vista to Ultimate for Free

Target: PCs/Laptops with factory preinstalled with Vista (32 bit or 64 bit) versions other than the Ultimate version. This method can be applied to clean install as well.

DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT PROMOTE OR SUPPORT ANY KIND OF PIRACY OF COPYRIGHTED MATERIAL OR CONTENTS. THIS IS JUST ANOTHER PROVE OF CONCEPT OF MINE. AND I AM NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY LEGAL ISSUES YOU ENCOUNTER IF YOU FOLLOW THE BELOW GUIDES/INSTRUCTIONS. I AM NOT RESPONSIBLE OF ANY OUTCOME, LOST OF DATA OR ANY DAMAGES RESULTED DUE TO THE ACT OF YOU PROCEEDING WITH BELOW GUIDES/INSTRUCTIONS. ALL THE TRADEMARKS AND COPYRIGHTS ARE THE RIGHTS OF THE RESPECTIVE OWNERS.

Introduction

When Vista first came out, the first hack is the 30-grace period hack. You can actually try Vista of any version for 30 days without needing it to be activated and still can download all Windows Updates. So some crackers make use of this ‘feature’ to stop this 30-day countdown. So the time left for trial is always 30 days (you can use all features like Windows Update without any restriction).

After some time this hack is out do by better Paradox activation. This hack is actually making use of the way the major computer makers (Dell, HP, Asus, Acer…) activate Vista.

*Paradox does not work with Vista SP1 . But other Activator such as this one will work.

Quote from Paradox:

“Microsoft allows large hardware manufacturers to ship their products containing a Windows Vista installation that does NOT require any kind of product activation as this might be considered an unnecessary inconvenience for the end-user. Instead these so-called 'Royalty OEMs' are granted the right to embed certain license information into their hardware products, which can be validated by Windows Vista to make obtaining further activation information (online or by phone) obsolete. This mechanism is commonly referred to as 'SLP 2.0' ('system-locked pre-installation 2.0') and consists of the following three key elements:

1.The OEM's hardware-embedded BIOS ACPI_SLIC information signed by Microsoft.

2. A certificate issued by Microsoft that corresponds to the specific ACPI_SLIC information. The certificate is an XML file found on the OEM's installation/recovery media, usually called something like 'oemname.xrm-ms'.

3. A special type of product key that corresponds to the installed edition of Windows Vista. This key can usually be obtained from some installation script found on the OEM's installation/recovery media or directly from a pre-installed OEM system.

If all three elements match Windows Vista's licensing mechanism considers the given installation a valid system-locked pre-activated copy (that does not require any additional product activation procedures).

So the basic concept of the tool at hand is to present any given BIOS ACPI_SLIC information to Windows Vista's licensing mechanism by means of a device driver. In combination with a matching product key and OEM certificate this allows for rendering any system practically indistinguishable from a legit pre-activated system shipped by the respective OEM.”

Definition

OEM

The term, OEM (original equipment manufacturer) refers to companies that make products for others to repackage and sell. Resellers buy OEM products in bulk, minus the costly retail packaging that comes with individually sold units. The product itself is essentially the same as its more expensive, retail-packaged sibling. OEM products are used in many industries, but are perhaps most prevalent in electronics.

Generally, dealers of OEM products add something of value before reselling the merchandise. An OEM vendor that does this is known as a "value added reseller" (VAR). A VAR might build components, sub-systems, or systems from quality OEM parts. OEM goods allow VARs a wide range of creative marketing choices, which permits smaller dealers to be competitive in the marketplace.

OEM software will have different product numbers than retail packages, and support may be provided by the VAR, rather than the maker of the software. Functionally, OEM and retail versions of software should be essentially the same.

Two kinds of OEM Product Keys:

· EM SLP Keys

o OEM SLP (System-Locked Pre-installation) keys are only issued to the big manufacturers such as Dell, Asus, Sony, etc.

o These are the only keys that are able to bypass activation that is, perform offline activation without contacting Microsoft.

o They will work with any OEM SLP system, regardless of the OEM system's brand i.e. Product Keys are not brand specific.

· EM NONSLP Keys

o Similar to Retail, but distributed and supported by an OEM. Needs activation by phone or online and they are not brand specific.

· EM COA Keys

o OEM COA keys (Certificate of Authentication) are regular OEM keys that require activation, either by phone or online and they are not brand specific. You will find the sticker with the key underneath you Laptop or on the side of you PC.

o These keys will work in general same as Retail or Upgrade keys and can be used only once.

*Basically, most of the laptops/desktops are shipped with OEM COA keys (the sticker at the base) and activated with OEM SLP Keys. The users need not to activate themselves as it is already activated. It means the key in windows is different from the COA label on the bottom.


Notice that the Product ID has OEM on it. It's factory activated.

Along Came an Idea

So I was thinking that maybe I can upgrade my laptop to Vista Ultimate since mine is an Asus with preinstalled Vista Home Premium. I have the BIOS and license signed by Microsoft. I try searching my Windows folder and there it is, named "ASUSTEK COMPUTER INC[1]. - 100027.xrm-ms". So I only need an Ultimate SLP product key. Can get it with a simple googling or even get it from friends who have laptop/PC that has correct version with appropriate tools.

So at first I tried just updating the key using slmgr.vbs -ipk but it won't work. So I think maybe need to reinstall so I proceed with it and voila, It works!

*"Why this guide is useful?" and "Why not just use any activator that is available on the internet?" you might ask.

The answer is that all the activator (including Paradox) will install some emulation driver that emulate a fake BIOS to fool the Vista activation check. Yes this is indeed needed in those without OEM's BIOS ACPI_SLIC. But since most of the laptop have this already and installing this emulator is redundant and might slow down Windows startup time.


The Key Elements to activate Vista Offline

1. OEM SLP Product Key that matches the version of Windows Vista you have installed or are going to install. (Home Basic, Home Premium, Business or Ultimate). It does not have to match the OEM-brand certificate nor the OEM-brand BIOS ACPI_SLIC information.

2. OEM-branded BIOS ACPI_SLIC (can be emulated, there is various driver-based emulator. It’s in your ‘branded’ laptop/desktop)

3. OEM certificate matching the SLIC table. It needs to match are the OEM-branded certificate and the OEM-branded BIOS ACPI_SLIC information.

When 1+2+3 = Vista Activated Offline

OEM SLP Key + OEM Certificate + Full SLIC Table = Vista Activated Offline

If one (1, 2 or C) is missing, activation will fail!

Here’s how you ‘Upgrade’ your Factory-Installed Vista to Ultimate:

Items needed:

1. Laptop/PC by major maker (Dell, HP, Lenovo, Toshiba, Acer, Asus…) with preinstalled with Vista.

a. Note: This can also be machines with no OS install as long as it is by major maker AND that the same model with Vista installed is existed. Example will be those that can be customized with other OSes (Vista, XP, Ubuntu…). Most likely Dell Machines. This is not Upgrade and need to be Custom installation.

2. Full Vista installation DVD (32 bit or 64 bit)

a. IMPORTANT: This is the installation disc and NOT recovery disc. Can be downloaded here (not my links). It is legal to download or providing links to download as long as no Key is provided.

3. Vista Ultimate SLP Key (included in Paradox activator)

4. OEM Certificate – needed only when doing clean install. It’s included in the Paradox activator. Or alternatively can be copy from Vista-preinstalled Laptop/PC by respective major maker. Try search for “*.xrm-ms” in “C:\Windows” folder and remember to search hidden and system files as well. NOT NEEDED for preinstalled one.

Before proceed with upgrading, please be noted that only certain version can be upgraded to Ultimate.

You need to select “Upgrade” and not “Custom” or else you’ll end up with clean install (more on this later). “Upgrade” will only be enabled if:

1. There is > 11GB in C: drive

2. Only from a cheaper version to a more expensive version. It is not possible to downgrade without clean install. For example:

a. Home Basic to Home Premium

b. Home Basic to Bussiness

c. Home Basic to Ultimate

d. Home Premium to Bussiness

e. Home Premium to Ultimate

f. Bussiness to Ultimate

3. Only upgrade from the same service pack. Means can only from

a. "non-SP1 to non-SP1"

b. "SP1 to SP1"

c. "non-SP1 to SP1" is not possible and vice versa

If it’s preinstalled with non-SP1 then you need the non SP1 Vista Installation DVD, or you can upgrade to SP1 using Windows Update beforehand. If yours is preinstalled with SP1 and you don’t have the SP1 disc then you’ll have to somehow get it (you know what I mean).

So let’s get started.

Steps:

1. BACKUP YOUR FILES. Don’t ever blame anyone but yourself if you lose any of your files.

2. Start your Windows Vista and place the Vista Installation DVD. Autorun should popup. If not, run “X:\setup.exe” (x is your DVD drive). Click “Install Now”.


As
1. As you should’ve update to SP1, just go ahead with “Do not get the latest updates for installation”

4. This step is important. DO NOT enter any product key and uncheck ”Automatically activate Windows when I’m online”. Click next.

5. Click No to confirm not entering any product key in this pop up to continue.

6. Select “Windows Vista Ultimate” and tick “I have selected the edition of Windows that I purchased”. Click next.

7. Tick “I accept the license terms” and click Next.

8. This step is the MOST IMPORTANT. Select ONLY “Upgrade”. Custom will do clean install which means format your C: drive.

9. It’ll take some time. It’ll automatically restart a few times. It runs automatically unattended. Just sit back and grab a cup of coffee or come back later.

10. After installation is done. You’ll see that you have Windows Vista Ultimate in System properties.

11. Next is to do offline activation. Click start, type “cmd”, then right click on cmd and select “Run as administrator”.

12.

Type according to the screenshot above with Enter after each line:

Type “cd\” then enter.

Type "slmgr.vbs -ipk xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx" (where xxx is the 25-character SLP product key, Ultimate version), then press enter.

It might take a few minutes without showing anything but WAIT.

A popup window will say “Installed product key xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx successfully” when done.

13. Check the System property and it show "Windows is activated".

14. Some of the drivers like graphic card and built-in web cam may need to be reinstalled. Be ready with your driver disc.






FAQ

What is SLP 2.0?

This mechanism referred as 'SLP 2.0' ('system-locked pre-installation 2.0') consists in THREE (3) elements:

The OEM's hardware-embedded BIOS ACPI_SLIC information signed by Microsoft

Toshiba = “TOSQCITOSQCI00?

HEX: 54 4F 53 51 43 49 54 4F 53 51 43 49 30 30

A certificate issued by Microsoft that corresponds to the specific ACPI_SLIC information. Something like 'oemname.xrm-ms'.

And a special SLC product key.


Is the OEM SLP license mechanism a crack?

There is no cracking here; the OEM SLP license mechanism was created by MS and is completely legitimate.


Where do these keys come from?

These keys were retrieved from OEM SLP systems that are being sold by the big OEM vendors.


Do I need to activate my Vista online when I use a OEM Product Key?

Yes, if you use an OEM COA Product Key or any other Retail or Upgrade Product Key

No, if you use an OEM SLP Product Key


Is Microsoft going to black list the OEM SLP Product Keys?

No, these keys have been used by the big brands for thousand of computer with legally preinstalled Vista. If they black list those keys all these legal costumers would be affected too.


Why big manufactures can use OEM SLP Product Keys?

Large OEMs tend to ship large numbers of PCs with Windows preinstalled. The keep the process of installing the OS cost effective. Microsoft has decided that these companies will be allowed to use the some key to preinstall Vista on their units. Also, because of the direct relationship Microsoft has with those OEMS, the company has a higher degree of confidence that a genuine COA will be attached to each PC and that there will be accurate reporting of the number of units shipped preinstalled with Microsoft Windows.


I tried those Vista Ultimate keys here but getting an error saying something like to call Microsoft
for activation?

Well, OEM SLP Key and/or OEM Certificate and/or Full SLIC Table is missing. Or the installed key is not matching your Vista Edition.


How to change the product key?

Launch command prompt window with elevated privileges (run as administrator), then type: "slmgr.vbs -ipk [product key]"

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