Windows Update KB971033 kills Pirated Windows 7
Serious update to all the Windows 7 users who use the non-genuine copy. Microsoft has released a WAT (Windows Activation Technologies) update targeted to kill non-genuine/pirated copies on Windows 7.
KB971033
KB971033 update detects validation errors, activation exploits and tampering attempts made to the important Windows 7 system files. Counterfeit copies of Windows are likely to have malwares installed in them.
What does it do?
The update performs attempts to validate your copy of Windows 7 with the product key it is registered with. If it discovers a tampered system file, it tries to restore the file. Also, if the update happens to discover Activation exploits that were used to validate a non-genuine copy, you will be asked to enter a valid product key to activate your copy. If it detects no validation errors, activation exploits, or tampered files, the update process exits silently.
What do I do if I own a non-genuine copy?
If the update has been downloaded & installed, you can continue with it. However, you’ll be periodically notified that your copy of Windows 7 in non-genuine.
If you haven’t downloaded & installed the update yet, you are safe. Be sure to remove the uncheck ‘Update for Windows 7 (KB971033)’ if it’s already checked.
It is advisable to set Windows Updates off if you own a non-genuine copy.
Microsoft Knowledgebase Page for 971033.
Some brilliant way by Microsoft to stop piracy. However they need much more smarter ways than just checking through updates. Because as you have mentioned any one can disable the update.
I don’t think it’s as flawed an option as Ramkumar makes out. If you want to use some of the more desirable software such as Security Essentials you are required to re-run the validation which marginalises those with invalid software but keeps the prevalence of the Windows OS relatively high.