If you own an illegal copy of Windows XP and think you're going to install Service Pack 1 (which is rumored to go gold this week), don't get your hopes up.  As we reported a few days ago, SP1 will cease to install on installations of Windows XP using two well known leaked or cracked activation keys.  The numbers are:

XXXXX-640-0000356-23XXX
XXXXX-640-2001765-23XXX

Where the X's are replaced by any numeric value.  In addition if you manage to install SP1 on an illegal version of WinXP, Windows Update will also begin checking activation numbers, so any new numbers that M$ finds that are being "abused", it will stop you from downloading future updates.

Even more reasons to NEVER EVER EVER EVER switch to Windows XP.  The activation thing was bad enough, now they're essentially watching you to make sure you're being good, like a sick twisted Santa Claus.  Next we'll have to ask Count Gates permission to reinstall their bug laddened software with security that has more holes in it than a block of swiss cheese.

You may now go forth and rant & rave and say I'm a bad person in the comment section of this story.