No, they didn't.

It's all described here:

http://forums.community.microsoft.com/en-US/genuinevista/thread/32895dc0-436a-4f6c-87b8-4ee59a5a8338/

It's talking about Vista but the principle is the same for XP. Basically, the key you discovered using Everest (et al.) was a key used during OEM install that produces a PC that doesn't have to be activated.

'Cos that would be a big pain for PC manufacturers and big IT departments

More info is on:

http://www.pcreview.co.uk/forums/thread-626665.php

Personally I don't know why Microsoft bother as WGA cracks and by-pass techniques are all over the web.


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