China Selling Pirated Windows 7 Copies

BEIJING — Pirated copies of Windows 7 are being distributed within China’s PC marketplace.

A multistory PC bazaar in Beijing is selling the program — packaged in an unmarked DVD box — for $5.86, a report said.

The program is stored as a .gho file, which is an image of a system that can be copied onto a new hard drive and lets the user bypass the activation key step, such as the one necessary for Windows OS.

According to reports, the program’s setup file promoted the website PKGHost.cn, which contains a high level of malware. Its Google diagnostic page found 31 scripting exploits, 25 Trojans and 21 other exploits that could be used to steal personal information.

Legal and cracked copies of Windows 7 have already been made available online. Subscribers to the Microsoft Developer Network can download the “release to manufacturing” version from the network’s website.

The cracked version also appeared as an image file containing Windows 7 Ultimate RTM and a manufacturer product key that was stolen from Chinese personal computer manufacturer Lenovo. In a statement, the company said the program was placed on a Chinese hacker forum.

Windows 7 makes its public debut Oct. 22. The full version of Windows 7 Home Premium is priced at $199, with an upgrade from Vista or XP costing $119.

The full version of Windows 7 Professional is $299, with upgrades going for $199. Windows 7 Ultimate is priced at $319, with the upgrade version at $219.

Related:  

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

Adult Industry Educational, Networking Platform 'Imperfectly You' Launches

Imperfectly You, an educational and networking platform for adult industry workers, has officially launched.

Segpay to Launch News Network for High-Risk Merchants

Segpay has announced that it will launch the Segpay News Network (SNN) on April 15.

Age Verification Watch: Patching the Holes

This roundup provides an update on the latest news and developments on the age verification front as it impacts the adult industry.

Pineapple Support to Host Autism Spectrum Support Group

Pineapple Support is hosting a free online support group for performers and creators who are, or suspect they may be, on the autism spectrum.

ImLive Launches Revamped Member Loyalty Program

Cam platform ImLive has revamped its member loyalty program.

GoFundMe Set Up for Danny Ferretti's Medical Expenses

A GoFundMe campaign has been set up for Fangear founder Danny Ferretti, who requires extensive lung surgery.

Byborg Acquires Cuties AI

Byborg Enterprises has acquired adult artificial intelligence startup Cuties AI.

Irish Government Releases Report on Sex Work Decriminalization Legislation

The Irish government has released a report reviewing a 2017 law that decriminalized sex work across the country.

Texas Bill Would Require Age Verification for Online Sex Toy Sales

A new bill in the Texas state legislature would require online retailers to implement age verification of purchasers before selling “obscene devices” to anyone in that state.

New York Assemblyman Proposes Banning the Term 'Sex Work'

Republican New York Assembly Member Brian Maher has introduced a bill to prohibit the use of the term "sex work" in government documents.

Show More