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This is a sub-template of {{tl|language}}: it is not meant to stand alone. It helps {{tl|language}} perform the repeated task of presenting multiple [[ISO 639-3]] codes with links to their documentation pages. --[[User:Garzo|Gareth Hughes]] 19:07, 23 November 2005 (UTC)
[[Image:winxp_early.jpg|thumb|400px|right|FCKGW 35 days early]]
The five letters '''FCKGW''' are the first five characters of the [[CD key]] that is most commonly used with illegitimate copies of [[Microsoft]]'s [[Windows XP]] operating system. Despite this key effectively being useless when installing Windows, it is regularly a symbol of geek/warez pride; some people can recite all 25 digits of the code from memory.
CHIEFmaster is the best!!!!
Dubbed the "devils0wn" key, this particular key was supplied with the first [[warez]] release of the final version of Windows XP, supplied by a group calling themselves "devils0wn" 35 days before the official release on [[October 25]], [[2001]]. It is a volume license key (VLK) leaked from one of Microsoft's customers, rumored to be [[IBM|IBM]]. Unlike most versions of Windows XP, volume-licensed versions do not require [[product activation]]. This made the key desirable for unauthorized users of Windows XP.
This particular key has been banned from installing various updates by Microsoft, including the Windows XP service packs. Unfortunately, this key has also been used on Windows XP installations where the owner of this particular installation owned a license to Windows XP but where the person doing the installation did not want to bother with activation or where Windows XP has been installed by means of [[disk cloning]] software.
There has been discussion of Microsoft's decision to block the installation of service packs on computers where this product key has been used. Microsoft claims that it does not need to cater to the needs of those who did not pay for their software. Microsoft even developed a new key verification engine for Windows XP Service Pack 1 that could detect illicit keys, even those that had never been used before. Several [[Computer security|security]] consultants have decried the move by Microsoft, claiming that leaving a large install base unpatched from various security holes is irresponsible due to the fact that this unpatched install base can be leveraged in large scale Internet attacks, such as [[Trojan horse (computing)|trojan horses]] used to send [[Spam (e-mail)|spam e-mail]]. Others have come to Microsoft's defense, arguing that Microsoft should not have to provide support for illegal users. After much public outcry, Microsoft elected to disable the new key verification engine. Service Pack 2 only checks for the same small list of commonly used keys as Service Pack 1. This method does not completely prevent piracy, as users can generate new VLKs that will not be detected as pirated. Users of existing installations of Windows XP can also change their product key by following instructions from Microsoft.[http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;810892]
This key was made famous partly due to the fact that it is featured written on a CD-R containing the leaked operating system and held in front of a digital Microsoft sign counting down the days until the release of Windows XP.
== See also ==
* [[Copyright infringement of software]]
== External links ==
* [http://www.microsoft.com/indonesia/piracy/activation/xpsp1.asp Windows XP SP1 Product Activation Details]
* [http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;810892 Microsoft Knowledge Base: How to change the product key at the time of activation]
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