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General discussion

XP Windows Update Capabilities? Hope forum is correct?

by gonzo43 Aug 3, 2007 2:40PM PDT

I recently had a desktop tower system stolen. My XP Pro, ver 2002, svc pack 2 was duly registered through MS. My question is if the thief ever tries to update the software through MS update, can he be tracked? I have not been successful in getting quick answers from MS, but I only tried contacting them yesterday afternoon. I had the system configured for update to contact the site automatically. Unfortunately, I had the administrator functions and password access turned off, so whoever stole it can use it. I luckily didn't have any personal or sensitive info on that PC. Other than the MS update site, is there any other way to track the thief through the software id and the net? The cops obviously have better things to do than chase this down. I did turn in the serial numbers and whatnot to the cops, and they say they case the pawn shops and whatnot weekly. Hopefully, and computer store that buys and sells will think to check the XP product key and see that it is hot if that is possible. Any help or suggestions would be appreciated. I really want to know if you guys think the thief could be found and id'ed through the windows update site? Thanks.

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2 Posts
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Technically yes, but...
by John.Wilkinson Aug 3, 2007 4:24PM PDT

Microsoft can indeed check the product key when the update service is contacted, and likewise can record the IP address being used, which in turn can be translated to a precise location and user. However, there are two things to note here:
1.) The IP address issue is not cut and dry since they could be running it through a proxy server, using public hotspots, etc.
2.) Microsoft would never hand over such records willingly, and I doubt you'd win a legal battle to obtain such.

In short, it won't really help you. For future reference there are software products that will enable device tracking should a stolen laptop be connected to the internet, but any good thief will think to grab what data he/she wants and wipe the drive clean before connecting to the internet. And that's assuming it's not just dropped off at the nearest pawnshop first.

Sorry.
John

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XP Windows Update
by gonzo43 Aug 3, 2007 6:18PM PDT

Thanks for your reply. I knew of such software for especially for laptops. This was a desktop tower stolen during a burglary of an isolated part of my business which has a fairly decent alarm system with cellular and satellite backup along with web based video. The thieves crashed through the front with a car or truck, and they thought to spray paint the video cameras outside before doing it (no tag #--car/truck was probably stolen anyway). I also figured as much of MS. Bill didn't get wealthy by allocating precious resources to doing Rockford type work. He also wants me to buy a new OS package and Office Suite. I guess I might be dipping my toe into the Vista soup. I haven't checked around yet to see if the first svc pack is coming or overly needed yet. Thanks for your insights!!!!! I'm just going to move on, and maybe move my business, too. It isn't in a bad area now.......oh well.....

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