Microsoft has adopted a new approach to deal with pirated copies of Windows Vista.

If Microsoft discovers that you are running pirated Vista, it would just turn off the jazzy Aero graphics so that your Vista computer looks as if it is running Windows 2000. Regular Vista functions would still work.

But it's not just pirates who will be blocked from Windows' fanciest graphics. The Aero display also won't be available to those who buy Windows Vista Basic. And even those with higher-end versions won't be able to see the fancy graphics if they don't have enough memory, lack sufficient graphics horsepower or have a graphics chip that doesn't support a new Vista driver.

"Those who are not running genuine Windows will not be able to take advantage of the Windows Aero user experience," a Microsoft representative told CNET News.com.

Looks like Microsoft may eventually abandon the Windows Genuine Advantage program with Vista.

Related:

 • Windows Vista Boot Time: 2 Seconds

 • Windows Vista Anti-Piracy Features

 • Microsoft Windows Vista Hardware Requirements

Source: Vista won't show fancy side to pirates