MANILA, Philippines – As always, software pirates have found a new market for selling a “crack” version of Microsoft's new Windows 7 operating system. But instead of just selling the cracked beta version, full retail versions have hit the streets.

The cracked full version cost around P100 for the Windows 7 Home Premium, P120 for the Professional, and P150 for the Ultimate. The packaging contains logos stating that these are full versions, although these were obviously printed out en masse.

Apparently, software crackers have found a method to bypass the online activation code of a freshly installed Windows 7. Some online sites outline these methods, which primarily deactivate the Windows Activation Technology (WAT).

Some software kiosks in Greenhills in San Juan and St. Francis Square in Mandaluyong City have been selling these pirated versions of Windows 7, a few days after the official launch in the Philippines.

At the Greenhills shopping mall in San Juan, several shops offer “packages” that include Windows 7 and Microsoft Office 2007. Prices also vary but the shop owners claim what they are selling are full versions.

Incidentally, they also caution the buyer that the pirated operating system will be unable to update itself when online.

This was the same warning made by Microsoft Philippines regarding the use of pirated operating system.

The company's local communications officer, Mae Moreno, in an emailed statement, which warned users that users of pirated software have no access to online updates particularly patches offered by the company on a regular basis.

“Our efforts are focused on protecting and educating the public about the threats brought about by pirated software. It is important for users to be aware of these threats which include potential security and business risks such as identity theft, system failure and data loss,” Moreno said.

Despite piracy, Microsoft said it is happy with the sales of Windows 7, particularly in retail outlets where new desktop and laptop computer buyers are also getting licensed operating system.

Microsoft Windows Client Group General Manager Richard Francis said in a press conference that they had run out of stock of boxed versions of Windows 7 a few days after its official launch in the Philippines.

Some computer manufacturers have also noted an increase in sales after the introduction of Windows 7. Some of the brands, including Lenovo, Asus, and Acer are announcing new notebooks and desktop models that are installed with Windows 7.