They hacked and activated Windows 7 Ultimate

Windows 7 Ultimate was successfully activated using a DVD ISO file that was leaked from Lenovo using a primary key intended for OEMs. With this, WGA authentication using the OEM method, offline, is also possible.

The leaked ISO first appeared on a Chinese forum. By downloading this file, they accessed the boot.wim file, from which they then extracted the OEM-SLP key and the OEM activation certificate. The former is a master key that can be used to activate any edition of Windows 7 Ultimate. Currently available RTM installations can be converted to OEM installations with minor modifications, so that the operating system can be activated before it is virtually officially released.

Since it is not an "ordinary" breach, Microsoft can relatively easily take action against the method — the Redmond company has promised to do so. At the same time, it should not be forgotten that Windows Vista worked in a similar way when it was released, except that the tricky activation of that time still works today. It would be even easier to invalidate the primary key in question.