Vista SP1: You can continue to use it even if the WGA genuine verification fails.

According to previous reports, Microsoft will strengthen its anti-piracy efforts in Vista SP1. However, for machines that fail the WGA check after SP1 is released, their functions will no longer be disabled. Instead, users will simply receive a prompt from Microsoft at startup saying "You are using pirated software." For Vista systems not yet upgraded to SP1 that encounter WGA verification failures, user functions will be shut down, such as Aero effects being turned off, automatically switching to reduced functionality mode, IE only usable for 1 hour, forced shutdown after 60 minutes, and mandatory activation after 30 days. According to critics, these improvements by the company are heading in the right direction, and Microsoft can modify the WGA policy and make some reforms.