The "timer crack" or "2099 crack" has been updated. Hackers have updated the activation workaround for Windows Vista that resets the pre-activation period of the operating system extending its effect through 2099 in order to simplify the process.

Initially, according to a representative from the Windows Genuine Advantage, applying the workaround "requires the user to implement a 23-step process that involves modifying/replacing kernel level files, making manual registry edits and other serious changes that could have destabilizing consequences."

The windows genuine Advantage team promised to handle the 2099 crack on January 2, 2007. As of yet, Microsoft has not released any official information revealing the status of the development of a Windows Genuine Advantage update that would address the 2099 crack.

However, progress was made on the part of the hackers that have updated the crack, streamlining the implementation process. The original 23-step process has been automated. The users need only to extract the crack from a .rar achieve and execute it with administrator privileges. The crack will thereafter do the rest.

"Don't use this crack if you've already tried another, or rearmed 3 times! For people who wish to know, this crack stops the timer to leave your vista install at 30 days remaining forever, and works with windows update. You might wish to opt out of any validation updates though Wink," writes the person that uploaded the crack to a website that hosts pirate materials.

The new crack's description reads: "UPDATED and REPACKED so that only 1 reboot is required! Makes is faster and yet easier again!"