The risk here is not in deactivated unlicensed software, but rather deactivating legitimate installations.

I for one would be extremely put out if Microsoft decided that my computers were unlicensed and disabled even one or two computers on my network. Microsoft has enough trouble assembling patches that leave the system in a useable state for large environments, let alone establishing a real litmus test for piracy without completely violating privacy.

Certainly Microsofts track record for security does not inspire me with any level of confidence to grant them the personal information they would require to launch a truly effective anti-piracy campaign.

Arbitrarily deactivating a system is not an acceptable anti piracy measure when you have the market penetration Microsoft has.

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