It's been less than a week since Windows 7 was released to manufacturer and already we're seeing reports that Windows 7 RTM Ultimate has been cracked using an OEM product key from computer manufacturer Lenovo (though the crack isn't limited to their hardware). Download Squad points out that, while Microsoft could potentially sort this out, it seems unlikely, since similar cracks were never plugged in Vista. It's got to be pretty frustrating being Microsoft at times like this, especially since they've even lowered their prices to attract more people to upgrade in the first place. (Click the image above for a closer look.) [Softpedia]

Updated: A Microsoft spokesperson has confirmed to Neowin: "we are aware of reports of activation exploits that attempt to circumvent activation & validation in Windows 7, and we can assure customers that Microsoft is committed to protecting them from counterfeit and pirated software. Microsoft strongly advises customers not to download Windows 7 from unauthorized sources. Downloading Windows 7 from peer-to-peer Web sites is piracy, and exposes users to increased risks – such as viruses, Trojans and other malware and malicious code—that usually accompany counterfeit software."