Windows Genuine Advantage - connecting to Internet?

[Guest]

On 31 May, I received an automatic update which installed the Windows Genuine
Advantage software. Since I have a genuine copy of Windows XP Home, this was
not a drama.

However, I then noticed that everytime I logged on to my PC, it
automatically dialled my broadband connection to the internet.

Being the clever chap I am, I decided to set my internet options to "Never
connect", and not to redial if the line was dropped. However, next time I
logged on, connected to the internet. So, what did I doo next? I rolled back
the computer using system restore, fault cleared ... so it was obviously the
WGA update causing the problem.

To double check, redownloaded software on 1 Jun and now the fault has
re-appeared. Have Microsoft taken control of my PC? How do I stop my internet
connection dialling every time I log on? Is anyone else having this problem?
Can I PLEASE have my computer back under MY control?

 

[Rhonda Lea Kirk]

Phil McNulty wrote:

Can I PLEASE have my computer back under MY

control?

In a word, no.

But if you look at today's threads, you'll find at least two (and
possibly) more discussions of this issue.

And I had an awful lot of fun submitting it to the Windows Defender
folks as a false negative.

--
Rhonda Lea Kirk

Insisting on perfect safety is for people
without the balls to live in the real world.
Mary Shafer Iliff

 

[antioch]

Hi Phil
There are plenty of threads re WGA etc - search in newusers and basics - the
subject has been argued for over a months.
Also tell MS direct of your dissatisfaction/complaints/problems here.

http://forums.microsoft.com/Genuine/ShowForum.aspx?ForumID=444&SiteID=25

Give them hell.
Rgds
Antioch

 

[Alias]

On 31 May, I received an automatic update which installed the Windows Genuine
Advantage software. Since I have a genuine copy of Windows XP Home, this was
not a drama.

However, I then noticed that everytime I logged on to my PC, it
automatically dialled my broadband connection to the internet.

Being the clever chap I am, I decided to set my internet options to "Never
connect", and not to redial if the line was dropped. However, next time I
logged on, connected to the internet. So, what did I doo next? I rolled back
the computer using system restore, fault cleared ... so it was obviously the
WGA update causing the problem.

To double check, redownloaded software on 1 Jun and now the fault has
re-appeared. Have Microsoft taken control of my PC? How do I stop my internet
connection dialling every time I log on? Is anyone else having this problem?
Can I PLEASE have my computer back under MY control?

Block it with your firewall.

Alias

 

[Jim]

On 31 May, I received an automatic update which installed the Windows
Genuine
Advantage software. Since I have a genuine copy of Windows XP Home, this
was
not a drama.

However, I then noticed that everytime I logged on to my PC, it
automatically dialled my broadband connection to the internet.

Being the clever chap I am, I decided to set my internet options to "Never
connect", and not to redial if the line was dropped. However, next time I
logged on, connected to the internet. So, what did I doo next? I rolled
back
the computer using system restore, fault cleared ... so it was obviously
the
WGA update causing the problem.

To double check, redownloaded software on 1 Jun and now the fault has
re-appeared. Have Microsoft taken control of my PC? How do I stop my
internet
connection dialling every time I log on? Is anyone else having this
problem?
Can I PLEASE have my computer back under MY control?

I blocked WGA through ZoneAlarm. If your firewall can't block things from
accessing the internet, perhaps you should get one that does.
Jim

 

[Alias]

Hi Phil
There are plenty of threads re WGA etc - search in newusers and basics - the
subject has been argued for over a months.
Also tell MS direct of your dissatisfaction/complaints/problems here.

http://forums.microsoft.com/Genuine/ShowForum.aspx?ForumID=444&SiteID=25

Give them hell.
Rgds
Antioch

If you give them hell, this will happen:

Your user acount [sic] has been banned. Visit here for more info.

Alias

 

[Cymbal Man Freq.]

I blocked WGA through ZoneAlarm. If your firewall can't block things
from accessing the internet, perhaps you should get one that does.
Jim

You'd think the next Windows Update would provide that!

 

[Alias]

You'd think the next Windows Update would provide that!

Now we know why the XP firewall only monitors incoming traffic

Alias

 

[kurttrail]

Hi Phil
There are plenty of threads re WGA etc - search in newusers and
basics - the subject has been argued for over a months.
Also tell MS direct of your dissatisfaction/complaints/problems here.

http://forums.microsoft.com/Genuine/ShowForum.aspx?ForumID=444&SiteID=25

Give them hell.
Rgds
Antioch

If you give them hell, this will happen:

Your user acount [sic] has been banned. Visit here for more info.

And why do you think MS didn't set it up as a real newsgroup? That way
Google won't archive post sent through non-MS servers, and MS has total
censorship control over the WGA forum.

--
Peace!
Kurt Kirsch
Self-anointed Moderator
http://microscum.com
"It'll soon shake your Windows
And rattle your walls
For the times they are a-changin'."

 

[Alias]

Hi Phil
There are plenty of threads re WGA etc - search in newusers and
basics - the subject has been argued for over a months.
Also tell MS direct of your dissatisfaction/complaints/problems here.

http://forums.microsoft.com/Genuine/ShowForum.aspx?ForumID=444&SiteID=25

Give them hell.
Rgds
Antioch

If you give them hell, this will happen:

Your user acount [sic] has been banned. Visit here for more info.

And why do you think MS didn't set it up as a real newsgroup? That way
Google won't archive post sent through non-MS servers, and MS has total
censorship control over the WGA forum.

You're right, of course. We're already looking into Linux.

Alias

 

[Rhonda Lea Kirk]

antioch wrote:

<snipped>

http://forums.microsoft.com/Genuine/ShowForum.aspx?ForumID=444&SiteID=25

Give them hell.

If you give them hell, this will happen:
Your user acount [sic] has been banned. Visit here for more info.

And why do you think MS didn't set it up as a real newsgroup? That
way Google won't archive post sent through non-MS servers, and MS has
total censorship control over the WGA forum.

I made a very long post late last night, much of which was cut and
pasted (and slightly edited) from my discussion with Leythos. I've
received no notification that there have been any replies, and I haven't
checked to see if I've been censored, edited or banned, but I'll report
back if anything changes.

rl
--
Rhonda Lea Kirk

Insisting on perfect safety is for people
without the balls to live in the real world.
Mary Shafer Iliff

 

[antioch]

Have you got the link - did a search - cant see recent one - only the 30
May????
Antioch

antioch wrote:

<snipped>

http://forums.microsoft.com/Genuine/ShowForum.aspx?ForumID=444&SiteID=25

Give them hell.
If you give them hell, this will happen:
Your user acount [sic] has been banned. Visit here for more info.

And why do you think MS didn't set it up as a real newsgroup? That
way Google won't archive post sent through non-MS servers, and MS has
total censorship control over the WGA forum.

I made a very long post late last night, much of which was cut and pasted
(and slightly edited) from my discussion with Leythos. I've received no
notification that there have been any replies, and I haven't checked to
see if I've been censored, edited or banned, but I'll report back if
anything changes.

rl
--
Rhonda Lea Kirk

Insisting on perfect safety is for people
without the balls to live in the real world.
Mary Shafer Iliff

 

[antioch]

Cancel - cancel - found it!
Antioch

Have you got the link - did a search - cant see recent one - only the 30
May????
Antioch

Alias wrote:
antioch wrote:
<snipped>

http://forums.microsoft.com/Genuine/ShowForum.aspx?ForumID=444&SiteID=25

Give them hell.

If you give them hell, this will happen:

Your user acount [sic] has been banned. Visit here for more info.

And why do you think MS didn't set it up as a real newsgroup? That
way Google won't archive post sent through non-MS servers, and MS has
total censorship control over the WGA forum.

I made a very long post late last night, much of which was cut and pasted
(and slightly edited) from my discussion with Leythos. I've received no
notification that there have been any replies, and I haven't checked to
see if I've been censored, edited or banned, but I'll report back if
anything changes.

rl
--
Rhonda Lea Kirk

Insisting on perfect safety is for people
without the balls to live in the real world.
Mary Shafer Iliff

 

[Rhonda Lea Kirk]

Have you got the link - did a search - cant see recent one - only the
30 May????
Antioch

It's the fifth post in the "Isn't this all rather silly?" thread, which
is currently the 11th thread down the list.

http://forums.microsoft.com/Genuine/ShowPost.aspx?PostID=424240&SiteID=25

I got annoyed with a guy who tried to make a case for piracy because
Microsoft charges so much for its operating system. The rest of my rant
just kinda flowed from that.

For all that I really object to this whole WGA thing, I object even more
to people who think they can justify using a pirated copy of Windows
because of the sticker price. The last time I checked the ethical
compass, that was not a consideration.

rl
--
Rhonda Lea Kirk

Human beings, who are almost unique in having
the ability to learn from the experience of others,
are also remarkable for their apparent
disinclination to do so. Douglas Adams

 

[Jeff]

Ah,
So it seems MS has no stomach for dissent.
Jeff

Cancel - cancel - found it!
Antioch

Have you got the link - did a search - cant see recent one - only the 30
May????
Antioch

kurttrail wrote:
Alias wrote:
antioch wrote:

<snipped>

http://forums.microsoft.com/Genuine/ShowForum.aspx?ForumID=444&SiteID=25

Give them hell.

If you give them hell, this will happen:

Your user acount [sic] has been banned. Visit here for more info.

And why do you think MS didn't set it up as a real newsgroup? That
way Google won't archive post sent through non-MS servers, and MS has
total censorship control over the WGA forum.

I made a very long post late last night, much of which was cut and
pasted (and slightly edited) from my discussion with Leythos. I've
received no notification that there have been any replies, and I haven't
checked to see if I've been censored, edited or banned, but I'll report
back if anything changes.

rl
--
Rhonda Lea Kirk

Insisting on perfect safety is for people
without the balls to live in the real world.
Mary Shafer Iliff

 

[NoStop]

antioch wrote:
Hi Phil
There are plenty of threads re WGA etc - search in newusers and
basics - the subject has been argued for over a months.
Also tell MS direct of your dissatisfaction/complaints/problems here.

http://forums.microsoft.com/Genuine/ShowForum.aspx?ForumID=444&SiteID=25

Give them hell.
Rgds
Antioch
If you give them hell, this will happen:

Your user acount [sic] has been banned. Visit here for more info.

And why do you think MS didn't set it up as a real newsgroup? That way
Google won't archive post sent through non-MS servers, and MS has total
censorship control over the WGA forum.

You're right, of course. We're already looking into Linux.

Alias

You and thousands of others. Here's a place to get all the help you'll ever
need:

http://www.linuxquestions.org/questions/index.php?s=


--
The ULTIMATE Windoze Fanboy:

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-2370205018226686613

View Some Common Linux Desktops ...
http://linclips.crocusplains.com/index.php

 

[Alias]

Alias wrote:

antioch wrote:
Hi Phil
There are plenty of threads re WGA etc - search in newusers and
basics - the subject has been argued for over a months.
Also tell MS direct of your dissatisfaction/complaints/problems here.

http://forums.microsoft.com/Genuine/ShowForum.aspx?ForumID=444&SiteID=25
Give them hell.
Rgds
Antioch
If you give them hell, this will happen:

Your user acount [sic] has been banned. Visit here for more info.
And why do you think MS didn't set it up as a real newsgroup? That way
Google won't archive post sent through non-MS servers, and MS has total
censorship control over the WGA forum.

You're right, of course. We're already looking into Linux.

Alias

You and thousands of others.

That was pre WGA. Now, it'll be millions.

Here's a place to get all the help you'll ever
need:

http://www.linuxquestions.org/questions/index.php?s=

Bookmarked it. Thanks.

Alias

 

[antioch]

It's the fifth post in the "Isn't this all rather silly?" thread, which is
currently the 11th thread down the list.

http://forums.microsoft.com/Genuine/ShowPost.aspx?PostID=424240&SiteID=25

I got annoyed with a guy who tried to make a case for piracy because
Microsoft charges so much for its operating system. The rest of my rant
just kinda flowed from that.

For all that I really object to this whole WGA thing, I object even more
to people who think they can justify using a pirated copy of Windows
because of the sticker price. The last time I checked the ethical compass,
that was not a consideration.

rl
--
Rhonda Lea Kirk

Human beings, who are almost unique in having
the ability to learn from the experience of others,
are also remarkable for their apparent
disinclination to do so. Douglas Adams

Yes - read it - you managed to control yourself very well I thought.
I 'laid out my stall' very clearly in another post - I have no time for
thieves, handlers or receivers of stolen property - they get all they
deserve.
BUT this bloody WGA just sticks in my throat - it may all be very innocent
in what it does - I do not give a SH one T if it is or is not innocent. It
is something I do not want stuck on my computer. Anything else on my
computer I can get rid of if I do not want it.
Each day, Linux is looking more and more attractive.
Take care - young lady ;-) ;-)
Antioch

 

[antioch]

Alias wrote:

antioch wrote:
Hi Phil
There are plenty of threads re WGA etc - search in newusers and
basics - the subject has been argued for over a months.
Also tell MS direct of your dissatisfaction/complaints/problems here.

http://forums.microsoft.com/Genuine/ShowForum.aspx?ForumID=444&SiteID=25

Give them hell.
Rgds
Antioch
If you give them hell, this will happen:

Your user acount [sic] has been banned. Visit here for more info.

And why do you think MS didn't set it up as a real newsgroup? That way
Google won't archive post sent through non-MS servers, and MS has total
censorship control over the WGA forum.

You're right, of course. We're already looking into Linux.

Alias

You and thousands of others. Here's a place to get all the help you'll
ever
need:

http://www.linuxquestions.org/questions/index.php?s=


--
The ULTIMATE Windoze Fanboy:

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-2370205018226686613

View Some Common Linux Desktops ...
http://linclips.crocusplains.com/index.php

All in my 'favourites' - thanks
Antioch

 

[Rhonda Lea Kirk]

antioch wrote:

Yes - read it - you managed to control yourself very well I thought.

I have my moments.

I 'laid out my stall' very clearly in another post - I have no time
for thieves, handlers or receivers of stolen property - they get all
they deserve.

I still haven't found your post.

BUT this bloody WGA just sticks in my throat - it may all be very
innocent in what it does - I do not give a SH one T if it is or is
not innocent. It is something I do not want stuck on my computer.

It's just the idea.

I returned a carton of cigarettes the other day (long story), and the
guy behind the counter made a big production of examining my receipt,
demanding to know if I still had the debit card I put the purchase on,
and then, to add insult to injury, he opened the carton and made a huge
production of examining the tax stamps on the bottom of each pack.

I don't think it occurred to him that his performance would be
sufficient reason for me never to shop there again.

My other issue with WGA is that it penalizes many individuals who, based
on some of the posts I've read, innocent of any wrongdoing, without
doing much to get to the root of the problem.

I mentioned in another post that I don't use drugs, but I can't see much
purpose in prosecuting users when the dealers continue to deal.

Anything else on my computer I can get rid of if I do not want it.
Each day, Linux is looking more and more attractive.

Y'know, I've been collecting links and doing a bit of reading. I'd
really like to have another Mac, but maybe I'll do both. There *are* a
few law firms out there that aren't wed to Microsoft.

Take care - young lady ;-) ;-)

If only the mirror (and my aching joints) were as kind as you, Antioch.


rl
--
Rhonda Lea Kirk

Insisting on perfect safety is for people
without the balls to live in the real world.
Mary Shafer Iliff