Windows Genuine Advantage (WGA) Notifications

[Pete]

I just tried to update my windows xpsp2 (home edition), using windows update
like I always do. I have it set to notify me and then I download manually.

It had a download for "WGA notifications" and I didn't like the looks of the
user agreement and I did some googling, and just got further confused. The
following site provided a lot of info, but I really don't understand all
this, and don't want to download it if I really don't need it.

http://www.microsoft.com/genuine/downloads/faq.aspx#Question3Label

I am the original owner of my pc and no one else uses it, and I am already
validated, or I wouldn't have been using windows update for the last year.

So my problem is what is this new download I just received called "WGA
notifications", and what happens if I don't install it (which I have not).
I chose to decline it, but it keeps showing a reminder when I go to windows
update, that says it is hidden, and I should restore it and install it.

I read that you can still get critical security updates from "automatic
updates" (even if you are not validated) which is further confusing. Does
that mean I can not get critical updates from "windows update" like I always
do (if I don't install the new WGA). I assume I already have some older
version of the WGA on my pc, and that I am already validated, and have
always been validated.

So what happens if I don't install the newer version. I get the feeling I
am being spied upon by MS. I would rather not install it if I don't have
to. The site above also made reference that you may not be able to download
other upgrades (eg IE 7.0) if you are not running a genuine copy of windows.

But the point is, I am running a genuine copy windows and I will always be
running a valid copy. Please explain exactly what will happen if I don't
install the new WGA update I just received. My main concern is getting
critical updates from windows update, if I don't install it.

Thanks...Pete

 

[Leythos]

But the point is, I am running a genuine copy windows and I will always be
running a valid copy. Please explain exactly what will happen if I don't
install the new WGA update I just received. My main concern is getting
critical updates from windows update, if I don't install it.

If your update is valid, then just install it and be happy again. If
you're running a pirated/bootleg copy, then don't install it and do what
you feel best.

So far, it's not caused any issues on our machines.

 

[Guest]

Hi there Pete,

The purpose of the Windows Genuine Advantage tool is to verify that you are
using a Valid or "Genuine" copy of Windows. This tool is made to provide
another level of protection from software piracy.

You can choose not to install the Microsoft Genuine Advantage tool, and yes,
you will continue to receive critical updates from Microsoft through the use
of Automatic Updates.

Failure to install the tool however, prevents you from using the Microsoft
Update Website, or from downloading additional extras available from
Microsoft. (ie- public betas, Windows Defender, Windows OneCare, Media Player
10, etc.)

The tool does nothing more than send your Windows Installation ID (which is
created using your Microsoft Product ID with your Computer Hardware ID) and
sends this ID to a Microsoft license clearing house for verification. Once
the ID has been verified, you are then allowed to access these features. The
Microsoft Genuine Advantage tool does not send any personal user information
or data for any reason. (Please refer to the Windows Genuine Advantage
website at http://www.microsoft.com/genuine/downloads/FAQ.aspx?displaylang=en
for further details)

I highly recommend allowing the WGA to install, as it grants you access to a
lot of cool toys to download from Microsoft. But ultimately, it is your
choice.

Hope this helps!

Best Regards,

~Will

 

[Guest]

Hello Pete,

Do not worry, here is the explanation for your concern that you are having
with WGA.

First let me tell you what is WGA, Windows Genuine Advantage Notifications
is an opt-in program launched by Microsoft in select markets as part of its
continued effort to combat counterfeiting and to create a better Windows
experience for users of genuine Microsoft Windows software.

As part of the program, some customers in the U.S., U.K., Malaysia,
Australia, and New Zealand will be invited to install WGA Notifications
through Automatic Updates (AU) to confirm that they are running genuine
Windows. Customers who are running genuine Windows and opt-in to the program
will not see any messages. Customers who are using a non-genuine version of
Windows will receive a message during logon that their copy of Windows
appears to be non-genuine and will be directed to the WGA Web site to learn
more. Users who choose not to obtain a copy of genuine Windows will receive
periodic reminders. While the program is presently opt-in, as it expands
later in the year, it may become a requirement for the AU service. Regardless
of genuine status, users will not be denied access to critical security
updates. Users who have not validated their computers as genuine, however,
will not be able to install many updates, including Internet Explorer 7.0 and
Windows Defender.

Pete, I would recommend that you install the lastest WGA to install the
latest updates from Microsoft. You need not worry if you are running a
genuine version of windows.

Also, note that this validation is not a onetime process but it just takes a
moment. The lengthiest part of the process is downloading the ActiveX control
that performs validation. The ActiveX control is downloaded on the first
validation and when a new version is available from Microsoft. So, while it’s
not a one-time process, it is still quick and easy.

You need not worry that Microsoft is able to spy on your computer through
the validation scan. No information is collected during the validation
process that can be used to identify or contact a user.

Microsoft has commissioned TÃœV-IT, an independent German security auditor,
to test how well Windows Genuine Advantage protects customers’ data. TÜV-IT
conducted both a legal audit of Microsoft’s policies, specifications, and
statements, and a technical audit to determine if the program’s databases,
source-code, and implementation respect privacy concerns.

TÃœV-IT has confirmed that Microsoft does not process any data that would
allow Microsoft to identify or contact a user. It has also confirmed that
Windows Genuine Advantage can be used safely on sensitive systems and that it
does not interfere with any software programs and, therefore, it does not
conflict with data protection laws.

For more information on TÃœV-IT and their methodology, see
http://www.tuvit.de.

Hope this helps.

Cheers,
Vj

 

[NoNoBadDog!]

I just tried to update my windows xpsp2 (home edition), using windows
update like I always do. I have it set to notify me and then I download
manually.

It had a download for "WGA notifications" and I didn't like the looks of
the user agreement and I did some googling, and just got further confused.
The following site provided a lot of info, but I really don't understand
all this, and don't want to download it if I really don't need it.

http://www.microsoft.com/genuine/downloads/faq.aspx#Question3Label

I am the original owner of my pc and no one else uses it, and I am already
validated, or I wouldn't have been using windows update for the last year.

So my problem is what is this new download I just received called "WGA
notifications", and what happens if I don't install it (which I have not).
I chose to decline it, but it keeps showing a reminder when I go to
windows update, that says it is hidden, and I should restore it and
install it.

I read that you can still get critical security updates from "automatic
updates" (even if you are not validated) which is further confusing. Does
that mean I can not get critical updates from "windows update" like I
always do (if I don't install the new WGA). I assume I already have some
older version of the WGA on my pc, and that I am already validated, and
have always been validated.

So what happens if I don't install the newer version. I get the feeling I
am being spied upon by MS. I would rather not install it if I don't have
to. The site above also made reference that you may not be able to
download other upgrades (eg IE 7.0) if you are not running a genuine copy
of windows.

But the point is, I am running a genuine copy windows and I will always be
running a valid copy. Please explain exactly what will happen if I don't
install the new WGA update I just received. My main concern is getting
critical updates from windows update, if I don't install it.

Thanks...Pete
'

You will have no choice...either validate of be satisfied without ever being
able to update.

If you are running a legitimate copy of windows, you will have no issues.

Bobby

 

[Pete]

Thanks Will...I made a couple in-line comments below...Pete

Hi there Pete,

The purpose of the Windows Genuine Advantage tool is to verify that
you are using a Valid or "Genuine" copy of Windows. This tool is
made to provide another level of protection from software piracy.

I realize that. But it has already verified I am genuine in the last year.
So if I don't install the newer version of the tool, does that mean I won't
get the things you mention two para's down.

You can choose not to install the Microsoft Genuine Advantage tool,
and yes, you will continue to receive critical updates from Microsoft
through the use of Automatic Updates.

Will...I don't use "auto updates" and I download manually from "windows
update", like I said. Could you clarify the terms "Windows Update" versus
the "Microsoft Update Website" versus "Microsoft Update" versus "Automatic
Update". I just gave you four different names that all overlap somehow -
its very confusing.

Can I continue to update using "Windows Update" manually (that I use now) if
I don't install the newer version of the tool. I am asking you about
"Windows Update" not "Automatic Update". I think I know part of the
answer - I am inherently using "automatic updates", but I have it set to
notify me, instead of automatically downloading also (which I don't want it
to do). So then I go to "windows update" later and download manually. But
I believe the site and user agreement say that you can not use "windows
update" (only "automatic update") to get critical updates if you are not
genuine. But I am genuine. I don't understand what the difference is
between the "automatic update" versus the "windows update" as pertaining to
whether you will be allowed to get crtical updates (even if you are not
genuine). I just tried to be very clear. Please explain.

Failure to install the tool however, prevents you from using the
Microsoft Update Website, or from downloading additional extras
available from Microsoft. (ie- public betas, Windows Defender,
Windows OneCare, Media Player 10, etc.)

The tool does nothing more than send your Windows Installation ID
(which is created using your Microsoft Product ID with your Computer
Hardware ID) and sends this ID to a Microsoft license clearing house
for verification. Once the ID has been verified, you are then
allowed to access these features. The Microsoft Genuine Advantage
tool does not send any personal user information or data for any
reason. (Please refer to the Windows Genuine Advantage website at
http://www.microsoft.com/genuine/downloads/FAQ.aspx?displaylang=en

Thanks Will. This is the same site I mentioned in my post. There is also
some stuff in there and/or the WGA user agreement that talks about Internet
based data (or something like that) and sounded like some kind of sharing of
info - this is mainly what made me cautious...Pete

for further details)

I highly recommend allowing the WGA to install, as it grants you
access to a lot of cool toys to download from Microsoft. But
ultimately, it is your choice.

If its my choice, it sounds like there are some inherent disadvantages as
well. Is this possible?

 

[Pete]

Hello Pete,

Do not worry, here is the explanation for your concern that you are
having with WGA.

First let me tell you what is WGA, Windows Genuine Advantage
Notifications is an opt-in program launched by Microsoft in select
markets as part of its continued effort to combat counterfeiting and
to create a better Windows experience for users of genuine Microsoft
Windows software.

As part of the program, some customers in the U.S., U.K., Malaysia,
Australia, and New Zealand will be invited to install WGA
Notifications through Automatic Updates (AU) to confirm that they are
running genuine Windows. Customers who are running genuine Windows
and opt-in to the program will not see any messages. Customers who
are using a non-genuine version of Windows will receive a message
during logon that their copy of Windows appears to be non-genuine and
will be directed to the WGA Web site to learn more.

Vj...Thanks so much for your detailed and informative response. I don't
understand the opt in stuff. I have a genuine copy so I have nothing to
fear. But if someone didn't have a genuine copy why would they want to "opt
in" as you say. You need to see what I wrote back to William also. I don't
want to repeat it all. And "Bobby" says if I don't install it, I won't be
able to update [which is not true because you said (which I have also read
at the site) users will not be denied access to critical security updates
regardless of status]. I really don't see what is going on here. I just
hope it is for the benefit of us users, and not just for the benefit of
Microsoft.

Let me ask you something direct. If I don't install the latest WGA tool,
will I continue to get my update notifications (I have it set to notify me),
and will I be able to go to "windows update" and then manually install the
critical updates, like I have been doing in the past...Pete

Users who choose

 

[Leythos]

Let me ask you something direct. If I don't install the latest WGA tool,
will I continue to get my update notifications (I have it set to notify me),
and will I be able to go to "windows update" and then manually install the
critical updates, like I have been doing in the past...Pete

I'm confused by your posts, they seem to indicate that you have a legit
copy of Windows, but you indicate in each post that you don't want to
install the new WGA application and now you indicate you've been doing
the updates manually instead of just allowing automatic updates to do
it's thing.

What are you specifically afraid of in installing the new WGA?

 

[MAP]

Leythos wrote:

If your update is valid, then just install it and be happy again. If
you're running a pirated/bootleg copy, then don't install it and do what
you feel best.

This is like saying "if you are opposed to the Patriot Act then you must be
in favor of the terrorists"

 

[Leythos]

Leythos wrote:



This is like saying "if you are opposed to the Patriot Act then you must be
in favor of the terrorists"

If you want to stretch it to that extreme, then I agree - if you don't
support anti-terrorist measures then you support terrorists.

WGA is already on the persons machine, the PA was new, WGA, the new
version, should not impact the OP in any manner.

 

[DanS]

I really don't see what is going on here. I just hope it is for the
benefit of us users, and not just for the benefit of Microsoft.

DING! DING! DING! We have a winner.

There is no benefit to the user what-so-ever. It's just like activation.

How does this benefit the user ?

Being able to d/l IE 7 beta ? Sorry, I'll pass.

WMP10, I'll pass on that one too.

'I highly recommend allowing the WGA to install, as it grants you access
to a lot of cool toys to download from Microsoft.' ~Will

I'd like to see one 'cool toy' that does 'something' that isn't available
from some other software vendor/author.

 

[DanS]

Customers who are running genuine Windows and
opt-in to the program will not see any messages. Customers who are
using a non-genuine version of Windows will receive a message during
logon that their copy of Windows appears to be non-genuine and will be
directed to the WGA Web site to learn more. Users who choose not to
obtain a copy of genuine Windows will receive periodic reminders.

It does a lot more than that, at least according to the article I read.

http://star-techcentral.com/tech/story.asp?file=/2006/4/25/prodit/14029720
&sec=prodit

 

[Larry Samuels]

Yep--it tattoos the desktop. <G>
That article was one of the first to document the changes.

--
Customers in the U.S. and Canada can receive technical support from
Microsoft Product Support Services at 1-866-PCSAFETY. There is no charge for
support calls that are associated with security updates
Larry Samuels Associate Expert
MS-MVP (2001-2005)
Unofficial FAQ for Windows Server 2003 at
http://pelos.us/SERVER.htm
Expert Zone-

 

[Larry Samuels]

And if you believe there won't be a few legitimate copies accidentally
flagged I have this really nice bridge for sale <G>

--
Customers in the U.S. and Canada can receive technical support from
Microsoft Product Support Services at 1-866-PCSAFETY. There is no charge for
support calls that are associated with security updates
Larry Samuels Associate Expert
MS-MVP (2001-2005)
Unofficial FAQ for Windows Server 2003 at
http://pelos.us/SERVER.htm
Expert Zone-

 

[MAP]

If you want to stretch it to that extreme, then I agree - if you don't
support anti-terrorist measures then you support terrorists.

(Only a SETH deals in Absolutes)

I believe it was Ben Franklin that said-
" A society which gives up personal liberties for security deserves neither
liberty or security"

Good ole Ben was alot smarter than the clowns we have today......I'll take
his insight.

Leythos,
Just to be serious for a moment, with all of the hotfixes causing
problems since 4-11 and my own experiance back in febuary with an office
patch that degraded my system to the point I had to do a repairinstall I
believe it is best to stay away from wup for a short time, the same people
might have wriiten the wga2 release and I can see valid systems getting a
popup every 30 seconds because it was written poorly,why take a chance on, a
for now opitional update? Advoiding wup for a month really is not a big
deal, provided one has adequate security now.

 

[MAP]

(Only a SETH deals in Absolutes)

That would be a "Sith"
I was relating the Sith with a CEO named Seth who cut my pay and benefits at
two different airlines I worked for (while getting extremly huge bonuses
himself). Looking forward to the day that I read his obituary!
<eg>