It made me nervous!

[John]

On Sunday I spent some time getting rid of unwanted stuff in my Start-Up
section of MSCONFIG and updated some drivers. I re-booted and got a message
from Microsoft that I needed to revalidate my copy of Windows. It wouldn't
do it over the internet and I had to phone up, give my 35 digit code using
my phone key-pad and then type in a new one.
I was as nervous as someone taking their driving test! Scared of making a
mistake and getting into a real mess.

Obviously a very clever system but not something I really want to encounter
again - what would have tipped me over the threshold that triggered this?

 

[TZ]

John,

This same occurrence happened to me today Jan 23, 2008 when I tried to send
an e-mail and a window pop up saying I had to revalidate Outlook. I was
wondering why since I had already done this when I installed it years ago.

I would like if Microsoft would put out a bulletin mentioning such
activities. I honestly thought this was a scam or virus and performed a scan
on my anti- virus application and found nothing.

Thomas

 

[Byte]

MS did put out a notice - KB892130
Description of Windows Genuine Advantage (WGA)
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/892130