Windows Genuine Advantage: What it is, how to ditch it

Computerworld.com ^ | 7/30/2006 | Scot Finnie

[BJClinton]

A friend of mine has started receiving these pop-ups. It'll be interesting to see if this pushes people away from Windows.

[Izzy Dunne]

I wonder if this article falls under the DMCA - which makes it illegal to circumvent copy-protection measures.

[ShadowAce]

[CobaltBlue]

Unless I completely misunderstand what the author is saying, what good will it do you to reset your system clock?

Won't it screw up programs that depend on your calendar? My business uses several programs that access the calendar.

Not that I have a problem with MGA, but since most of us buy computers with software already installed, not much recourse if the software's counterfeit. Anybody who'd sell counterfeit software won't be there for problems, IMO.

[Shadow Deamon]

Anyone who continues to support the Bill Gates Retirement fund with this latest garbage deserves what they get.

I'm so happy to be Windows free.

Linux is the way to go. :)

[ikka]

If they can force you to install their monitoring software, how do we know that the NSA won't force them to install something?

[PajamaTruthMafia]

Windows Genuine Advantage:

What it is:
Microsoft spyware

how to ditch it (thanks to PC World):
Concerned that Microsoft's Windows Genuine Advantage program is
reporting back to Microsoft without your say-so? The free RemoveWGA
tool alerts you if WGA notification is active on your system, stops
WGA from activating when you turn your PC on, and permanently removes
it.

Version: unnumbered
Price: Free

Download RemoveWGA now at:
http://www.pcworld.com/downloads/file/fid,63975;order,1;page,1;c,All%20Downloads/description.html?tk=nl_hsxdwn

[Gay State Conservative]

On the occasions when I do Windows Update (I do it manually,not automatically) I'm always told that Genuine Advantage needs to be installed.When I unclick it,I'm told,in essence,that western civilization as we know it will collapse if I don't install.

For that reason alone,It'll be a snowy day in July when I install *that* particular spyware program.

[zeugma]

Windows Genuine Advantage: What it is, how to ditch it

Here's one way, of many: Kubuntu 

[Covenantor]

Thanks for the link.

[Bloody Sam Roberts]

I saw it for what it was when it first tried to install itself via an Update notice.
I stopped it right there and never let it near my machine.

I KNOW that my XP is genuine.
If MS wants to prove that it isn't, they can come to my house for a cup of coffee and we'll talk a bit. 'Nuff said.

[BJClinton]

I dunno, I left my tinfoil hat at home.

A more realistic scenario and one that appears to be happening frequently is a legitmate copy of windows is saying it's counterfeit. You call Mocrosoft (HA!) and they tell you to either call the retailer or buy a new copy. The retailer tells you it's legit, call Microsoft.

So there you are, out several frustrating hours of time and a few hundred bucks with no working OS. So what do you do? Either fork over more money to M$ and pray it works this time or turn to piracy to get your money's worth.

Micro$oft may be creating eProhibition.

[PajamaTruthMafia]

Just makes sure you disable windows automatic update so it does not reinstall itself. Use manual updates and then choose "custom" and uncheck the WGA update every time you run Windows update.

[Malsua]

To remove it..for now anyway.

go to http://www.sysinternals.com/utilities/autoruns.html

download and run autoruns.

Go to the winlogon tab, and uncheck WgaLogon. Reboot.

I had one machine that false positived and that took care of it.

[BJClinton]

Thank you sir.

[PajamaTruthMafia]

For all the techies out there, here's a free alternative to Windows Update (and patch management in general). The link is an e-newsletter called Windows Secrets Newsletter By Brian Livingston (pretty well known). In this issue, Brain, discusses NetChk Protect by Shavlik Technologies and how to get it for free. I've used it and it works well but it's meant for techies...

http://windowssecrets.com/comp/060713/

You can also read the other issues which go into this whole sorted affair...

[PajamaTruthMafia]

My pleasure. Be sure to disable Windows Automatic Update or WGA will just reinstall itself. Then, either start using manual updates->Custom and uncheck the WGA update under "High Priority" updates each time you run Windows Update. Or, you can start using the solution I posted about Shavlik Technologies NetChk Protect.

/rant
I was one of those Microsoft defenders for decades. But this stunt violated my trust in them forever. They went against their own stated policies and lied about it when they were caught. WGA meets every definition of spyware and Microsoft should be made to pay a high price for such dishonest, sneaky behavior. /end rant

[KoRn]

Awesome info! Thanks!

[Tribune7]

This doesn't happen with Tiger. :-)