905474 re-released June 27

Update 905474 Windows Genuine Advantage Notification Tool was re-released
June 27.

The new version number is 1.5.540.0, which is more recent than the manual
update recommendation previously posted to this newsgroup.

This version comes with a new EULA which starts by saying:

NOTICE: THIS UPDATE FROM MICROSOFT WILL HELP YOU KNOW IF YOU ARE RUNNING A
PROPERLY LICENSED, GENUINE COPY OF WINDOWS XP. SOME UPDATES AND OFFERS FROM
MICROSOFT REQUIRE A GENUINE COPY OF WINDOWS XP.

INSTALLING THIS UPDATE IS OPTIONAL. THE UPDATE WILL BECOME A PERMANENT PART
OF YOUR WINDOWS XP SOFTWARE.

INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR SYSTEM (FOR EXAMPLE, YOUR WINDOWS PRODUCT KEY AND IP
ADDRESS) WILL BE SENT TO MICROSOFT. MICROSOFT WILL NOT USE THE INFORMATION
TO IDENTIFY OR CONTACT YOU.

BEFORE INSTALLING, PLEASE READ AND ACCEPT THE LICENSE TERMS BELOW.

The EULA no longer refers to Beta software.

--
Robin Walker [MVP Networking]

Now, Robin, that certainly fits the definition of spyware to me ;-)

Tom

"Robin Walker [MVP]" <> wrote in message
news:...
> Tom Willett <> wrote:
>> You should have posted the *entire* Eula, not just part of it. It's
>> rather interesting, wouldn't you say?
>
> OK - here's the whole thing:
>
> NOTICE: THIS UPDATE FROM MICROSOFT WILL HELP YOU KNOW IF YOU ARE RUNNING
> A PROPERLY LICENSED, GENUINE COPY OF WINDOWS XP. SOME UPDATES AND OFFERS
> FROM MICROSOFT REQUIRE A GENUINE COPY OF WINDOWS XP.
>
> INSTALLING THIS UPDATE IS OPTIONAL. THE UPDATE WILL BECOME A PERMANENT
> PART OF YOUR WINDOWS XP SOFTWARE.
>
> INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR SYSTEM (FOR EXAMPLE, YOUR WINDOWS PRODUCT KEY AND
> IP ADDRESS) WILL BE SENT TO MICROSOFT. MICROSOFT WILL NOT USE THE
> INFORMATION TO IDENTIFY OR CONTACT YOU.
>
> BEFORE INSTALLING, PLEASE READ AND ACCEPT THE LICENSE TERMS BELOW.
> __________________________________________________ __________________________
> MICROSOFT SOFTWARE SUPPLEMENTAL LICENSE TERMS
>
> MICROSOFT WINDOWS GENUINE ADVANTAGE NOTIFICATIONS FOR MICROSOFT WINDOWS XP
>
> Microsoft Corporation (or based on where you live, one of its affiliates)
> licenses this supplement to you. The following license terms describe
> additional use terms for this supplement. These terms and the license
> terms for the software (Microsoft Windows XP) apply to your use of this
> supplement. If there is a conflict, these supplemental license terms
> apply.
>
> BY USING THIS SUPPLEMENT, YOU ACCEPT THESE TERMS. IF YOU DO NOT ACCEPT
> THEM, DO NOT USE THIS SUPPLEMENT.
>
> If you comply with these license terms, you have the rights below.
>
> 1. Application of Terms. The terms also apply to any Microsoft updates,
> supplements, Internet-based services, and support services for the
> software, unless other terms accompany those items. If so, those terms
> apply.
>
> 2. PURPOSE OF SUPPLEMENT. THIS SUPPLEMENT UPDATES WINDOWS XP AND IS
> DESIGNED TO NOTIFY YOU IF YOU ARE USING AN IMPROPERLY LICENSED COPY OF
> WINDOWS XP. TO EFFECTIVELY ENCOURAGE THE USE OF PROPERLY LICENSED
> SOFTWARE, THIS SUPPLEMENT CANNOT BE UNINSTALLED.
>
> 3. Validation. This supplement also includes the Windows Genuine
> Advantage validation tool. The tool will check whether you have a properly
> licensed copy of Microsoft Windows XP (“Windows XP”) installed.
> Installation of the validation tool may be required in order to install
> certain Microsoft software or to use services such as Windows Update. If
> you have a properly licensed copy of Windows XP installed, you receive
> special benefits, which are listed on the following link:
> http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=39157.
>
> 4. Notification. If this supplement detects that you do not have a
> properly licensed copy of Windows XP installed, you will receive a
> notification and periodic reminders to install a properly licensed copy of
> Windows XP. This supplement will also notify you if a more recent Windows
> service pack for the software is available.
>
> 5. Internet-Based Services. Microsoft provides Internet-based services
> with this supplement. It may change or cancel them at any time. This
> supplement connects to Microsoft or service provider computer systems over
> the Internet as described below. In some cases, you will not receive a
> separate notice when it connects. For more information about this
> feature, see http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=56310.
>
> 6. Computer Information. This supplement uses Internet protocols to send
> to Microsoft computer information, such as your Windows XP product key,
> hard drive serial number, PC manufacturer, operating system version,
> Windows XP product ID, PC BIOS information, user locale setting, language
> version of Windows XP, validation result and whether the installation of
> this supplement was successful. Certain information derived from your IP
> address, which cannot be used to identify you, is retained in association
> with this computer information.
>
> 7. Use of Information. We may use the computer information to improve our
> software and services, help prevent improperly licensed use of the
> software, and develop aggregate statistics. We may also share the
> aggregate data with others, such as hardware and software vendors and
> volume licensees to help protect their license keys.
>
> 8. CONSENT FOR INTERNET-BASED SERVICES. BY USING THIS FEATURE, YOU
> CONSENT TO THE TRANSMISSION AND USE OF THE ABOVE COMPUTER INFORMATION.
> MICROSOFT DOES NOT USE THE INFORMATION TO IDENTIFY OR CONTACT YOU.
>
> 9. Privacy Notice: For additional Information about the computer
> information transmitted to Microsoft, see
> http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=68985.
>
> 10. Support Services for Supplement. Microsoft provides support services
> for the software as described at
> http://www.support.microsoft.com/com...rnational.aspx.
>
> --
> Robin Walker [MVP Networking]
>
>

Tom Willett wrote:
> Now, Robin, that certainly fits the definition of spyware to me ;-)
>
> Tom
>
> "Robin Walker [MVP]" <> wrote in message
> news:...
>> Tom Willett <> wrote:
>>> You should have posted the *entire* Eula, not just part of it. It's
>>> rather interesting, wouldn't you say?
>> OK - here's the whole thing:
>>
>> NOTICE: THIS UPDATE FROM MICROSOFT WILL HELP YOU KNOW IF YOU ARE RUNNING
>> A PROPERLY LICENSED, GENUINE COPY OF WINDOWS XP. SOME UPDATES AND OFFERS
>> FROM MICROSOFT REQUIRE A GENUINE COPY OF WINDOWS XP.
>>
>> INSTALLING THIS UPDATE IS OPTIONAL. THE UPDATE WILL BECOME A PERMANENT
>> PART OF YOUR WINDOWS XP SOFTWARE.
>>
>> INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR SYSTEM (FOR EXAMPLE, YOUR WINDOWS PRODUCT KEY AND
>> IP ADDRESS) WILL BE SENT TO MICROSOFT. MICROSOFT WILL NOT USE THE
>> INFORMATION TO IDENTIFY OR CONTACT YOU.
>>
>> BEFORE INSTALLING, PLEASE READ AND ACCEPT THE LICENSE TERMS BELOW.
>> __________________________________________________ __________________________
>> MICROSOFT SOFTWARE SUPPLEMENTAL LICENSE TERMS
>>
>> MICROSOFT WINDOWS GENUINE ADVANTAGE NOTIFICATIONS FOR MICROSOFT WINDOWS XP
>>
>> Microsoft Corporation (or based on where you live, one of its affiliates)
>> licenses this supplement to you. The following license terms describe
>> additional use terms for this supplement. These terms and the license
>> terms for the software (Microsoft Windows XP) apply to your use of this
>> supplement. If there is a conflict, these supplemental license terms
>> apply.
>>
>> BY USING THIS SUPPLEMENT, YOU ACCEPT THESE TERMS. IF YOU DO NOT ACCEPT
>> THEM, DO NOT USE THIS SUPPLEMENT.
>>
>> If you comply with these license terms, you have the rights below.
>>
>> 1. Application of Terms. The terms also apply to any Microsoft updates,
>> supplements, Internet-based services, and support services for the
>> software, unless other terms accompany those items. If so, those terms
>> apply.
>>
>> 2. PURPOSE OF SUPPLEMENT. THIS SUPPLEMENT UPDATES WINDOWS XP AND IS
>> DESIGNED TO NOTIFY YOU IF YOU ARE USING AN IMPROPERLY LICENSED COPY OF
>> WINDOWS XP. TO EFFECTIVELY ENCOURAGE THE USE OF PROPERLY LICENSED
>> SOFTWARE, THIS SUPPLEMENT CANNOT BE UNINSTALLED.
>>
>> 3. Validation. This supplement also includes the Windows Genuine
>> Advantage validation tool. The tool will check whether you have a properly
>> licensed copy of Microsoft Windows XP (“Windows XP”) installed.
>> Installation of the validation tool may be required in order to install
>> certain Microsoft software or to use services such as Windows Update. If
>> you have a properly licensed copy of Windows XP installed, you receive
>> special benefits, which are listed on the following link:
>> http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=39157.
>>
>> 4. Notification. If this supplement detects that you do not have a
>> properly licensed copy of Windows XP installed, you will receive a
>> notification and periodic reminders to install a properly licensed copy of
>> Windows XP. This supplement will also notify you if a more recent Windows
>> service pack for the software is available.
>>
>> 5. Internet-Based Services. Microsoft provides Internet-based services
>> with this supplement. It may change or cancel them at any time. This
>> supplement connects to Microsoft or service provider computer systems over
>> the Internet as described below. In some cases, you will not receive a
>> separate notice when it connects. For more information about this
>> feature, see http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=56310.
>>
>> 6. Computer Information. This supplement uses Internet protocols to send
>> to Microsoft computer information, such as your Windows XP product key,
>> hard drive serial number, PC manufacturer, operating system version,
>> Windows XP product ID, PC BIOS information, user locale setting, language
>> version of Windows XP, validation result and whether the installation of
>> this supplement was successful. Certain information derived from your IP
>> address, which cannot be used to identify you, is retained in association
>> with this computer information.
>>
>> 7. Use of Information. We may use the computer information to improve our
>> software and services, help prevent improperly licensed use of the
>> software, and develop aggregate statistics. We may also share the
>> aggregate data with others, such as hardware and software vendors and
>> volume licensees to help protect their license keys.
>>
>> 8. CONSENT FOR INTERNET-BASED SERVICES. BY USING THIS FEATURE, YOU
>> CONSENT TO THE TRANSMISSION AND USE OF THE ABOVE COMPUTER INFORMATION.
>> MICROSOFT DOES NOT USE THE INFORMATION TO IDENTIFY OR CONTACT YOU.
>>
>> 9. Privacy Notice: For additional Information about the computer
>> information transmitted to Microsoft, see
>> http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=68985.
>>
>> 10. Support Services for Supplement. Microsoft provides support services
>> for the software as described at
>> http://www.support.microsoft.com/com...rnational.aspx.
>>
>> --
>> Robin Walker [MVP Networking]
>>
>>
>
>
Is it possible to remove wga once it is installed?

videoflow wrote:
> Tom Willett wrote:
>> Now, Robin, that certainly fits the definition of spyware to me ;-)
>>
>> Tom
>>
>> "Robin Walker [MVP]" <> wrote in message
>> news:...
>>> Tom Willett <> wrote:
>>>> You should have posted the *entire* Eula, not just part of it. It's
>>>> rather interesting, wouldn't you say?
>>> OK - here's the whole thing:
>>>
>>> NOTICE: THIS UPDATE FROM MICROSOFT WILL HELP YOU KNOW IF YOU ARE
>>> RUNNING A PROPERLY LICENSED, GENUINE COPY OF WINDOWS XP. SOME UPDATES
>>> AND OFFERS FROM MICROSOFT REQUIRE A GENUINE COPY OF WINDOWS XP.
>>>
>>> INSTALLING THIS UPDATE IS OPTIONAL. THE UPDATE WILL BECOME A
>>> PERMANENT PART OF YOUR WINDOWS XP SOFTWARE.
>>>
>>> INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR SYSTEM (FOR EXAMPLE, YOUR WINDOWS PRODUCT KEY
>>> AND IP ADDRESS) WILL BE SENT TO MICROSOFT. MICROSOFT WILL NOT USE
>>> THE INFORMATION TO IDENTIFY OR CONTACT YOU.
>>>
>>> BEFORE INSTALLING, PLEASE READ AND ACCEPT THE LICENSE TERMS BELOW.
>>> __________________________________________________ __________________________
>>>
>>> MICROSOFT SOFTWARE SUPPLEMENTAL LICENSE TERMS
>>>
>>> MICROSOFT WINDOWS GENUINE ADVANTAGE NOTIFICATIONS FOR MICROSOFT
>>> WINDOWS XP
>>>
>>> Microsoft Corporation (or based on where you live, one of its
>>> affiliates) licenses this supplement to you. The following license
>>> terms describe additional use terms for this supplement. These terms
>>> and the license terms for the software (Microsoft Windows XP) apply
>>> to your use of this supplement. If there is a conflict, these
>>> supplemental license terms apply.
>>>
>>> BY USING THIS SUPPLEMENT, YOU ACCEPT THESE TERMS. IF YOU DO NOT
>>> ACCEPT THEM, DO NOT USE THIS SUPPLEMENT.
>>>
>>> If you comply with these license terms, you have the rights below.
>>>
>>> 1. Application of Terms. The terms also apply to any Microsoft
>>> updates, supplements, Internet-based services, and support services
>>> for the software, unless other terms accompany those items. If so,
>>> those terms apply.
>>>
>>> 2. PURPOSE OF SUPPLEMENT. THIS SUPPLEMENT UPDATES WINDOWS XP AND IS
>>> DESIGNED TO NOTIFY YOU IF YOU ARE USING AN IMPROPERLY LICENSED COPY
>>> OF WINDOWS XP. TO EFFECTIVELY ENCOURAGE THE USE OF PROPERLY LICENSED
>>> SOFTWARE, THIS SUPPLEMENT CANNOT BE UNINSTALLED.
>>>
>>> 3. Validation. This supplement also includes the Windows Genuine
>>> Advantage validation tool. The tool will check whether you have a
>>> properly licensed copy of Microsoft Windows XP (“Windows XP”)
>>> installed. Installation of the validation tool may be required in
>>> order to install certain Microsoft software or to use services such
>>> as Windows Update. If you have a properly licensed copy of Windows XP
>>> installed, you receive special benefits, which are listed on the
>>> following link: http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=39157.
>>>
>>> 4. Notification. If this supplement detects that you do not have a
>>> properly licensed copy of Windows XP installed, you will receive a
>>> notification and periodic reminders to install a properly licensed
>>> copy of Windows XP. This supplement will also notify you if a more
>>> recent Windows service pack for the software is available.
>>>
>>> 5. Internet-Based Services. Microsoft provides Internet-based
>>> services with this supplement. It may change or cancel them at any
>>> time. This supplement connects to Microsoft or service provider
>>> computer systems over the Internet as described below. In some
>>> cases, you will not receive a separate notice when it connects. For
>>> more information about this feature, see
>>> http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=56310.
>>>
>>> 6. Computer Information. This supplement uses Internet protocols to
>>> send to Microsoft computer information, such as your Windows XP
>>> product key, hard drive serial number, PC manufacturer, operating
>>> system version, Windows XP product ID, PC BIOS information, user
>>> locale setting, language version of Windows XP, validation result and
>>> whether the installation of this supplement was successful. Certain
>>> information derived from your IP address, which cannot be used to
>>> identify you, is retained in association with this computer information.
>>>
>>> 7. Use of Information. We may use the computer information to
>>> improve our software and services, help prevent improperly licensed
>>> use of the software, and develop aggregate statistics. We may also
>>> share the aggregate data with others, such as hardware and software
>>> vendors and volume licensees to help protect their license keys.
>>>
>>> 8. CONSENT FOR INTERNET-BASED SERVICES. BY USING THIS FEATURE, YOU
>>> CONSENT TO THE TRANSMISSION AND USE OF THE ABOVE COMPUTER
>>> INFORMATION. MICROSOFT DOES NOT USE THE INFORMATION TO IDENTIFY OR
>>> CONTACT YOU.
>>>
>>> 9. Privacy Notice: For additional Information about the computer
>>> information transmitted to Microsoft, see
>>> http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=68985.
>>>
>>> 10. Support Services for Supplement. Microsoft provides support
>>> services for the software as described at
>>> http://www.support.microsoft.com/com...rnational.aspx.
>>>
>>> --
>>> Robin Walker [MVP Networking]
>>>
>>>
>>
>>
> Is it possible to remove wga once it is installed?

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/921914/en-us

Alias

No, it doesn't meet the final criterion for being spyware- The EULA clearly
states that it sends data back to MS, as a function of the program.
OTOH, MS's actions on this up until now have been disgraceful - pushing Beta
software out to the general public as a critical update is just not
acceptable under any circumstances.

--
Noel Paton (MS-MVP 2002-2006, Windows)

Nil Carborundum Illegitemi
http://www.crashfixpc.com/millsrpch.htm

http://tinyurl.com/6oztj

Please read http://dts-l.org/goodpost.htm on how to post messages to NG's
"Tom Willett" <> wrote in message
news:%23aBR%...
> Now, Robin, that certainly fits the definition of spyware to me ;-)
>
> Tom
>
> "Robin Walker [MVP]" <> wrote in message
> news:...
>> Tom Willett <> wrote:
>>> You should have posted the *entire* Eula, not just part of it. It's
>>> rather interesting, wouldn't you say?
>>
>> OK - here's the whole thing:
>>
>> NOTICE: THIS UPDATE FROM MICROSOFT WILL HELP YOU KNOW IF YOU ARE
>> RUNNING A PROPERLY LICENSED, GENUINE COPY OF WINDOWS XP. SOME UPDATES AND
>> OFFERS FROM MICROSOFT REQUIRE A GENUINE COPY OF WINDOWS XP.
>>
>> INSTALLING THIS UPDATE IS OPTIONAL. THE UPDATE WILL BECOME A PERMANENT
>> PART OF YOUR WINDOWS XP SOFTWARE.
>>
>> INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR SYSTEM (FOR EXAMPLE, YOUR WINDOWS PRODUCT KEY AND
>> IP ADDRESS) WILL BE SENT TO MICROSOFT. MICROSOFT WILL NOT USE THE
>> INFORMATION TO IDENTIFY OR CONTACT YOU.
>>
>> BEFORE INSTALLING, PLEASE READ AND ACCEPT THE LICENSE TERMS BELOW.
>> __________________________________________________ __________________________
>> MICROSOFT SOFTWARE SUPPLEMENTAL LICENSE TERMS
>>
>> MICROSOFT WINDOWS GENUINE ADVANTAGE NOTIFICATIONS FOR MICROSOFT WINDOWS
>> XP
>>
>> Microsoft Corporation (or based on where you live, one of its affiliates)
>> licenses this supplement to you. The following license terms describe
>> additional use terms for this supplement. These terms and the license
>> terms for the software (Microsoft Windows XP) apply to your use of this
>> supplement. If there is a conflict, these supplemental license terms
>> apply.
>>
>> BY USING THIS SUPPLEMENT, YOU ACCEPT THESE TERMS. IF YOU DO NOT ACCEPT
>> THEM, DO NOT USE THIS SUPPLEMENT.
>>
>> If you comply with these license terms, you have the rights below.
>>
>> 1. Application of Terms. The terms also apply to any Microsoft updates,
>> supplements, Internet-based services, and support services for the
>> software, unless other terms accompany those items. If so, those terms
>> apply.
>>
>> 2. PURPOSE OF SUPPLEMENT. THIS SUPPLEMENT UPDATES WINDOWS XP AND IS
>> DESIGNED TO NOTIFY YOU IF YOU ARE USING AN IMPROPERLY LICENSED COPY OF
>> WINDOWS XP. TO EFFECTIVELY ENCOURAGE THE USE OF PROPERLY LICENSED
>> SOFTWARE, THIS SUPPLEMENT CANNOT BE UNINSTALLED.
>>
>> 3. Validation. This supplement also includes the Windows Genuine
>> Advantage validation tool. The tool will check whether you have a
>> properly licensed copy of Microsoft Windows XP ("Windows XP") installed.
>> Installation of the validation tool may be required in order to install
>> certain Microsoft software or to use services such as Windows Update. If
>> you have a properly licensed copy of Windows XP installed, you receive
>> special benefits, which are listed on the following link:
>> http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=39157.
>>
>> 4. Notification. If this supplement detects that you do not have a
>> properly licensed copy of Windows XP installed, you will receive a
>> notification and periodic reminders to install a properly licensed copy
>> of Windows XP. This supplement will also notify you if a more recent
>> Windows service pack for the software is available.
>>
>> 5. Internet-Based Services. Microsoft provides Internet-based services
>> with this supplement. It may change or cancel them at any time. This
>> supplement connects to Microsoft or service provider computer systems
>> over the Internet as described below. In some cases, you will not
>> receive a separate notice when it connects. For more information about
>> this feature, see http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=56310.
>>
>> 6. Computer Information. This supplement uses Internet protocols to
>> send to Microsoft computer information, such as your Windows XP product
>> key, hard drive serial number, PC manufacturer, operating system version,
>> Windows XP product ID, PC BIOS information, user locale setting, language
>> version of Windows XP, validation result and whether the installation of
>> this supplement was successful. Certain information derived from your IP
>> address, which cannot be used to identify you, is retained in association
>> with this computer information.
>>
>> 7. Use of Information. We may use the computer information to improve
>> our software and services, help prevent improperly licensed use of the
>> software, and develop aggregate statistics. We may also share the
>> aggregate data with others, such as hardware and software vendors and
>> volume licensees to help protect their license keys.
>>
>> 8. CONSENT FOR INTERNET-BASED SERVICES. BY USING THIS FEATURE, YOU
>> CONSENT TO THE TRANSMISSION AND USE OF THE ABOVE COMPUTER INFORMATION.
>> MICROSOFT DOES NOT USE THE INFORMATION TO IDENTIFY OR CONTACT YOU.
>>
>> 9. Privacy Notice: For additional Information about the computer
>> information transmitted to Microsoft, see
>> http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=68985.
>>
>> 10. Support Services for Supplement. Microsoft provides support services
>> for the software as described at
>> http://www.support.microsoft.com/com...rnational.aspx.
>>
>> --
>> Robin Walker [MVP Networking]
>>
>>
>
>

There was a lot of denial in the WGA forums - it's not beta, it's not beta...

Since I've said that I'd install it if it didn't have a beta EULA, I imaged
the system drive, unhid KB905474 at WU and installed it, imaged the
system drive again, uninstalled KB905474 with Freudi's uninstaller,
went back to WU and installed it again, so had two successes for it in
installation history, then restored the last image to drop history to one.

The Brain from Beverly as chief software architect instead of Gates
may be an unsettling circumstance inducing uncertainty about where
things should be going. It's good to see that when they go evil, there
is a willingness to correct that. I wasn't sure there would be.

"Noel Paton" <> wrote in message news:...
> No, it doesn't meet the final criterion for being spyware- The EULA clearly
> states that it sends data back to MS, as a function of the program.
> OTOH, MS's actions on this up until now have been disgraceful - pushing Beta
> software out to the general public as a critical update is just not
> acceptable under any circumstances.
>
> "Tom Willett" <> wrote in message
> news:%23aBR%...
>> Now, Robin, that certainly fits the definition of spyware to me ;-)
>>
>> Tom
>>
>> "Robin Walker [MVP]" <> wrote in message
>> news:...
>>> Tom Willett <> wrote:
>>>> You should have posted the *entire* Eula, not just part of it. It's
>>>> rather interesting, wouldn't you say?
>>>
>>> OK - here's the whole thing: