WINDOWS GENUINE ADVANTAGE TEMPORARY CURE!!

Hey folks, I may have found a cure for those obtrusive WGA balloon
notifications. . . Norton Internet Security!

Click on Personal Firewall & Configure. Then click on the Programs tab
(Program Control) and scroll down to GenuineCheck(1).exe. Under "Internet
Access," select "Block All," and click OK. Even though Internet Access still
shows "Permit All," this has worked for me ever since. Great luck!

Chesmon



--
Have a great day!

I do NOT have WGA Notification installed. But dummy me, I did allow Windows
Update to install the WGA Tool the second time around (caught me while I was
about to sleep).

"Chesmon" wrote:

> Hey folks, I may have found a cure for those obtrusive WGA balloon
> notifications. . . Norton Internet Security!
>
> Click on Personal Firewall & Configure. Then click on the Programs tab
> (Program Control) and scroll down to GenuineCheck(1).exe. Under "Internet
> Access," select "Block All," and click OK. Even though Internet Access still
> shows "Permit All," this has worked for me ever since. Great luck!
>
> Chesmon
>
>
>
> --
> Have a great day!

Excuse me for jumping in, but this website will not let me post a new
question, only post replies. So, if a moderator wants to note and move this
post, feel free!

I just got a notification that a high priority update for WGA is needed. I
have already installed and verified that my Windows is legit.

If anyone can give me some advice as to why Windows Update would request a
duplicate of high priority. Should I just ignore it?

Again, apologies for jumping on this similar topic.

"Chesmon" wrote:

> Hey folks, I may have found a cure for those obtrusive WGA balloon
> notifications. . . Norton Internet Security!
>
> Click on Personal Firewall & Configure. Then click on the Programs tab
> (Program Control) and scroll down to GenuineCheck(1).exe. Under "Internet
> Access," select "Block All," and click OK. Even though Internet Access still
> shows "Permit All," this has worked for me ever since. Great luck!
>
> Chesmon
>
>
>
> --
> Have a great day!

Debbie <> wrote:

> Excuse me for jumping in, but this website will not let me post a new
> question, only post replies.

This suggests that you are running some third-party application which is
blocking pop-ups. Places to look are your anti-virus, your anti-malware,
your firewall, or things like Google toolbar. Disable all these third-party
applications until the Question button on the forum starts working properly.
Then that should narrow down the culprit.

> I just got a notification that a high priority update for WGA is
> needed. I have already installed and verified that my Windows is
> legit.
>
> If anyone can give me some advice as to why Windows Update would
> request a duplicate of high priority. Should I just ignore it?

It is offering this update because the WGA Notification Tool has been
updated and re-released. It is not asking you to re-validate Windows, it is
asking you to update the Tool. The revised WGA Notification Tool is better
behaved and with fewer bugs than the one you already have installed. It is
an optional update, which you can decline by refusing the EULA, but since
you have an earlier less satisfactory version installed, you would be better
advised to install this new one.

--
Robin Walker [MVP Networking]

Robin:
I've got a question about WGA, specifically why do we need it once our copy
of XP has been verified? This should be a one-time operation unless MS thinks
there's a risk that legal copies of XP could go rogue and switch to illegal
versions?

Seriously, some months ago I visited MS' site and wanted to download a file
but first had to agree to allow my copy of XP to be verified ... at that time
the accompanying info stated that this was a one-time process. Since that
time, a WGA tool has been used and/or downloaded to my system at least 3
times!

I realise that software piracy is a big problem and I fully support MS'
fight to eradicate it but this is getting ridiculous! Frankly I don't want to
have any more interaction with WGA ... is that possible?

"Robin Walker [MVP]" wrote:

> Debbie <> wrote:
>
> > Excuse me for jumping in, but this website will not let me post a new
> > question, only post replies.
>
> This suggests that you are running some third-party application which is
> blocking pop-ups. Places to look are your anti-virus, your anti-malware,
> your firewall, or things like Google toolbar. Disable all these third-party
> applications until the Question button on the forum starts working properly.
> Then that should narrow down the culprit.
>
> > I just got a notification that a high priority update for WGA is
> > needed. I have already installed and verified that my Windows is
> > legit.
> >
> > If anyone can give me some advice as to why Windows Update would
> > request a duplicate of high priority. Should I just ignore it?
>
> It is offering this update because the WGA Notification Tool has been
> updated and re-released. It is not asking you to re-validate Windows, it is
> asking you to update the Tool. The revised WGA Notification Tool is better
> behaved and with fewer bugs than the one you already have installed. It is
> an optional update, which you can decline by refusing the EULA, but since
> you have an earlier less satisfactory version installed, you would be better
> advised to install this new one.
>
> --
> Robin Walker [MVP Networking]
>
>
>
>

JamesP wrote:
> Robin:
> I've got a question about WGA, specifically why do we need it once our copy
> of XP has been verified? This should be a one-time operation unless MS thinks
> there's a risk that legal copies of XP could go rogue and switch to illegal
> versions?
>
> Seriously, some months ago I visited MS' site and wanted to download a file
> but first had to agree to allow my copy of XP to be verified ... at that time
> the accompanying info stated that this was a one-time process. Since that
> time, a WGA tool has been used and/or downloaded to my system at least 3
> times!
>
> I realise that software piracy is a big problem and I fully support MS'
> fight to eradicate it but this is getting ridiculous! Frankly I don't want to
> have any more interaction with WGA ... is that possible?

Yeah, reformat the hard disk, reinstall XP and set Automatic Updates to
Download but let me decide what and when to install and don't install
*anything* WGA.

Do this while you're waiting for the free CD from http:/www.ubuntu.com/
Ubuntu will even pay the postage for you. You can try it out without
installing it by merely sticking the CD in your machine. I sent away for
mine today.

Alias
>
> "Robin Walker [MVP]" wrote:
>
>> Debbie <> wrote:
>>
>>> Excuse me for jumping in, but this website will not let me post a new
>>> question, only post replies.
>> This suggests that you are running some third-party application which is
>> blocking pop-ups. Places to look are your anti-virus, your anti-malware,
>> your firewall, or things like Google toolbar. Disable all these third-party
>> applications until the Question button on the forum starts working properly.
>> Then that should narrow down the culprit.
>>
>>> I just got a notification that a high priority update for WGA is
>>> needed. I have already installed and verified that my Windows is
>>> legit.
>>>
>>> If anyone can give me some advice as to why Windows Update would
>>> request a duplicate of high priority. Should I just ignore it?
>> It is offering this update because the WGA Notification Tool has been
>> updated and re-released. It is not asking you to re-validate Windows, it is
>> asking you to update the Tool. The revised WGA Notification Tool is better
>> behaved and with fewer bugs than the one you already have installed. It is
>> an optional update, which you can decline by refusing the EULA, but since
>> you have an earlier less satisfactory version installed, you would be better
>> advised to install this new one.
>>
>> --
>> Robin Walker [MVP Networking]
>>
>>
>>
>>

JamesP <> wrote:

> I've got a question about WGA, specifically why do we need it once
> our copy of XP has been verified? This should be a one-time operation
> unless MS thinks there's a risk that legal copies of XP could go
> rogue and switch to illegal versions?

Yes, it is entirely possible for legal XP installations to become rogue: you
just clone the disk image onto another PC. The original version remains
genuine, while the cloned copy is now not genuine (unless you are operating
with a volume license), although it is identical to the original to the last
bit, including any "I am genuine" markers.

> Seriously, some months ago I visited MS' site and wanted to download
> a file but first had to agree to allow my copy of XP to be verified
> ... at that time the accompanying info stated that this was a
> one-time process. Since that time, a WGA tool has been used and/or
> downloaded to my system at least 3 times!

The WGA Notification Tool is offered for download again because it has been
updated. The new version is better behaved and with fewer bugs than the
earlier pilot versions. If you have an earlier version already installed,
you should either update it with this newly offered version, or remove the
WGA Notification Tool altogether: see http://support.microsoft.com/kb/921914

I recommend not leaving old versions of WGA Notification Tools in service:
either update or delete.

Even if you delete the WGA Notification Tool, the WGA Validation Tool will
remain in the PC to give you access to certain Microsoft downloads. It is
re-installed when you request a download that requires validation.

--
Robin Walker [MVP Networking]

Robin:
Thanks for the scoop on WGA and especially for the info/advice on what I can
do about it.

"Robin Walker [MVP]" wrote:

> JamesP <> wrote:
>
> > I've got a question about WGA, specifically why do we need it once
> > our copy of XP has been verified? This should be a one-time operation
> > unless MS thinks there's a risk that legal copies of XP could go
> > rogue and switch to illegal versions?
>
> Yes, it is entirely possible for legal XP installations to become rogue: you
> just clone the disk image onto another PC. The original version remains
> genuine, while the cloned copy is now not genuine (unless you are operating
> with a volume license), although it is identical to the original to the last
> bit, including any "I am genuine" markers.
>
> > Seriously, some months ago I visited MS' site and wanted to download
> > a file but first had to agree to allow my copy of XP to be verified
> > ... at that time the accompanying info stated that this was a
> > one-time process. Since that time, a WGA tool has been used and/or
> > downloaded to my system at least 3 times!
>
> The WGA Notification Tool is offered for download again because it has been
> updated. The new version is better behaved and with fewer bugs than the
> earlier pilot versions. If you have an earlier version already installed,
> you should either update it with this newly offered version, or remove the
> WGA Notification Tool altogether: see http://support.microsoft.com/kb/921914
>
> I recommend not leaving old versions of WGA Notification Tools in service:
> either update or delete.
>
> Even if you delete the WGA Notification Tool, the WGA Validation Tool will
> remain in the PC to give you access to certain Microsoft downloads. It is
> re-installed when you request a download that requires validation.
>
> --
> Robin Walker [MVP Networking]
>
>
>
>

Robin Walker [MVP] wrote:

I recommend not leaving old versions of WGA Notification Tools in service:
either update or delete. <<<<<<<<

What did they change besides the daily phone home to calling home every
90 days?

Alias

Robin:
I reviewed the MS support document (URL you provided) and I could use a
little more clarification ... please confirm (or correct) my grasp of the
facts:

1) the WGA Validation Tool cannot be removed ... it's needed to access MS
downloads
2) the WGA Notification Tool can be removed ... if removed it will be auto
re-installed when you access MS downloads

I'm assuming that the Validation Tool performs the check and verifies to MS
that my copy is valid ... what does the Notification Tool do? And assuming
the Validation Tool is not removed why would the Notification Tool (latest
and greatest version) be needed?

"Robin Walker [MVP]" wrote:

> JamesP <> wrote:
>
> > I've got a question about WGA, specifically why do we need it once
> > our copy of XP has been verified? This should be a one-time operation
> > unless MS thinks there's a risk that legal copies of XP could go
> > rogue and switch to illegal versions?
>
> Yes, it is entirely possible for legal XP installations to become rogue: you
> just clone the disk image onto another PC. The original version remains
> genuine, while the cloned copy is now not genuine (unless you are operating
> with a volume license), although it is identical to the original to the last
> bit, including any "I am genuine" markers.
>
> > Seriously, some months ago I visited MS' site and wanted to download
> > a file but first had to agree to allow my copy of XP to be verified
> > ... at that time the accompanying info stated that this was a
> > one-time process. Since that time, a WGA tool has been used and/or
> > downloaded to my system at least 3 times!
>
> The WGA Notification Tool is offered for download again because it has been
> updated. The new version is better behaved and with fewer bugs than the
> earlier pilot versions. If you have an earlier version already installed,
> you should either update it with this newly offered version, or remove the
> WGA Notification Tool altogether: see http://support.microsoft.com/kb/921914
>
> I recommend not leaving old versions of WGA Notification Tools in service:
> either update or delete.
>
> Even if you delete the WGA Notification Tool, the WGA Validation Tool will
> remain in the PC to give you access to certain Microsoft downloads. It is
> re-installed when you request a download that requires validation.
>
> --
> Robin Walker [MVP Networking]
>
>
>
>