Beware Windows update!

I've just gone to run windows update for the first time in a little while. However, it won't let me run windows update until it has downloaded and installed "Windows Genuine Advantage Validation Tool".

The description of this item says that it "enables you to verify that your copy of Microsoft Windows is genuine". It also says that "Once you have installed this item it can not be removed".

Now... Why would I need to verify that my legitimately owned software is in fact legitimate when I already know this? Or does this tool, in fact, let Microsoft verify that my copy of windows is genuine?

In which case, it's spyware. I have nothing to hide from microsoft regarding the legitimacy of my software, but I seriously object to them forcably extracting information (which they should not need anyway due to the activation process) about my machine. No doubt its reporting to microsoft is cloaked in another process so it will not be prevented by firewalling.

 

do you know which update this is from, I've just done a windows update and just waiting to restart, god forbid if it on longer starts.

 

Honestly Isaac, I think you're being a bit paranoid. This feature is not new and has had a lot of publicity. It's basically to prevent users of pirated copies of Windows using the update service (allthough it will still allow them to download security updates).

Classifying it as spyware is a little extreme IMO

Michael.

 

see here for more info

http://www.hifiwigwam.com/forum1/419.html

 

Sorry, but any piece of software that sends information to the web without my telling it to (ie directing a browser or sending messages through IM) is spyware. Even if it is only a single flag that tells MS that it's verified or not verified.

This is similar to CD copy protection. It just irritates the legitimate users that it affects whilst doing nothing whatsoever to tackle the real problem.

 

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2005/07/26/ms_updates_wga_launch/

Its game over lol. I would imagine someone will be able to hack it eventually anyway. I have a feeling this is the thin edge of a very big wedge.

 

As I understand it you will still be able to use your hot version but won't be able to update it.

Presumably meaning that millions of users out there will be well open to viruses etc.

 

My version is 100% legit. I object to being treated as though that is not the case however...

 

Isaac its like everything those that break the law dictate how companies do things.

No doubt your entire harddrive is all stuff that you paid for and you are to be congratulated for that. No doubt you are aware that you are in the minority?

As much as I dislike Microsoft they are doing what they have to. I have a feeling Apple will do precisely the same thing when the new intel chips come out. On the mother board is a tiny chip that checks the software Vs Hardware. Apple have made no suggestion this chip will be used, yet it is still there. Apples problems are but a smidge compared to Microsoft who probably have 100 times more illegal users than all other computer manufacturers have legal users lol.

 

You trust them to make good software but they don't trust you at all!

A bit like random drug tests at work, they always leave me with that guilty until proven innocent feeling.

 

Not legit here, and no problems with that update.

 

If WGA detects that your version of Windows is a copy/pirated version, it won't let you download optional updates (such as Media Player 10, MS .net framework, and others) but security updates can still be downloaded.

MS realises just how much software is pirated in the less developed world, and as such stopping security updates would mean a relatively large proportion of Windows XP users worldwide would get viruses very easily - the only alternative to these users (who can't afford genuine Windows) would be a move to linux or similar, which would do MS no favours at all. But preventing them from using WMP10 and similar will encourage those who maybe could, at a push, afford to buy geneuine to get the real thing...benefitting MS.

 

One thing I did notice and surely worth a punt is Microsoft will supply you with a genuine version if you shop the pirater.

So get a dodgy copy off eBay or where ever then get onto microsoft, XP for 1 third price or what ever.

 

There are certain criteria though - the pirated copy must be one that appears genuine (i.e. the disk must have a faked hologram and a good quality label), be complete with a faked box and/or (i can't remember) certificate of authenticity, and a receipt...not easy to obtain, certainly not the average pirated copy which is obvious!

 

Mine restarted fine, mine is (I beleive) legit, since I have a key and its actived (even though I did buy it off ebay).
Install a firewall line Zonealarm and it'll tell you if something is trying to send data without your concent and you can stop it.

 

no problems for the hippy,then agan i aint using windoze

 

It didn't take them long:

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2005/07/29/wga_cracked/

WGA doesn't send any info to the web. If your copy of Windows is validated it stores a download key on your PC for future validation during Windows Update.

Really, people are making a mountain out of a molehill about this. It's no different from, for example, BMW requiring you to show them the logbook of your car if you want to buy a pair of M3 mirrors as they will only sell them to owners of genuine M3s and not wannabes with a 318i

Why should MS allow pirate users to get free updates?

Michael.

 

Q Why are pirates called pirates?

A Because they 'arrrrrrr'!

 

Nevermind girls, the intel OSX version has now been successfully hacked:

http://www.hardmac.com/niouzcontenu.php?date=2005-08-10#4352 all the benefits of OSX and keeping your fugly machines lol