Microsoft critical update to nag users out of Windows piracy

27 Apr 06 01:21 by Seán Byrne in category Uncategorized To news archive

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Even though Microsoft has stayed clear of crippling their software CDs with copy protection, they have been relying heavily on their Product Activation and Windows Genuine Advantage to help tackle piracy. Last August, Microsoft updated its Windows Genuine Advantage program to make it mandatory for users to have their Windows Operating System checked for piracy in order to get onto the Windows Update website or download certain updates and packages from Microsoft’s website. However, until now, those using pirate copies of Windows did not experience any other issue. Now, this is set to change as Microsoft has just expanded its Genuine Software Initiative (GSI) with its Windows Genuine Advantage (WGA) Notifications tool. This test pilot program was introduced last November across 7 countries and has been extended to the US, UK, Malaysia, Australia and New Zealand.

This WGA Notifications tool appears as a critical update, however the installation of this program is optional at this time. Once installed, the program will check if the user is running a genuine copy of Windows and if not, a message will appear stating that they have been a victim of software piracy. This message will be permanently displayed on the logon screen and desktop, displayed during the logon stage prompting the user to visit Microsoft’s WGA website to learn more and randomly appear up as a balloon from the system tray until the user installs a legitimate copy of Windows.

Users running pirate copies of Windows will also be denied the ability to download or install Internet Explorer 7, Windows Defender as well as several other non-critical updates. However, it will not affect the downloading of critical updates. While the installation of the program is optional at this time, it cannot be uninstalled and is expected to become a mandatory update later in the year.

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> Microsoft has expanded its Genuine Software Initiative (GSI), a pilot program to notify users of non-genuine Windows operating systems (OSes) that their copies of the software are illegal.

The software giant is using the “Windows Genuine Advantage (WGA) Notifications” tool — a virtual equivalent of the exploding dye that banks use to mark stolen currency and thus deter theft. WGA automatically checks for genuine copies when customers use Windows Update, Microsoft Update for Windows and Microsoft Download Center.

If the tool finds the OS is counterfeit, users see pop-up dialog boxes with messages stating they’re not running a legal copy of Windows. The WGA program not only helps Microsoft combat software piracy, but also informs users who may not be aware they paid for non-genuine software.

Some more details can be read on href="http://www.techtree.com/techtree/jsp/list.jsp?list=asktt_question_page_notsignedin&q=1&comment_id=310076"
target=_new>this Techtree article.

If this tool will become installed automatically as part of Windows Updates, then it will be a clear sign that consumers refusing to buy a genuine copy of Windows will start disabling Windows Updates if it means this is the only way to stop this unwanted update coming in. This would in turn lead to more PCs being potentially unprotected from undiscovered security vulnerabilities. As Microsoft previously discovered, leaving pirate OS users open to viruses, worms, etc. leads to more PCs online available to hackers and spammers to turn into zombies for DoS attacks, relaying spam and so on, which is in turn is harmful to those who do have a legitimate copy.

Source: EarthTimes.org

22 Comments

shimman: Posts: 596; Posted on: 27 Apr 06 01:59

that's exactly why i returned my dell notebook pc. after doing a clean install, windows xp complained about not having valid license, so i called ms help line, but they refused to give me a validation key & told me to contact dell which did not help me either, of course. the "anti-ms" sentiment will graw if ms is squeeze out every penny from pc users. i am currently migrating to linux & using win 2k. linux hasn't been really great for me either as there are many technical problems i had to face without much of helps. linux camp really needs to work on easy-to-use side, but i cannot complain as the system has been stable & free if apple releases mac os x for pc, that will be very interesting

hajj_3: Posts: 185; Posted on: 27 Apr 06 02:20

the latest cracked wga by eth0 still works after this crappy nagware is installed

Mordorr: Posts: 874; Posted on: 27 Apr 06 02:36

A s Overclocker, i never instal SP2 or updates. They turn my PC more slow and instable. Only use SP1 & 2 patches for w32SASSA. Never visit weird sites, i use Kaspersky virus, Sygate Firewall, and Ad-ware, Search & Destroy.. XP-Antispy, after format my PC and i disable all that crap... I :B on Virus and Worms.. Problems? I format my PC:S I have 2 more partitions...lolol Updates=Noobies stuff:+:S

shuma02: Posts: 72; Posted on: 27 Apr 06 06:31

Keep in mind that you DON'T HAVE TO install it. Instead of clicking EXPRESS, first run the famous Java Script and then click on CUSTOM and choose what you want to update and install. You can simply UNCHECK the WGA Thing and not download it. :d But seeing how more and more pain in the ass this is becoming, I might just give in and buy Vista once it comes out. So I guess MicroShit is winning with me in that regard.

Ordanos: Posts: 29; Posted on: 27 Apr 06 07:32

> Problems? I format my PC HA! Formatting=Noobies Stuff!

bkf: Posts: 1685; Posted on: 27 Apr 06 11:13

I guess this is fair. The problem is can they ever be trusted with any future updates and what those updates may install that you don't know about. My XP is real but those updates last week really drove the computer nuts so I deleated them. I think im done with MS updates. I got enough allready

Seán: Posts: 7156; Posted on: 27 Apr 06 11:24

I can confirm this WGA Notifications Update is available in Ireland as I've seen several PCs with this coming up as a critical update. However, just be warned that like most other critical updates the PC must be rebooted after installation of this, so for those curious in checking if their work/office PC is running a legitimate Windows OS

, I would recommend waiting until the person is free to reboot their PC afterwards to avoid the periodic "Your computer needs to restart" notification.

Alexandre: Posts: 72; Posted on: 27 Apr 06 11:59

I just checked here in CANADA and it shows up too: High-priority updates Microsoft Windows XP Windows Genuine Advantage Notification (KB905474) Download size: 829 KB , less than 1 minute The Windows Genuine Advantage Notification tool notifies you if your copy of Windows is not genuine. If your system is found to be a non-genuine, the tool will help you obtain a licensed copy of Windows. Details... Don't show this update again

SpeedyJDK: Posts: 57; Posted on: 27 Apr 06 15:26

M$ should just be shot. There is no way we will pay for their shitty software. Unless it comes with the mobo/machine itself :P

yronnen: Posts: 69; Posted on: 27 Apr 06 16:15

Two things: 1. Microsoft are victims of their own success. They simply own the dektop OS market, so blocking Microsoft updates may backfire when "genuine" Windows machines will be infected with viruses etc. I don't see Microsoft blocking security updates in the near future. 2. To all of the smartasses who whine about Windows being a shitty software. This is a bunch of crap. I have been in the PC business for a long time, and Windows was always more appealing than other OS's (yes, including OS/2). And all you Linux-heads, the purpose of a PC is to be a commodity, not a scientific/academic/work-for-2-days-to-get-5-seconds-results product. As a consumer products Windows is a much better solution than any Linux out there (give your aunt a Linux machine as a present...she will disown you after one day). Perhaps Apple's OS is a good one, but Apples machines are extremely expensive and forces you to use a small set of very expensive hardware. So cut the crap.
[edited by yronnen on 27.04.2006 16:16]

kev99sl: Posts: 114; Posted on: 27 Apr 06 16:50

Yronnen hit the nail on the head. Sorry everyone, but Windows is the best thing going. It has been since the introduction of Windows 2000. I've tried many, many Linux distros and have yet to find one that comes close to doing everything I need it to do with a minimum of headaches. Linux proponents like to tout how easy it is to use, but most Linux proponents are attached to their computers at the brain. Those of us who are artists, writers, or any other vocation whose main focus isn't having the cover off of our computer every other day simply aren't interested in working with semi-working systems. That's the point: that's why MicroSoft won. They figured out that the more distance they could put between the end user and the guts of the OS/machine, the more widely accepted it would be. Until Linux comes up with something that is the same way -- and by the way, at least SOMEWHAT intuitive to use -- they'll flounder. Linux proponents crack me up: it's sort of like the master mechanic laughing at me because I don't know how to replace the engine in my car, yet still drive it. ("Good grief! You drive it every day. You should *at least* know how to dismantle the engine and transaxle, rebore the cylinders, grind the valves, re-ring the pistons, prime the oil pump, replace the bearings ... if you don't, you shouldn't be allowed to drive, you stupid noob!") Granted, with DRM being what it is, the PIA factor may be greater to stay with MS than to move to another platform. And the Linux options are always getting better. But Windows simply isn't as bad as everyone wants to make it out to be. It works, it's popular, and MS holds all the cards. In our world, that means we have to hate it. But, that's just silly. (Same thing applies to other spheres in life, by the way.)

Zod: Posts: 475; Posted on: 27 Apr 06 18:47

I wish there was more flexibility with the serial numbers. I own an original copy of XP Professional that i bought when XP came out, so sp1 or sp2 are not incorporated. xp has been out so long, that i gutted my computer at once point, ripped out the motherboard and cpu, (a p3 800) and replaced them with a p4 800. I didn't do much with the old board (gave it to my bro maybe), but it was enough to make my key invalid. had to argue with MS on the phone, then when i had a similar problem again after upgrading the HD's and adding a dvd burner, I said fuckit and just used a pirated code, and a pirated copy of the software as it didn't have the license check in it. i don't really mind paying for windows, its al ittle expensive, but i feel xp has been around so long, that i got my money's worth out of it. just wish microsoft would be a little more leniant in the licensing to accomodate system upgrades a little more.

bkf: Posts: 1685; Posted on: 27 Apr 06 19:12

Im a little suprized about them giving you trouble. I think every 180 days the clock resets and you can do it over the net. I have talked to the validation center once. She was nice about it. She asked why I needed to, I told here a new system, she asked it my other copy of xp was no longer installed. I told her that drive was formated and now was just another empty drive. I got the numbers no problems.

Primergy: Posts: 31; Posted on: 27 Apr 06 21:36

My autom. update is always switched off - if I want updates I select "Notifiy me but dont automaticallydownload or install them".. then you can DL all the stuff you want and de-select shit like THIS thing or the Malicious Software Removal Tool.

nield5437: Posts: 7; Posted on: 28 Apr 06 01:15

some nice person

Figerd out how to get rid of this anoyence here http://mysticblue.hopto.org/http://club.myce.com/showthread.php?t=6785

shuma02: Posts: 72; Posted on: 28 Apr 06 02:05

It requires registration. Any way of posting that info here?

Airhead: Posts: 7112; Posted on: 28 Apr 06 12:41

Heh, gonna try naggin are they? Thats like Microsoft Wife 2.0

Kevin2: Posts: 69; Posted on: 29 Apr 06 04:20

Its getting to the point where I won't upgrade Win XP. The download for the upgrades is already TOO MUCH. I have a legit copy but enough is enough. I bet Microsoft's next step is to force automatic download. Do I smell DRM comming? Its time for Open Source Operating System and I don't mean Linux.

LastStand: Posts: 321; Posted on: 29 Apr 06 11:45

This is the start of DRM and soon you will not be able to stop this crap automatically downloading and installing onto your computer.

debro: Posts: 11692; Posted on: 30 Apr 06 07:07

I foresee a bug in the WGA or the authentication server & legitimate user being nagged to install linux. M$, like the RIAA/MPAA will just need to understand that the people not paying for their software will never pay for their software, always finding a new way to avoid their "pay or else" tactics.

vatoDETH: Posts: 1; Posted on: 06 May 06 10:27

Microsoft is a ripoff. No one whines and cries about piracy more than Bill Gates. Please let me ask one question and only one question. Who is the richest man on the face of the earth? What if there were no pirated copies of Windows in this world? What if everyone had paid for a legitimate copy of Windows? Imagine how much more money Uncle Bill would have! Does he really need more money? Are Windows and Office really that overpriced? I recently discovered that Windows Server requires that you pay additional fees for your client PC's. Not only do you need to purchase an OS for each system and your server, but you need to pay extra for the clients (including dedictaed devices) to interact with the server! It's not cheap either! $1000US will get you Windows Server 2003 and a measly 5 Client Access Licences (CALs). $4000US gets you Server 2003 and 25 CALs. Additionally you can buy 5 CALs at $200US. The pay structure is outlined here: http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2003/howtobuy/licensing/pricing.mspx I feel no sympathy for Bill Gates and the Microsoft empire. I think it's ridiculous that after you pay for the software, that you have to pay even more to access it. As a consumer, you don't even own the software, it is only licenced to you. It's a bunch of lawyer mumbo-jumbo, designed to keep Bill in control. I don't think that MS is going to be able to control their empire much longer. The end is near. If you don't believe me check out Google's online word processor Writely. I think that innovation will end MS. We can only get slowed down by MS closed source control and copycat technology for so long.

OopsCrashedAgain: Posts: 21; Posted on: 06 May 06 15:40

Well, you could get Linux.

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Microsoft critical update to nag users out of Windows piracy

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