Scot Finnie Today’s Top Stories
or Other Windows Stories Posted on 08/01/2006 8:47:10 AM PDT by BJClinton
It's not easy to remove Microsoft's anti-piracy program, but it can be done
Scot Finnie Today’s Top Stories or Other Windows Stories
July 30, 2006 (Computerworld) -- Windows Genuine Advantage (WGA) software is installed on computers running Windows XP via Microsoft's online update services. For most XP users, that means Automatic Updates, which Microsoft has worked very hard since Windows XP SP2 to make us run in full-automatic mode. WGA has already appeared in several beta versions, with slightly different behaviors, and Microsoft appears to be still actively developing this tool. For many people, the fact that the software giant delivers WGA as a security update is another strong note of insincerity. Microsoft may kid itself into believing that WGA has some sort of security aspect, but many knowledgeable computer users aren't buying that.
When WGA detects a problem, it lets you keep running Windows, periodically popping up nag screens informing you that your Microsoft software may be counterfeit. If this happens to you, you should pursue the process that WGA presents; it may provide you with information that will help you rectify the problem.
For example, in my tests I was able to make the WGA "counterfeit" warning appear by changing the date of the system clock one month later. The Web-based WGA program was able to determine that was the problem and it suggested I reset the system date. When I did that, the WGA warnings disappeared. While most WGA detections don't resolve that easily, it can't hurt you to learn as much as you can about why WGA believes your copy of Windows or Microsoft Office may be illegitimate.
With nag screens the extent of the negative effect, WGA doesn't have much of a bite -- for now. But might that change in the future? Microsoft has said it won't "turn off" illegitimate copies of Windows. But could the software giant be interpreting that literally? The more likely preventive measure probably isn't turning off the computer. It's not hard to imagine that WGA might direct its predecessor, Windows Product Activation (WPA), to lock you out of your computer. When WPA kicks in, the computer boots to a login screen that doesn't let you use the computer until a valid activation code is entered. In Vista, this WPA screen links to an option that lets you buy a new copy of Windows, letting you use Internet Explorer for that purpose.
Microsoft has more than once alluded to the fact that it is reserving the right to enforce the installation of WGA on all computers, possibly sometime early this fall. WGA is built into Windows Vista, without any user option to remove it. It's simply not known how Vista's version of WGA will behave.
It is still possible to both remove WGA and to prevent it from attempting to reinstall after you have removed it.
A friend of mine has started receiving these pop-ups. It'll be interesting to see if this pushes people away from Windows.
I wonder if this article falls under the DMCA - which makes it illegal to circumvent copy-protection measures.
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.
I'm so happy to be Windows free.
Linux is the way to go. :)
If they can force you to install their monitoring software, how do we know that the NSA won't force them to install something?
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
For that reason alone,It'll be a snowy day in July when I install *that* particular spyware program.
Here's one way, of many: Kubuntu
Thanks for the link.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Thank you sir.
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...
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
Awesome info! Thanks!
This doesn't happen with Tiger. :-)
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.