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June 8th, 2006

Images: Microsoft's shoddy Windows Genuine Advantage Installation Process

Posted by Andy Smith

Categories: General

TalkBack

After deciding to proceed with the update and clicking on the “Install Updates” button, I was presented with one of Microsoft’s End User License Agreements (EULA) — the kind that most people accept without paying any attention to it. But this one has some very pertinent details regarding what this particular component does and what might happen to you if you don’t accept it. The full EULA can be found here. Among the highlights of the EULA however are the following points:

  • By using the software, you accept these terms. If you do not accept them, do not use the software. As described below, using some features also operates as your consent to the transmission of certain standard computer information for Internet-based services.
  • If the software detects you are not running a genuine copy of Windows XP, the operation of your computer will not be affected in any way. However, you will receive a notification and periodic reminders to install a genuine licensed copy of Windows XP. Automatic Updates will be limited to receiving only critical security update
  • You will not be able to uninstall the software but you can suppress the reminders through the software icon in the system tray.
  • You may not test the software in a live operating environment unless Microsoft permits you to do so under another agreement.
  • Consent for Internet-Based Services. The software feature described below connects to Microsoft or service provider computer systems over the Internet. In some cases, you will not receive a separate notice when they connect. You may switch off this feature or not use it.

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    Credit: David Berlind

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    See also:

  • With WGA, is Microsoft forcing Windows users to install and test pre-release software?
  • Does Microsoft’s new WGA disclosure fall short?
  • MS anti-piracy tools phone home
  • Ed Bott: Microsoft presses the Stupid button

    • Pages: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

    • Talkback
    • Most Recent of 57 Talkback(s)
    I do....
    I do, that's why I use XP SP2 with a few carefully selected downloaded and saved hotfixes. I wouldn't dream of letting Microsoft "update" anything on my PC. When XPSP2 doesn't work for me anymore, I... (Read the rest)
    Posted by: maggietoo9 Posted on: 07/19/08 You are currently: a Guest | | Terms of Use
    Is WGA "Spyware" or not?  nerdnick | 06/09/06
    Of course it's spyware.  pkrdk | 06/12/06
    WGA is malware  lugh@... | 08/06/06
    WGA = SPYWARE  Ole Man | 06/09/06
    I understand, but it is funny  jdawgnoonan | 06/09/06
    Error in article  Free_Thinker | 06/11/06
    but....  tomato1 | 06/12/06
    The devil is behind the details (button)  dberlind | 06/12/06
    Which is a GOOD thing!  maggietoo9 | 07/19/08
    Repeat after me. JPEG - Photos, GIF/PNG - Screenshots  grug | 06/11/06
    Could be your browser  dragontiger | 06/12/06
    There may be little, but there is never no artifacts in JPG.  CobraA1 | 06/12/06
    Not completely true..  Patrick Jones | 06/22/06
    suggestion  ChazzMatt | 08/04/06
    the first WGA update is to use the Windows Update website  Avatar28 | 06/11/06
    Information collected during validation in FAQ?  drake2 | 06/11/06
    Critical Security Updates  christexan@... | 06/12/06
    ... and if it thinks you're a pirate ...  Mister Bleau | 06/13/06
    Chargeback  buran | 06/27/06
    Access of Evil?  IMRAN@... | 06/13/06
    verclsid?  geegee_z | 06/13/06
    How to Block verslcid.exe  eeya | 06/30/06
    Microsoft Genuine Advantage  jlhausmann | 06/13/06
    "Genuine Advantage" .. What advantage?  deedeedubya | 06/13/06
    I got censored.  deedeedubya | 06/13/06
    re:"Genuine Advantage" .. What advantage?  dewey56 | 06/29/06
    "Genuine Advantage" is another word for  MacGeek2121 | 08/03/06
    I now hate MS more  dshealey_z | 06/14/06
    Did you try putting it on ignore?  buran | 06/27/06
    I've yet to see any software I WANT  labarker | 06/29/06
    Turning off Updates  maggietoo9 | 07/19/08
    Who Really Cares?  John Zern | 06/14/06
    froggie in the water  PassingThru | 06/14/06
    re: WGA = spyware  Loggies | 06/28/06
    Dream on....  maggietoo9 | 07/19/08
    Sheesh!  HerbieHightower | 06/29/06
    Sheesh to You Too  Ole Man | 08/03/06
    Held for Ransom  DoctorBrent | 06/29/06
    I do....  maggietoo9 | 07/19/08
    I'm a FireFox user; My WGA offering came through automatic updates  GreatInca | 06/29/06
    The Problem isn't XP  Thexyone | 06/29/06
    Windows XP is just a product  Cardhu | 09/03/06
    Had Enough  david1524 | 06/29/06
    10 Years of Comparison  Cardhu | 09/04/06
    Had Enough  david1524 | 06/29/06
    WGA came too early  rastaub | 06/29/06
    verclsid  bogar | 07/01/06
    Verclsid.exe  tealcat | 08/03/06
    905474 is the new WGA DL  JB722 | 09/05/06
    Microsoft WGA  mchrist@... | 07/02/06
    Microsoft WGA  mchrist@... | 07/02/06
    M$'s WGA  interested_amateur@... | 07/02/06
    So it really is pre release software  quantumstate | 07/07/06
    WGA updates  carrie.girl@... | 07/09/06
    WGA Dirty Tricks  rtb | 08/03/06
    WGA  Hameiri | 08/03/06
    Refuse to allow MS Updates  Aaron A Baker | 08/06/06

    What do you think?

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