WGA notification - new MS update today :(

this stupid thing again. "new & improved" security measures to make sure my version if windows is indeed genuine."

didnt' i prove that the LAST time i had to install WGA? i had major problems with wga the last time around, and i'm scared to install this update. anyone care to share experiences on this new update?

 

I couldn't agree more. This whole thing is getting to be absurd. I just downloaded and attempted to install the lattest WGA, only to have it refuse to install because of some ActiveX problem (and yes, my WinXP is legal)!

 

i'm pretty sure this won't be the last new & improved version of wga either. <sigh>

going to wait til i hear of it actually working for someone until i install it. know of any way i can get rid of the yellow install shield icon ?

 

I'm afraid this is a never ending game of tag. Every time the pirates crack WGA, Microsoft will be have to install a new version of WGA. There really is no way around it

 

I'm going to install this new update, because I can't even use Windows Update.
I have :
- the bill of Windows to prove I bought it.
- I have a CD
- I have only one computer without hardware changes.
- I have a long serial number of Windows and
- I have WPA and
- I have WGA and
- I kissed Bill's feet.
I'm trying to figure out what I have to do to make it work, I hope it's not a sexual thing.

 

WGA is big money for Microsoft.

ZDNet

Pirates, people like paradox team and the like will have a new target, conquest but interestingly MS is

 

Oh! I always thought my computer is legal.

 

i agree its absurd.. i had to actually call to re-activate an already legal copy of vista!!! this is ridiculous imo

 

It installed without the slightest problem,didnt give it a second thought.

There really shouldnt be any worries,but by the sound of your history,who knows.

 

I finally could download and install an arrear of exactly 85 patches. Maybe I have to do it on Wednesday.
My boot-to-restore takes still less than 2 minutes, so I keep the patches.

 

Hello,
No reason to install spyware voluntarily ...
Especially not one you pay money for.
Mrk

 

So nobody needs those 85 patches, while qualified helpers at SWI advice users constantly to update Windows ? So what is the truth ? Or is it just your personal opinion ?
And all security experts at Wilders agree with this ?

 

I think Mrk means the WGA stuff specifically, not the patches.

I thought you can still use windows update without WGA ?

 

Actually WGA has two parts. Windows Genuine Advantage Validation and Windows Genuine Advantage Notification. The first part is required for updates but the second is not.

 

Don't bother with WGA, you don't need it for anything anyway.
You'll receive updates automatically even if you do not have WGA installed, and you can still download DirectX, WMP etc.

 

My assumption is that any legitimate software, including Windows, is spying on users, just like my supermarkt, bank, ... is spying on me.
The difference is that legit companies don't spy on you to hurt you, while malware has the intention to hurt you.
If you don't like "good spying", don't go anywhere anymore and lock yourself up and don't use any computer or any communication tool anymore.

 

Hello,

That is convincing yourself that everything is ok. And if the "good" guys turn bad tomorrow? What do you do then?

As to updates, WGA Validation is required for updates. WGA Notification is not. The Notification crap is pure corpo spyware and is not needed nor desired.

As to MS updates, then can be nice.

Personally, Erik: with you using FD-ISR, ATI, AE, and who knows what else, you really don't need any updates.

Mrk

 

That was/is my opinion too, that's why I still can rollback to my unpatched system, but different opinions, don't make it easier for me.
Some users recommend Windows Update highly, others say you don't need it.
WGA is necessary, if you want to use Windows Update or download any other software from M$.

In the army, it was alot easier to decide : the loudest voice was always right.
The bottom line is : who is right ? Who is wrong ? Who is close to right ? Who is close to wrong ? I don't like multiple choice questions, I want a clear answer. Now, I'm stucked in a dilemma and I will never know to truth.

 

Erik,
You have the option to build security from the ground up using the most secure version of your OS and applications and closing gaps, loopholes with security and non-security (ISR, imaging) software/strategy or simply relying on your security and non-security software/strategy.
I prefer the former approach

 

It's pretty funny to read that people actually believe it's required to get updates and software. Because it's not.

 

Please explain. Are you talking about getting the updates from the MS site or are you talking about the other ways to get the updates?

Are their KB numbers KB892130 (Validation) and KB905474 (Notification)? If so, I have the Validation. I'm getting ready to rebuild Windows and would like to avoid them if possible. And yes, I have an OEM version and a shiny sticker on a 'puter I got at Wally World.

I have a feeling I will have to call Bill anyways as I've added a stick of RAM, replaced a cd/dvd burner and I'm not sure if they can see my external hard drive hooked to an internal SATA port . If I do have to call, I will update them on what else is going on in my life .

 

Yesterday, I installed Windows SteadyState and rebooted. The reboot was very long, abnormal long.
I clicked on the icon of SteadyState and got a message : "You have 3 days to activate Windows".
My Windows IS already activated by phone. I uninstalled SteadyState immediately by refreshing my snapshot with an archive.

 

innerpeace - Yes, avoid the KB905474. It is not required and is just some junk Microsoft says you should have. They even list it as a critical update. So, be careful with Automatic Updates. And when updating through their website, do not install KB905474.

 

Thanks tgell . I always do manual updates at the MS site and I will avoid the WGA Notification.