File Details |
|
| File Size | 0.9 MB |
|---|---|
| License | Freeware |
| Operating System | Windows XP |
| Date Added | November 27, 2006 |
| Total Downloads | 21,130 |
| Publisher | Microsoft Corp. |
| Homepage | Microsoft Windows Genuine Advantage Notifications |
Publisher's Description
Windows Genuine Advantage Notifications is a tool to help reduce software piracy. This tool will confirm that the copy of Windows installed on the PC is genuine and properly licensed. If it is not genuine, the tool will provide periodic reminders to help you take the appropriate action.
Latest Reviews
nesan reviewed v1.0 on May 3, 2009
Post a Review of Microsoft Windows Genuine Advantage Notifications
azazel666 reviewed v1.0 on Dec 19, 2006
The reason software like this exists is for the
hundred of thousands of imbeciles out there who would rather steal software than pay for it.
The mendacity of the masses makes honest people have to pay for their sins. If you cant buy it, dont steal it. If you steal dont complain over WGA, or steam, or disk protection on your games. Suffer for your sins you bunch of sloths.
![[deXter]](https://www.gravatar.com/avatar/228cde722f0fa085f3ff9a4709a93060?s=16){kind=small}
[deXter] reviewed v1.0 on Dec 4, 2006
Still buggy, and still doesn't work *always* as intented. Gives false positives sometimes, which is why I suppose, the new WGA tells the user that the copy they're running MAY be pirated.
So what you have now is WGA telling you have 1) Genuine Windows 2) Pirated Windows or 3) Possibly Pirated. Read between the lines, folks. Possibly pirated means that WGA itself isn't 100% sure if a copy is illegitimate, and thus, its upto the user to ultimately determine if the copy is legitimate.
Which brings the question- why make this at all in the first place when in the end the user himself has to determine the legitimacy?
Besides, legitimate users don't want WGA in the first place. As an owner of a legitimate copy of XP, I personally find WGA and all these "validation" methods very inconvenient and, to an extent, insulting.
The illegitimate users of course, wouldn't be bothered by it. As long as they're saving over $100, would a little tray icon convince them to buy a genuine copy?
I guess the real intended audience would be consumers who were duped by the resellers/OEMs. This tool may bring to their attention that their copy may not be legitimate, thus enabling them to get a refund or a legit copy.
Hence I say that Microsoft was wrong in forcing this "update" through AU. Validation/WGA etc should be optional, because, lets face the facts 1) A user almost always knows the legality of his windows 2) The methods themselves aren't foolproof 3) Causes inconvenience to legit users.
kronix2 reviewed v1.0 on Nov 29, 2006
This used to phone home every day until Microsoft bowed to pressure and limited it to once every two weeks. Wikipedia documents what data is collected by MS: http://en.wikipedia.org/...dvantage#Data_collected
You can find out if your version of Windows is "genuine" by visiting Windows Update. Who the hell would be stupid enough to install this piece of crap? Avoid.
christoofar reviewed v1.0 on Nov 29, 2006
Um...I already know if my Windows software installed on my PC is genuine or not. Useless.
jspratjr reviewed v1.0 on Nov 29, 2006
Works as intended.
kda...though I agree with your ideas, you're blowing "smoke in the wind"...look at this comment:
"yeh, right. Why would anyone really care if they
were using ingenuine software, as long as it continued to work?"
Unfortunately that pretty much sums up today's tech world "in general" .. gimme something for nothing. If not, don't call me a thief for stealing it because if you do, there's obviously something wrong with you.
DatabaseBen reviewed v1.0 on Nov 29, 2006
yeh, right. Why would anyone really care if they
were using ingenuine software, as long as it continued to work?
I guess MS believes there are some real idiots out there that would consider this piece of software to be advantagous. But in fact, it stalls the pc and has been found to misreport genuine software as pirated.
Of course anyone installing it can unistall it, but not before sending data to microsoft. Then can anyone ever be absolutely sure that the spyware was "really" uninstalled???
Unfortunately, I don't think so. It would not be unconceivable that each time the pc reported/revealed the version of windows installed, it will likely include a small indicator if it is genuine, questionable or pirated.
kda reviewed v1.0 on Nov 29, 2006
Version 1.0 of Windows Genuine Advantage
---------------------------------------
UPDATE: Here is the web page where what's new in this "final" version is discussed, including fewer on-line checks (at boot up), new language, etc.
http://news.com.com/Micr...art=dht&tag=nl.e703
Here is a Tiny URL that would be easier to use I suppose: http://tinyurl.com/yasaxn
--------------------------------------
Installs easily and works fine. I always buy and register the few software programs on which I depend and which I use regularly. That currently includes my Operating System (WinXP), WinRAR, Agent 4.0, MS Office, Nero, my Intuit software and a few others.
Why? Because I want these companies to stay in business and to keep writing good, useful software. If I didn't think it was useful, I wouldn't use it. Pretty straight forward eh?
The few programs I do "borrow" eventually get purchased as they prove useful, prove trouble free and as I can afford them. Meantime, I sure don't expect the legal owners to condone my failure to purchase and register their product. And I sure as hell don't whine about it.
What an interesting place this world is becoming when any resistance to the act of theft is viewed by the thief as "spying" and as somehow unfair. This is not a good sign.
Just carry that philosophy to it's logical conclusion and imagine what the world would look like.
If you are a thief, at least have the grace to admit you are a thief. If a thief is what you want to be, try to show a little class about it. Don't demean your victims as being unfair because they want to try and stop you. ;-). Geeeze, that is the other half of this game you elected to play. You really don't just want your victims to give up do you? How classless is that?
Ciolouse reviewed v1.0 on Nov 29, 2006
That just suxx !
HaWhatWhat reviewed v1.0 on Nov 29, 2006
I love microsofts tactics they can't keep there own software secure so they are grabbing at straws to hope people will do the right thing. Maybe if xp or vista was worth the price they charge it would not be such a problem.
If they can take such a hit on the 360 why not do the same for software that has been in the making for 20+ years.
nesan reviewed v1.0 on May 3, 2009
Post a Review of Microsoft Windows Genuine Advantage Notifications
azazel666 reviewed v1.0 on Dec 19, 2006
The reason software like this exists is for the
hundred of thousands of imbeciles out there who would rather steal software than pay for it.
The mendacity of the masses makes honest people have to pay for their sins. If you cant buy it, dont steal it. If you steal dont complain over WGA, or steam, or disk protection on your games. Suffer for your sins you bunch of sloths.
[deXter] reviewed v1.0 on Dec 4, 2006
Still buggy, and still doesn't work *always* as intented. Gives false positives sometimes, which is why I suppose, the new WGA tells the user that the copy they're running MAY be pirated.
So what you have now is WGA telling you have 1) Genuine Windows 2) Pirated Windows or 3) Possibly Pirated. Read between the lines, folks. Possibly pirated means that WGA itself isn't 100% sure if a copy is illegitimate, and thus, its upto the user to ultimately determine if the copy is legitimate.
Which brings the question- why make this at all in the first place when in the end the user himself has to determine the legitimacy?
Besides, legitimate users don't want WGA in the first place. As an owner of a legitimate copy of XP, I personally find WGA and all these "validation" methods very inconvenient and, to an extent, insulting.
The illegitimate users of course, wouldn't be bothered by it. As long as they're saving over $100, would a little tray icon convince them to buy a genuine copy?
I guess the real intended audience would be consumers who were duped by the resellers/OEMs. This tool may bring to their attention that their copy may not be legitimate, thus enabling them to get a refund or a legit copy.
Hence I say that Microsoft was wrong in forcing this "update" through AU. Validation/WGA etc should be optional, because, lets face the facts 1) A user almost always knows the legality of his windows 2) The methods themselves aren't foolproof 3) Causes inconvenience to legit users.
kronix2 reviewed v1.0 on Nov 29, 2006
This used to phone home every day until Microsoft bowed to pressure and limited it to once every two weeks. Wikipedia documents what data is collected by MS: http://en.wikipedia.org/...dvantage#Data_collected
You can find out if your version of Windows is "genuine" by visiting Windows Update. Who the hell would be stupid enough to install this piece of crap? Avoid.
christoofar reviewed v1.0 on Nov 29, 2006
Um...I already know if my Windows software installed on my PC is genuine or not. Useless.
jspratjr reviewed v1.0 on Nov 29, 2006
Works as intended.
kda...though I agree with your ideas, you're blowing "smoke in the wind"...look at this comment:
"yeh, right. Why would anyone really care if they
were using ingenuine software, as long as it continued to work?"
Unfortunately that pretty much sums up today's tech world "in general" .. gimme something for nothing. If not, don't call me a thief for stealing it because if you do, there's obviously something wrong with you.
DatabaseBen reviewed v1.0 on Nov 29, 2006
yeh, right. Why would anyone really care if they
were using ingenuine software, as long as it continued to work?
I guess MS believes there are some real idiots out there that would consider this piece of software to be advantagous. But in fact, it stalls the pc and has been found to misreport genuine software as pirated.
Of course anyone installing it can unistall it, but not before sending data to microsoft. Then can anyone ever be absolutely sure that the spyware was "really" uninstalled???
Unfortunately, I don't think so. It would not be unconceivable that each time the pc reported/revealed the version of windows installed, it will likely include a small indicator if it is genuine, questionable or pirated.
kda reviewed v1.0 on Nov 29, 2006
Version 1.0 of Windows Genuine Advantage
---------------------------------------
UPDATE: Here is the web page where what's new in this "final" version is discussed, including fewer on-line checks (at boot up), new language, etc.
http://news.com.com/Micr...art=dht&tag=nl.e703
Here is a Tiny URL that would be easier to use I suppose: http://tinyurl.com/yasaxn
--------------------------------------
Installs easily and works fine. I always buy and register the few software programs on which I depend and which I use regularly. That currently includes my Operating System (WinXP), WinRAR, Agent 4.0, MS Office, Nero, my Intuit software and a few others.
Why? Because I want these companies to stay in business and to keep writing good, useful software. If I didn't think it was useful, I wouldn't use it. Pretty straight forward eh?
The few programs I do "borrow" eventually get purchased as they prove useful, prove trouble free and as I can afford them. Meantime, I sure don't expect the legal owners to condone my failure to purchase and register their product. And I sure as hell don't whine about it.
What an interesting place this world is becoming when any resistance to the act of theft is viewed by the thief as "spying" and as somehow unfair. This is not a good sign.
Just carry that philosophy to it's logical conclusion and imagine what the world would look like.
If you are a thief, at least have the grace to admit you are a thief. If a thief is what you want to be, try to show a little class about it. Don't demean your victims as being unfair because they want to try and stop you. ;-). Geeeze, that is the other half of this game you elected to play. You really don't just want your victims to give up do you? How classless is that?
Ciolouse reviewed v1.0 on Nov 29, 2006
That just suxx !
HaWhatWhat reviewed v1.0 on Nov 29, 2006
I love microsofts tactics they can't keep there own software secure so they are grabbing at straws to hope people will do the right thing. Maybe if xp or vista was worth the price they charge it would not be such a problem.
If they can take such a hit on the 360 why not do the same for software that has been in the making for 20+ years.
dj_Kidd reviewed v1.0 on Nov 29, 2006
After betanews beeing my home page for the last 10 years i had to log in and write a review for the first time ever just for this, now tell me...
what, are they joking or what ?!?!?!?!?!?!?
fishmaster reviewed v1.0 on Nov 29, 2006
TOP NOTCH & SUPERB!!! Excellent "legal" privacy data collection spyware. I only wish they would make a mobile version so they can track me calls too & maybe give me an audible warning message that I AM LEGAL & HAVE VALIDATED UMPTEEN MILLION TIMES. ( Don't be surprised folks if it hasn't been slipped in or going to be slipped in another "update" ie: IE7, WMP11, Windows Live Messy or even the upcoming SP3 for XP)
wicketr reviewed v1.0 on Nov 29, 2006
Do not download this. It is spyware/nagware. It provides ZERO benefit to the user.
yizuman reviewed v1.0 on Nov 29, 2006
LOL! MS has got to be kidding us!
MS is nuffin' but a joke!
alanpalmer reviewed v1.0 on Nov 29, 2006
What is the "advantage" to the user in installing this software? The only advantage I can see is to Micro$oft. Now, if they *paid* me to run WGA there might be some genuine advantage!
imnra reviewed v1.0 on Nov 29, 2006
WHAT???
hari_the_barbarian reviewed v1.0 on Nov 29, 2006
ROTFFL !!!!!!!!
Boolah reviewed v1.0 on Nov 29, 2006
t3h suck
Klusternisse reviewed v1.0 on Nov 29, 2006
wtf
Aegis69 reviewed v1.0 on Nov 29, 2006
Yeah, I'd say no to this junk if I were you.
There is a reason they were forced to take it off windows updates....
ThaCHEESE reviewed v1.0 on Nov 29, 2006
donkey sausage
evolution76 reviewed v1.0 on Nov 29, 2006
Oh good i will download this............yea right.....lol
ecvogel reviewed v1.0 on Nov 29, 2006
Too much is too much. I had 3 of 5 machines, 1 at home and 1 at friends house a MU WGA check did not like the computer. All are legal, even friends house cause I had gotten him legal 6 months before.
Sim__ reviewed v1.0 on Nov 29, 2006
I downloaded this software. It installed with out a problem and verified that my Windows XP is an original copy. I love this program and use it all the time. I'm going to install it on all my computers. Thank you Microsoft for yet another flawless product.
cyberguy reviewed v1.0 on Nov 29, 2006
Oh oh! I can't wait!
I love annoyware! Gimme more!
Bwahahahaha!
agent2killa reviewed v1.0 on Nov 29, 2006
wow, i can't wait to use this ;)
markww reviewed v1.0 on Nov 29, 2006
One thing that they never tell you from REDMOND is that even if you have a CERTIFIED RUNNING WINDOWS PROGRAM, you will get a notice that the real version is NOT GOOD and cant use it. And then it shuts down and you cant get get back on any more. Had A store bought windows for computers that did not come with windows cause I built a new full blown system, after putting in the programs MICROSOFT SAYS THE COPY IS NOT ORIGINAL YEA RIGHT
yuanxin reviewed v1.0 on Nov 29, 2006
Nearly 300 downloads already. Wow, perhaps these folks knew something we don't.
ZenoLabs reviewed v1.0 on Nov 29, 2006
Ahahahahhahaahahahahahaahahah! Ridiculous!
boaz reviewed v1.0 on Nov 29, 2006
Oh wow, I just can't wait to install & try this! LoL!
hondaman reviewed v1.0 on Nov 29, 2006
lol
smarterthanyou reviewed v1.0 on Nov 29, 2006
This product does exactly what it says. Kudos to Microsoft for taking an active stance against software piracy. If they haven't already, Microsoft should start including this product with retail copies of Windows XP.
gaucij reviewed v1.0 on Nov 29, 2006
It gets me wet!
Haaglander reviewed v1.0 on Nov 29, 2006
Probably the worst piece of software ever!
ErbyStang reviewed v1.0 on Nov 29, 2006
From the rap song in the movie Office Space:
"Die Motherf*cker, die!"
Diam0nd reviewed v1.0 on Nov 29, 2006
C-R-A-P. Period.
uberfly reviewed v1.0 on Nov 29, 2006
I'm sure when this tool reaches 2.0 Microsoft will start to get better ratings on this :P
comeoffit reviewed v1.0 on Nov 29, 2006
Well said, JEdwardP. I feel identically.
I get irritated when I think about my system being interrogated for legitimacy on a constant basis. Does this seem right to anyone?
Can you imagine this tactic being used in any other industry? Can you imagine automobile manufacturers dropping by and validating your vehicle all the time, just to make sure it's not stolen?
JEdwardP reviewed v1.0 on Nov 28, 2006
To suggest that anyone who would rate this so-called software lowly must be using a pirated copy of Windows is utterly absurd, if not contemptuous. It is precisely because my copy of Windows is legal that I'm so against this thing.
I resent the assumption of piracy upon which this "software" is based. I resent being treated more as a thief than as a customer.
The lengths to which Microsoft now goes to thwart piracy not only incovenience its customers (about whom it couldn't possibly care less), but may actually encourage piracy, as an expression of hatred toward the company.
retobado reviewed v1.0 on Nov 28, 2006
crap
maxstep reviewed v1.0 on Nov 28, 2006
Why? Why bother?
fl00d reviewed v1.0 on Nov 28, 2006
Wow. This is the most useless program I have ever seen. Doesn't Microsoft make a version of this?
templar™ reviewed v1.0 on Nov 28, 2006
Why would anybody in the right mind download & install this thing???
Anyone who gives anything but the lowest rating is probably an MS staff and/or a mxrxn.
Qlib reviewed v1.0 on Nov 28, 2006
dzjepp , no thats not what its about.. the thing is.. people like me like our PRIVACY.. and we dont like and never WILL like soft that keeps sending info to microsob about MY PC..
back when, you actually BOUGHT your goods.. these days you only "license" it which is a nice way of saying renting.. RENTING an OS at 500$ or whatever.. well I cant blame those who pirate one bit, if I hadnt gotten windows with my PC, I'm not sure i'd bother buying it either..
Mandeep reviewed v1.0 on Nov 28, 2006
i dont have a pirated copy but i hate all this anti-piracy bulls***. i dont know what surprises me more, microsoft's lame anti-piracy crap, or the fact that this software has a rating higher than 1.
dzjepp reviewed v1.0 on Nov 28, 2006
lol, everyone that rates this as 1 star must have a pirate copy of windooze
Zulithe reviewed v1.0 on Nov 28, 2006
WOW i just can't wait to install this!
nvic reviewed v1.0 on Nov 28, 2006
Micrsoft's Worst Yet.
They make good OS's (if you consider an OS that is loaded with secuity holes that needed to be patched good...). I agree with floodland that MS could use the money being wasted on this piece of spyware to create an OS that doesn't have as many security holes...
midfingr reviewed v1.0 on Nov 28, 2006
Inexcusable behavior. Several consecutive betas were released as a high priority update to millions of unsuspecting users via MS's update service. Judge, jury, and executioner, all in one a 1MB app. No thanks.
magicclue reviewed v1.0 on Nov 28, 2006
* SPYWARE *
phone home (mal)function!
How can something like this appeaer at BetaNews?!??
daver18qc reviewed v1.0 on Nov 28, 2006
"Worst beta file EVER"
^^ I second that.
Floodland reviewed v1.0 on Nov 28, 2006
The MAZZTer, this software *IS* spyware. It tell what it does in the EULA (that nobody reads, anyway): It collect information it shouldn't, transmit it where it shouldn't, and phone home every time it can.
That's exactly what I call spyware. Micro$oft is clearly taking the wrong way, again to combat piracy.
Pirates will never install such crap, in fact, nobody should! Why? WGA only bother naive people and it can be removed with ease.
Micro$oft is wasting our money developing useless spyware instead of improving the OS.
I still can't believe how M$ made sooo much money with so bad products... That's piracy!
oninopoo reviewed v1.0 on Nov 28, 2006
lame... TOTALY LAME!
The MAZZTer reviewed v1.0 on Nov 28, 2006
This software is not spyware because the information the program collects and the frequency it collects it is clearly spelled out in the EULA.
WGA Notifications has had it's false positives, but for my specific case it correctly identifies my machine as genuine and spells out everything it needs to in the EULA.
Although it is sorta pointless, since normal Joes who wouldn't know if their Windows is genuine aren't going to be downloading KB patches...
bellgamin reviewed v1.0 on Nov 28, 2006
I would bet my bottom dollar that this was posted by someone with his tongue firmly in his cheek. I'm quite sure it wasn't put here by Mickeysoft -- even they realize the despicable "big brother" nature of WGA.
^_^
flyingmetalspatula reviewed v1.0 on Nov 28, 2006
Worst beta file EVER
HeywoodChablowme reviewed v1.0 on Nov 28, 2006
and I want to install this because....?
stopbuggingme reviewed v1.0 on Nov 28, 2006
I give this a 1.
jk- reviewed v1.0 on Nov 28, 2006
avoid it at all costs. Evil software from evil people.
donpacman reviewed v1.0 on Nov 28, 2006
~~~ SPYWARE ~~~
Black-Wolf reviewed v1.0 on Nov 28, 2006
Why post this crap here?
You are an absolute idiot.
Yakumo reviewed v1.0 on Nov 28, 2006
same as music DRM why would anyone want to pay for LESS convenience?
if anything all these things have done is turn more and more people into looking at ways to circumvent this rubbish. making all your customers out to be criminals is actively turning many of them into them!
roj reviewed v1.0 on Nov 28, 2006
TomA102210:
Nothing like being a Microsoft Plant.
While I think vendors have a right to protect their wares, they do NOT have a right to inconvenince customers.
Nagging someone every time they want to get something form MS (even so-called FREE stuff) is NOT the answer.
Disable this garbage using any of the worthwhile cracks on the web and move on.
ONE star for pinheaded-ness (I'd put zero but this drop down doesn't allow it)..
Scary Guy reviewed v1.0 on Nov 28, 2006
I don't need a piece of software to tell me what I already know.
WRFan reviewed v1.0 on Nov 28, 2006
lol. a law-abinding philistine below gave it 5 stars, bumping the overall rating up a little. I'll give it a 1 to get the rating back where it belongs
dabombk1 reviewed v1.0 on Nov 28, 2006
i think i'll wait on this till v 2.0
rcutnik reviewed v1.0 on Nov 28, 2006
I thought they would never had it on line! Great work!
/sarcasm off
TomA102210 reviewed v1.0 on Nov 28, 2006
If this will help eliminate pirated software I support it all the way.
randal2k reviewed v1.0 on Nov 28, 2006
no thanks.
stevetures reviewed v1.0 on Nov 28, 2006
I wonder if microsoft embedded a 'kill switch' in this one?
drumcat reviewed v1.0 on Nov 28, 2006
Wow; software that does nothing. How constructive. Is it beta then?
dougau reviewed v1.0 on Nov 28, 2006
It makes me very happy that Beta News features such fabulous software for its users. It enlarged my pole to (gave me a pop-up), LOL!!
But seriously, the Sony DRM rootkit is much better get it instead.
constust reviewed v1.0 on Nov 28, 2006
test
mjm01010101 reviewed v1.0 on Nov 28, 2006
I actively look forward to installing this software that benefits the megacorporation and not me, the megalomaniac!