Windows Genuine Advantage periodically contacts a Microsoft server
Microsoft anti-piracy check accused of spying
/v3-uk/news/1969530/microsoft-anti-piracy-check-accused-spying
09 Jun 2006, Tom Sanders in California , V3
Microsoft has changed a feature of its Windows Genuine Advantage anti-piracy technology following a public outcry.
Since its latest update on 24 April, the tool has started issuing regular
warnings to users of non-genuine Windows copies and periodically contacting a
Microsoft server.
The check-in is similar to that shown by spyware, according to
Lauren
Weinstein, co-founder of
People
For Internet Responsibility and the
Electronic
Entertainment Policy Initiative.
The checks persisted even on systems that had already cleared the anti-piracy validation as well as on systems that had the Windows Update feature disabled.
Customers are required to pass the Windows Genuine Advantage test before they are allowed to use Windows Update.
"I fail to see how Microsoft has a 'need to know' for this data after a system's validity has already been established, and there may clearly be organisations with security concerns regarding the communication of boot-time information," Weinstein wrote on his blog.
Microsoft acknowledged that the tool contacts the company after a users boot up their systems. It checks whether a new version has been released, and could receive instructions to disable itself.
"This operation is limited to the download of the new settings file. No additional information is sent to Microsoft," a spokesman told vnunet.com.
In response to the criticism the company has promised to change the check-in feature to contact the company only every 14 days.
Windows Genuine Advantage was launched in July 2005 and began as an optional feature. Microsoft has promised that security updates will be made available to all users.
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Do you agree?
Microsoft Genuine Disadvantage
I have that software on my laptop and the last time it checked, it reported I had a pirated copy of XP. Now, mind you, this is a Dell laptop with the OEM XP installation. Dell told me that I had to reinstall the system.
What actually happened was that I had changed the calendar to check a date and forgot to switch it back. Your system's date MUST agree with the Microsoft server, since changing the system date is one way to get around installation checks.
Posted by Robert Groh, 09 Jun 2006
this will help kill windows
I have 3 machines in my house, all of which I have purchased legal copies of Windows. However, with one machine the "legal" copy won't install. I ended up using a pirated copy. Now Microsoft has effectively killed that machine. With a second machine, it decided spontainiously it needed to "re-register" due to hardware updates. I hadn't changed any hardware on it in over a year. Then it failed to connect to microsoft durring the validate. I had to waste half a day of my time searching for the registration code so I could call Microsoft 1-800 number. After I did, I found a way to make it try activating again, and the second time it works.
If Microsoft is going to kill machines we have been using for years for no good reason, then I say it is time to stop using Microsoft software.
Posted by Bill, 09 Jun 2006
Installing
Why would anyone select to install windows genuine update? and even if you did, you just have to boot in safe mode and delete the file. Anybody smart enough to pirate windows would be able to get around it with no problem.
Posted by Pirate, 09 Jun 2006
Motivation to Change
Makes one wonder how many people will be motivated to change to Linux. G.A validation was enough for me to switch to Ubuntu and I've used MS products since DOS 3.0. See ya Microsoft!!
Posted by dbData, 09 Jun 2006
Windows confused
I own a HP with the Windows XP on it, then windows decides the version i have been using for two years is illegal, I prevented it from accessing the internet and rebooted it finally woke up and decided yes it must be ok. I wasted a hour and a half screwing around with it on MY TIME what a pain in the butt.
Posted by mike webb, 09 Jun 2006
Linux is looking good
I now have Linux running on three of my four PCs.
I have legal copies of XP for all but this was the last straw in the MSBS war.
Posted by Ken, 10 Jun 2006
Microsoft's error
Dear Microsoft:
According to the nag notices that appear on my pc, my copy of Windows XP is "NOT GENUINE." That's a pretty categorical statement, but I'll take Microsoft's word for it. Microsoft should know its own business.
I bought my pc from Dell Computer company brand new in November of 2002. It came with Windows XP on it from their factory. It's a Dell Dimension 4550. On the side is a Microsoft XP Home Edition sticker with a Product Code that says "Certificate of Authenticity." It looks to have a holograph on it too. The product code, near as I can tell (it's small and hard to read and the pc is hard to get at) is:
xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx
If as Microsoft now says, my copy of Windows XP is NOT GENUINE then apparently both your company and I should consider taking legal action against the Dell Computer company for selling computers with illegal, counterfeit copies of Windows XP. Also, if this is "not genuine," as Microsoft so categorically states, then no amount of validation will ever make it genuine.
I wanted to cc Dell Computer on this issue, but they don't seem to make it easy to find a simple email address on their website. Perhaps that's part of their plan.
I am not happy about this situation and am not going to jump through any hoops to get my copy of XP validated. I don't have the time for it. Either it's genuine as the sticker says, or it's not. I paid for genuine. If Microsoft can't tell whether it is or not (or worse, categorically says it's NOT GENUINE), that's not going to become my problem if I can help it. This is going to cost Microsoft as much of my business as I can make it cost. I've switched to the Opera browser and am now using Open Office for my word processing.
Sincerely,
Posted by Norm, 11 Jun 2006
Annoyed
Similarily, I am annoyed.
Posted by Ian Kenefick, 11 Jun 2006
Basic Instinct
So, my instinct to decline was right!
Posted by dave, 12 Jun 2006
the pop up came out on my only genuine copy of Windows XP!!!
The pop up came out and said I did not have a valid copy of WINXP this on the only PC that uses a genuine copy of WIN XP!!! I am seriously considering to switch to LINUX and sod off Microsoft
Posted by Arale Chan, 12 Jun 2006
nonsense
This genuine, non-genuine thing is utter nonsense, it's the same code every time.
A better description would be Paid For of Stolen i.e.
This copy of Windows has been Paid For!
This copy of Windows has been Stolen!
Posted by richard jackson, 18 Mar 2008