Instruction on managing Microsoft Windows Genuine Advantage Notifications for Windows XP
Windows Genuine Advantage is a validation and a notification component which was designed to encourage people towards Genuine Windows versions. pilot version of Microsoft Windows Genuine Advantage Notifications was distributed during the Windows XP pilot program. For instance the Windows XP pre release version includes the WGA pilot version which accompanies the Microsoft Software License Terms.
Some steps in manual uninstallation procedures for WGA notifications requires certain changes be made in Windows XP registry entries, which needs to be handled with extra caution. Other than that the normal and manual uninstallation of WGA notifications are fairly straightforward.
Purpose WGA
Users of non-genuine copy of Windows may get a notification when logging on which says that the installed copy of Windows XP seems to be non genuine. Users are then redirected to the WGA site for further information. If anyone continues to use Windows Genuine Adavantage notifications in a genuine copy of Windows, messages may still be prompted for updates of Windows and other software components from Microsoft. There are instances where false notifications are flashed by WGA.
Importance of a genuine Windows copy
Regardless of whether users have genuine Windows XP or not, access to critical updates will not be denied. If in reviewing the validity of the copy of Windows XP, however, if found non-genuine, no other updates (for example, installed updates for Windows Internet Explorer and Windows Defender) will be allowed. In addition, users with non-genuine copies of Windows XP receive no access to downloads, which are reserved exclusively for users of genuine Windows software. So having a genuine copy of Windows XP installed in the machine, regardless of the state of WGA, is greatly helpful in maintaining the system.
Controversy around WGA
Windows Genuine Advantage component is being flagged by many anti-virus software as spyware. Although users agree to certain terms of using WGA, many a times without awareness of its purpose and benefits, still its not transparent as to what exact user data are being transferred to Microsoft servers. Mainly because of such spyware allegations, Microsoft themselves have put up a post in their site explaining various uninstallation methods of the persistent, spyware-like WGA.
Why disable or uninstall
Users may need to uninstall or remove WGA for various reasons. Most users of Windows XP with the pilot version of WGA notifications, find it intrusive to a certain extend, besides experiencing false notifications regarding the authenticity of the Windows XP copy.
Incorrect editions of registry entries can cause serious problems. As a protective measure, a backup copy has to be created before editing the registry. This ensures the possibility of a restoration of the registry should any problem occur. Having said that editing the registry is not compulsory in using the normal method to uninstall the Microsoft Windows Genuine Advantage notifications for Windows XP.