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    I have a legitimate copy of Windows XP Home.  I have downloaded IE7, Media Player 11 and Defender.  Each time I did so Microsoft took the time to validate my copy of Windows and always came back telling me that it is genuine.  What is the advantage to me of installing Windows Genuine Advantage?
    Saturday, April 7, 2007 5:55 AM

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    Good question.  Im getting tired of the pop up about the "upgrade"  Looks like if you upgrade then big brother can watch you more closely.  My copy of windows came in a sealed MS package and Ive not had any question that I don't have a valid copy.  Why is this upgrade necessary?
    Saturday, April 7, 2007 10:42 AM
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    Description of Windows Genuine Advantage (WGA): http://support.microsoft.com/kb/892130/en-us

    Windows Genuine Advantage Frequently Asked Questions: http://www.microsoft.com/genuine/downloads/FAQ.aspx?displaylang=en

    Monday, April 9, 2007 12:28 AM
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    If you access downloads on the Microsoft Download Center or on the Microsoft Windows Update Web site, you may be prompted to complete the Windows Genuine Advantage (WGA) validation check process.
    Etc.
    Note The Automatic Updates feature is not affected by the WGA validation check. Therefore, you can use the Automatic Updates feature to make sure that you receive critical Windows updates.


    So we only need this to download things on a website we may never even go to?
    And if we eventually would like to download something there, it seems to say that it will prompt us to validate then. 
    Automatic updates are not affected, so there does not seem to be any reason at all to install this update. 
    Am I missing something?  This seem like a ridiculous intrusion with no clear benefit, and I feel like Microsoft is avoiding the question.

    Friday, April 27, 2007 8:25 PM