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Windows update without Microsoft Genuine 2

Not only will it keep you up to date with the latest updates from Microsoft, it will also keep software and drivers from other vendors updated. However, that functionality is currently missing.



common - comments -

Windows update without Microsoft Genuine test

Two weeks ago, I posted simple javascripts to circumvent the dreaded Windows Genuine Advantage system for the sake of my and others clicky-finger. It was this day, or maybe a few days later, that Microsoft's PR looneys acknoledged the fact it can be worked around and will be patching up the holes in the "next version".
common - comments -

Get Genuine Kit and Windows Product Key Update Tool

The best and most cost-effective way for customers to acquire Windows software is preinstalled on a new PC.
download - comments - 15.8.2006

What's Genuine About Windows Genuine Advantage?

An article over at Microsoft-Watch has been posted about what Windows Genuine Advantage is all about.
windows - comments - 10.6.2006

Microsoft plans to issue non-update update for Win 7

Microsoft will spit out dummy updates for Windows 7 beta testers next week that will probe the forthcoming operating system’s updating abilities.
windows - comments - 20.2.2009

Microsoft changes Windows Genuine Advantage name

Microsoft is giving its anti-piracy/DRM technology a PR face lift with Windows 7. The “Windows Genuine” branding is being supplanted by a new name: Windows Activation.
windows - comments - 7.5.2009

Microsoft Windows Genuine Advantage Crack

A brief guide on how to bypass Windows Genuine Advantage check on Windows XP.

It took basically 5 minutes to figure out how to bypass this check. However, Microsoft can change his server part of the check in order to block this.
download - comments - 7.3.2006

Microsoft Windows Genuine Advantage Crack

A brief guide on how to bypass Windows Genuine Advantage check on Windows XP.

It took basically 5 minutes to figure out how to bypass this check. However, Microsoft can change his server part of the check in order to block this.
download - comments - 8.4.2006

Download everything from Microsoft without Windows Genuine Advantage Check

ghacks.net has found a workaround to bypass the WGA, wonder how long MS will take to fix this.
microsoft - comments - 8.9.2006

Microsoft Windows Genuine Advantage: An Overview and Screenshot Gallery

Microsoft announced its Genuine Advantage software initiative in March 2006. It's designed as part of the company's wider assault on software piracy (another infamous part of this fight, Product Activation, won fame and fortune for Microsoft went XP was released in late 2001).
 	
Windows Genuine Advantage

windows - comments - 21.7.2006

Microsoft: Turn Pirated Windows Copies into Genuine Products!

Microsoft is providing users with the means to turn their pirated copies of Windows into genuine products. However, the offer is only available for Windows XP, and not for Windows Vista.
windows - comments - 2.10.2007

Microsoft Only sold 244 copies of Genuine Windows Vista in China

Microsoft spent millions of dollars advertising its next generation OS 'Windows Vista' in China, in fact the IT juggernaut threw up the biggest Vista Ad on the 421 meter high Jin Mao tower in Shanghai China.
windows - comments - 20.4.2007

Windows Update versus Ubuntu Update

A few months ago, Steve Ballmer publicly noted that Windows Vista was “a work in progress.” That inspired a predictable outpouring of Vista-bashing.
windows - comments - 15.7.2008

Windows Update Blocker Tool Kit - Block Automatic Windows Vista SP2 Update

After availability of Windows Vista Service Pack 2 for public download I am sure many users would have already installed Vista Service Pack 2 to see the performance improvements and its advisable to install Windows Vista sp2 as it has many noticeable changes and also includes all the fixes released after Vista sp1.
common - comments - 27.5.2009

Microsoft Releases Windows Genuine Advantage (WGA) Bypass Tool for OEM's

With the introduction of Windows Genuine Advantage (WGA), a computer must be validated as genuine prior to receiving security patches from Windows Update.
windows - comments - 16.10.2006

Microsoft to target Windows XP Pro users with Genuine nagware notifications

Microsoft is stepping up its war on software pirates by rolling out new Windows Genuine notification software for what it is calling its most pirated version of Windows: Windows XP Professional.
windows - comments - 26.8.2008

Microsoft issues warning to Volume License customers over Windows Genuine Advantage fail

Phil Liu of Microsoft has reported problems with the Windows Genuine Advantage authentication method for Volume License Key (VLK) customers and a temporary work-around.
windows - comments - 5.10.2006

Microsoft Plans Office Genuine Advantage

Despite the criticism leveled at Microsoft Corp. after its recent rollout -- and partial rollback -- of Windows Genuine Advantage (WGA), that tool was just the first phase in the company's latest antipiracy effort.
microsoft - comments - 28.7.2006

Genuine Advantage: Can Microsoft recast itself as protector, not punisher?

I wouldn't want Cori Hartje's job. She is the head of Microsoft's much-maligned Genuine Software Initiative — the team responsible for implementing Windows Genuine Advantage and Office Genuine Advantage.
windows - comments - 22.1.2007

Microsoft to add the Genuine Advantage nag to Office

Microsoft is set to begin a pilot of a new Genuine Advantage anti-piracy mechanism for Office that will add a “nag-like” feature, akin to what is now part of Windows Vista, to Office.
microsoft - comments - 9.4.2008

An Update For Windows Update

An infrastructure update has been planned for Windows Update client. The gradual roll-out of this update will begin in late July.
microsoft - comments - 6.7.2008

Is your copy of Windows genuine?

How to Tell helps you verify that your Microsoft products are genuine.

To begin, choose the product category that best describes your Microsoft product. On the following product category page you will be able to select your specific product and the method by which you acquired it to learn more about genuine Microsoft products.
common - comments -

Microsoft Update Windows Vista Homepage


After a brief demo at the on-going CES conference in Las Vegas, Microsoft have launched a re-vamped version of the website for Windows Vista.

The slick new look makes a break from the often bland Microsoft product pages, and moves towards the Glass theme expected in Vista.
windows - comments - 5.1.2006

Update for Microsoft Windows Vista Beta 2

Install this update to address an issue where Windows Customer Experience Improvement Program (CEIP) does not consume intermediate session data.
download - comments - 23.7.2006

Microsoft: Update on Windows 7 UAC issues

Before getting into the actual news, lets take a while to understand the current Windows 7 UAC dilemma
windows - comments - 5.2.2009

Windows Genuine Advantage works

IT may have cost Microsoft millions of sales, but Redmond claims that Windows Genuine Advantage has forced punters to buy legitimate copies of its software.
windows - comments - 26.11.2007

Deploying Microsoft Windows Server Update Services

Comprehensive guidance on deploying Microsoft Windows Server Update Services (WSUS), including a description of how WSUS functions, and descriptions of WSUS scalability and bandwidth management features, as well as step-by-step procedures for installation and configuration of the WSUS server.
microsoft - comments - 18.2.2006

First Impressions: Microsoft Windows Update Services 3.0 Beta 2

YESS, Microsoft finally got it right and moved away from web interface to MMC where it should have been since the beginning. I've been complaining about this a lot, when I was MVP.
windows - comments - 15.8.2006

Update on the Microsoft Windows Vista Start-up Sound

Windows Vista Start-up sound was designed to move beyond the boundaries of a basic audio alert, reflecting the operational status of the system. As an embedded sound, it has a core concept of a trademark segment of media, initializing, personalizing and reflecting the Windows Vista brand and Experience.
windows - comments - 24.9.2006

Microsoft Unveils First Windows Home Server Update

Microsoft on Tuesday issued its first update for Windows Home Server, which addresses several minor glitches that have arisen since the software was released to manufacturing.
windows - comments - 27.9.2007

Windows Vista Validation Update (KB929391)

Microsoft have just posted a Windows Vista Genuine Validation Update to Windows Update. The update provides the latest information to the Windows Vista validation components, and is marked as an "Important" update.

It seems that the aim of the update is to further prevent "cracked" copies of Windows Vista from being able to run. Install the Windows Vista validation component updates to make sure that your copy of Windows Vista is genuine and is correctly licensed. If a problem is detected, the update will provide additional instructions.


jcxp.net - 15.12.2006

22% of Windows Installs Non-Genuine

Microsoft disclosed Monday that over one in five Windows installations were deemed non-genuine through the company's Windows Genuine Advantage program, which requires users to validate their operating system before downloading updates from the company...
betanews.com - 23.01.2007

Pirating Windows? No free Security Essentials for you!

Microsoft has confirmed via its Genuine Windows Blog that only those Windows users running genuine, validated copies will be able to download and install the new Microsoft Security Essentials software. The Director of Microsoft's Genuine Windows team, Alex Kochis, stated in his post that, "During installation, you'll be asked to validate Windows running on your PC to make sure that it's genuine." Windows validation is by no means a new technology, and has been implemented in many of Microsoft's software packages with a few notable exceptions: Internet Explorer 8, for example, and Windows Update which allows users running pirated copies of Windows to download essential security patches without validation.

Read full story.....
neowin.net - 01.10.2009

Microsoft to target Windows XP Pro users with Genuine 'nagware' notifications

Microsoft is stepping up its war on software pirates by rolling out new Windows Genuine notification software for what it is calling its most pirated version of Windows: Windows XP Professional.



In an August 26 posting to the Windows Genuine Advantage blog, Director of Genuine Windows Alex Koch said XP users should expect Microsoft to begin rolling out a new version of Windows Genuine Advantage (WGA) notifications starting this week. Microsoft is expecting the rollout to take several months.




winbeta.org - 27.08.2008

Microsoft changes 'Windows Genuine Advantage' name

Microsoft will be changing to name of it's activation and validation system from "Windows Genuine Advantage" to "Windows Activation Technologies" according to a report by Mary-Jo Foley. However, the "Genuine" brand isn't completely disappearing. A press release states that Microsoft will continue to deliver genuine updates and notifications for XP users. The program has been criticized for its punishment tactics and false-positive results, even though Microsoft has fixed some of these problems in Vista SP1. According to Microsoft, Windows 7's activation will be built on the same software protection platform that was part of Vista, with some minor tweaks made for Windows 7.

Read full story.....
neowin.net - 08.05.2009

Microsoft Debuts New Licensing Program to Enable Resellers to Help Enterprises That Are Victims of Counterfeit Software

Q&A: Cori Hartje, director of Microsoft's Genuine Software Initiative, discusses the Get Genuine Windows Agreement and other efforts the company has put in place to help customers become properly licensed and acquire genuine Microsoft software...
microsoft.com/presspass - 02.10.2007

Windows Genuine Advantage Notifications (v1.8.0031.0)

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.



This is the most current release of Windows Genuine Advantage Notifications. We encourage you to upgrade to this version. This release includes enhanced features that reflect ongoing input from customers, as well as Microsofts continually improving anti-piracy technology.




winbeta.org - 27.08.2008

Microsoft prepares Genuine Software initiative

The recently rolled out Office Genuine Advantage, along with its widely known Windows counterpart, seems to have made Microsoft decide to protect all of its paying software using a Genuine Advantage initiative.

The new tool, named simply Genuine Advantage Initiative, is aimed at protecting all Microsoft retail desktop software other than Windows and Office, which will both remain under their own Genuine Advantage. It is based on the Office version, but the changes it adds from this version is currently unknown.


jcxp.net - 28.07.2006

Internet Explorer 7 update: Now WGA-free

Microsoft has issued an updated Internet Explorer (IE) 7 release that no longer requires Windows Genuine Advantage (WGA) validation in order to download.



Program Manager Steve Reynolds announced the news on October 4 on Microsoft’s IE Team blog:WGA is the anti-piracy mechanism Microsoft uses to check whether users are running “genuine” Windows before allowing them to download certain product updates, fixes, white papers and other related information.




winbeta.org - 04.10.2007

Even with Vista SP1, Hackers Still Crack WGA

The fact that Microsoft has relaxed its antipiracy mechanism built into Windows Vista concomitantly with the release of Service Pack 1 failed to stop hackers from providing a crack for the latest version of Windows Genuine Advantage Validation. Various reports point out that Genuine Advantage Validation and Notifications versions 1.7.69.1 (1.7.0069.1) and 1.7.69.2 released in March 2008, following the March 18 availability of Windows Vista SP1 through Windows Update and the Microsoft Download Center, have been cracked.

The workaround is designed to be integrated with pirated copies of Windows XP and Windows Vista in order to render useless the WGA Validation mechanism. According to the reports, applying the WGA crack will permit users of counterfeit versions of Windows to access and download items from Windows Update, Microsoft Download Center and Microsoft Update. The pirated operating systems with the cracked WGA will pass all validations on Microsoft's websites and offer anything from updates to applications that are restricted to users of genuine operating systems only.


neowin.net - 02.04.2008

Microsoft Seals Cracks

With the impending release of Service Pack 1 for Vista, Microsoft looks to slow down the pirates by cutting off two popular hacks to circumvent the Windows Genuine Advantage Program.

Testing both these methods of circumventing Windows activation and Windows Genuine Advantage (WGA) has shown me that SP1 effectively ignores both these hacks. Systems that previously were shown to be genuine prior to the installation of SP1 then require activation - and if the system isn’t activated it is marked at non-genuine and enters the nag state.


jcxp.net - 11.02.2008

Windows Genuine Advantage Notifications Update

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.



This is the most current release of Windows Genuine Advantage Notifications. We encourage you to upgrade to this version. This release includes enhanced features that reflect ongoing input from customers, as well as Microsofts continually improving anti-piracy technology.



Specific features of this version include:

  • Improved Setup “ A new installation wizard provides an overview of the tool, and shows validation results immediately at the end of the installation process. No reboot is required following installation.
  • Redesigned User Interface - The system tray notifications have been redesigned to make them more visually appealing with clear links to full details of each message and further options for resolving any problems.
  • Improved User Assistance “ Improved messaging for users who are unable to complete validation, along with links to more and better self-help tools.



winbeta.org - 15.12.2007

Internet Explorer 7 Now Available to Pirates

Microsoft has released a minor update to Internet Explorer 7 for Windows XP, removing the requirement for users to be validated through the company's Windows Genuine Advantage program. This means those with non-legitimate or pirated copies of Windows can now upgrade their browser...
betanews.com - 05.10.2007

Microsoft Adds Firefox Support to WGA

Firefox users may still be out of the luck when it comes to Windows Update, but they can now download files from Microsoft that require Windows Genuine Advantage validation thanks to a new plug-in. WGA checks to make sure the Windows license is legit and is now a requirement on the Microsoft Download Center...
betanews.com - 17.11.2005

Microsofts Genuine Software Initiative Makes Steady Progress on Protecting Customers

Q&A: Cori Hartje, Worldwide Director, Microsoft Genuine Software Initiative, discusses Microsofts continued investments to help customers and partners realize the value of genuine software...
microsoft.com/presspass - 08.04.2008

Get Genuine Kit

The following download links include a 1 page document containing information for resellers to help customers get legal when they have non-genuine Windows XP Professional installed on their PC and a 4 page document containing frequently asked questions (FAQ) on the Get Genuine program.




winbeta.org - 21.11.2007

Microsoft slams the door on Vista pirates

Adrian Kingsley-Hughes: With the launch of SP1 Microsoft promised to put an end to two popular hacks used by pirates to allow a non-genuine install of Windows Vista to function in the same way as a genuine install. Testing that Ive carried out in the lab today suggests that Microsoft has been true to its word.



The two most common hacks used were the OEM BIOS hack and the grace timer hack (of which there were two flavors which were widespread).



Testing both these methods of circumventing Windows activation and Windows Genuine Advantage (WGA) has shown me that SP1 effectively ignores both these hacks. Systems that previously were shown to be genuine prior to the installation of SP1 then require activation - and if the system isnt activated it is marked at non-genuine and enters the nag state.




winbeta.org - 11.02.2008

Microsoft Admits WGA Phones Home

Microsoft acknowledged reports Wednesday that its latest update to Windows Genuine Advantage, an anti-piracy program implemented to detect counterfeit copies of Windows XP, phones home to the Redmond company on a daily basis...
betanews.com - 09.06.2006

Microsoft Pushes New Piracy Initiative

Expanding upon its Windows Genuine Advantage program, which requires customers to verify their licenses before downloading operating system updates, Microsoft has rolled out a new effort called the Genuine Software Initiative. The undertaking will combine the company's anti-piracy and counterfeit prevention efforts...
betanews.com - 09.03.2006

Microsoft: The Advantages of using illegal software

Microsoft has committed large resources into educating people on the illegal use of software and how it harms the industry since the launch of Windows 95. But a member over at Bink.nu has spotted an error with the latest update for the Windows Genuine Advantage Tool on Dutch versions of Windows XP, it comes with a significant typo that could be taken the wrong way.

As the pic shows for our Dutch readers it says "Laat mij enkele voordelen zien van het gebruik van illegal software als ik op voltooien klik" which when translated to English reads "Shows me some advantages of using illegal software when I click Finish" The link points to the Windows Genuine Advantage site which does anything but endorse the use of illegal software, doh!

Someone's having a laugh! Granted typos happen but one as significant as this will probably prompt an immediate/within a day or two update from Microsoft to rectify the error.


Read full story.....
neowin.net - 22.02.2007