New Genuine Advantage Nag features added by MS

[Poppa_Meth]

http://star-techcentral.com/tech/story.asp?file=/2006/4/25/prodit/14029720&sec=prodit

BY CHRISTY LEE S. W.

PIRATED software users be warned. Microsoft Corp is going to start “nagging” Windows users who do not have a legitimate copy of its operating system (OS).

Starting tomorrow, the software giant will permanently flag personal computers that are not running a genuine copy of Windows.

This move affects the six million Windows users in this country, as well as those in the United States, Britain, New Zealand and Australia.

Industry sources informed In.Tech that the software giant is giving Windows the ability to tell if a user's PC is running a genuine or pirated version of the OS, via an update patch that becomes available from tomorrow.

The patch takes effect if a PC user has opted to automatically update Windows the moment he goes online. It will also take effect should a PC user manually download the latest Windows updates.

If the OS is an unauthorised copy, a pop-up dialogue box will appear on the Windows login screen, informing the user that his copy of the OS is counterfeit and that he should get a genuine copy.

A notification stating “This copy of Windows is not genuine. You may be a victim of software counterfeiting.” is also permanently “tattooed” to the bottom righthand corner of the same screen.

Another pop-up message which states that “You may be a victim of software counterfeiting. This copy of Windows is not genuine. Click this balloon to resolve now.” will appear at random times whenever the computer is in use

The only way to stop the messages from appearing is to replace the OS with a genuine copy, available from any of Microsoft's authorised dealers in the country.



All together now

When contacted by In.Tech, Microsoft Malaysia said the Windows update is being released simultaneously in all five countries.

K.T. Ng, group manager for Windows Client solutions at Microsoft Malaysia, said the update is part of the second wave of the software giant's Windows Genuine Advantage (WGA) initiative.

The initiative is aimed at protecting its customers and partners from counterfeit software, he said.

It is not to punish anyone using pirated copies of Windows, but to better serve Microsoft's genuine users.

“Genuine Windows users are rewarded with Internet Explorer 7.0 (IE7) and Windows Defender,” said Ng.

IE7 is an even more secure version of Microsoft's web browser while Windows Defender is an antispyware tool (see In.Tech, April 18 and 20 for more details).

PC users with systems that have been tattooed will not be able to download IE7 or Windows Defender, but will still receive security patches for Windows.



Beware the 'nagulator'

Ng has nicknamed the automatic antipiracy pop-up message system as the “nagulator.”

He said it would nag users of counterfeit copies of Windows into going legitimate.

“But if you are a businessman or a corporate executive, it would also be embarrassing to have the nagulator pop-up during a PC-based presentation or during an office visit by clients or potential customers,” he said.

According to Ng, the nagulator would also alert consumers to counterfeit copies of Windows.

He said counterfeiters have been able to reproduce Microsoft product packaging to the point where consumers are unable to tell genuine from imitation.

“Those customers will now have peace of mind,” he said. “Also, users who buy a PC or laptop preloaded with Windows, will be able to check if they are victims of software piracy.”

Microsoft officially launched its WGA initiative in July last year.

It estimates that about 200,000 Windows users in Malaysia will have their systems validated tomorrow because they have opted for automatic updates.

[guns1inger]

Already coming down the pipe in windows updates. Got it a couple of hours ago.

[Poppa_Meth]

Me too. No issues so far. I'm just hoping it doesn't bother legitimate users. I've only got one PC running a copy of Win2000 (since I use the thing once every couple months) I'm not sure whether or not to chance it on that and see what happens just for the hell of it.

[guns1inger]

If you don't autoinstall updates, you can always choose not to download/install it. It won't be an issue until you need more than just security updates.

[RottenFoxBreath]

ive had it pop up a few times on my new sony vaio,laptop,replaced by my insurance company,on friday,and noone on microsofts help phone line knew about it.
kept telling me that oem sp2 installs may be flagged,as new serial no.s arent always up to date..
still no info on how to get rid,but i give it a week,and there will be some file or other to disable it.
another pisser for me was when i said,that my windows was only 5 days old,why the f**k was there 31 critical updates for it,it cant have been that new,i was greeted with a strange,uncomfortable silence(not for me,more for the gimp on the other end).
then he wanted me to register my windows over the phone...stupid twat not realizing that oem doesnt need registering,and that ended the call.

[MJA]

" 1- go to safe mode and delete following files from c:\windows\system32 (make sure you can view hidden system files)

Delete WgaTray.exe from c:\windowss\ystem32
Delete WgaTray.exe from c:\windows\system32\dllcache
Delete Wgalogon.dll from c:\windowss\ystem32
Delete Wgalogon.dll from c:\windowss\ystem32\dllcache

2- go to start --> run -->type regedt32 to run registery editor and
delete the folder "WGALOGON" located in the following location:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\ Windows NT\CurrentVersion\WinlogonNotify\wgalogon

make sure to delete all whole sub folder "wgalogon" in registry editor. Next time you reboot?

I'm not sure if it works though.I have no issuse with my copy

[lordsmurf]

Because of stuff like this, I quit re-infecting ... err, updating... Windows long ago. These sorts of draconian anti-piracy updates always end up hurting somebody legitimate. I just assume not be updated if it means gambling on their coding abilities. If something were to happen to my system, I really do not have time to waste on silly fixes for silly updates.

[waheed]

www.autopatcher.com

[BJ_M]

btw -- microsoft was sued (along with autodesk) on this whole thing .....

not on the fact that they are doing it -- but that they used technology that was patented by another company without permission ...


microsft (and autodesk) lost the case -- they have to pay 115 million .... autodesk is not contesting it ... MS might i understand ..

April 19, 2006
z4 Downs 2

David Colvin of Michigan-based z4, owner of software piracy patents 6,044,471 and 6,785,825, scored a preliminary $115 million dollar judgment against Microsoft, and an $18 million tab against Autodesk. It is shocking to think that an innocent waif like Microsoft could have been found to have willfully infringed, as did Autodesk, and so still faces the prospect of treble damages.

Autodesk wisely kept its mouth shut about the verdict. But Microsoft was in heavy denial. Microsoft lackey Jack Evans, who doesn't know jack about patents, emailed it in: "We continue to contend that there was no infringement of any kind and that the facts in this case show that Microsoft developed its own product activation technologies well before z4 Technologies filed for its patent." That song-and-dance didn't woo the folks in court who counted.

6,044,471 claims go to securing software to reduce unauthorized use, while 6,785,825 claims a method for securing software to decrease software piracy.

Microsoft thinks it has an ace up its sleeve: the court has yet to rule on inequitable conduct by z4 during prosecution of the patents, knowingly withholding relevant prior art.

After a 6-day trial in that well-oiled patent litigation machine called the Eastern District of Texas, jurors deliberated 19 hours straight, to just past midnight Wednesday morning, to get down on the hard word.

http://mcsmith.blogs.com/eastern_district_of_texas/2006/04/eastern_distric.html

[disturbed1]

'm just hoping it doesn't bother legitimate users.

Happened to 3 of my friends with HP computers. They called HP, HP says call Microsoft, Microsoft said it was a problem for HP to fix, HP said we'll fix it, let me transfer you and have your CC number ready. When you turn on the machine it tells you your copy maybe illegal, you can just click fix later, then once Windows is up and running there is a little icon in the task bar that reminds your copy of Windows could be pirated.

All I did was reinstall XP Home from an OEM CD using their COA, called Microsoft to activate, no problems yet. I found it strange that I had to call Microsoft to activate these machines, out of maybe 100+ XP installs, I've only had the auto activation fail 6-10 times. Microsoft did verify the HP model number of the PC too.

Not stating only/all HP systems have a problem, my girlfriend's parents also have an HP, they have had no issues.

[offline]

I had a few calls and just gave 'em a MSSE key. Also anyone who auto updates anyway is a....urm.. unwise person

[Morse2]

>>>...Also anyone who auto updates anyway is a....urm.. unwise person ...<<<

I second that, Offline!

Given MS's track record, no way will I trust their nagware on anything.

All the best,
Morse

[cd090580]

A thing like should should be totally forbidden. I hate those people who only live for their fu**** $$$$$

[ROF]

A thing like should should be totally forbidden. I hate those people who only live for their fu**** $$$$$

I agree. Microsoft should be able to prevent bootups for all non-genuine versions with a phone number to call prominently displayed. These users should not(even if it's not directly their fault) to continue using potentially stolen software. A simple phone call would solve those who have a legitimate copy mistakenly tagged as non-genuine. Those who pirate would be dead in the water.

[Poppa_Meth]

Mine autoupdated before I realized what it was doing. So far no problems, but I've switched back to prompted updates on all the PCs I service. I don't want it slipping through anymore if I don't have to have it.

[ViRaL1]

A thing like should should be totally forbidden. I hate those people who only live for their fu**** $$$$$

I agree. Microsoft should be able to prevent bootups for all non-genuine versions with a phone number to call prominently displayed. These users should not(even if it's not directly their fault) to continue using potentially stolen software. A simple phone call would solve those who have a legitimate copy mistakenly tagged as non-genuine. Those who pirate would be dead in the water.

Potentially being the key word. If this control was such that ONLY those who had pirated copies were affected, I'd be more supported, but it does a pretty good job of screwing up legitimate licensed users as well.

Imagine if you got in your on your way to work in the morning and it wouldn't start because it MIGHT have POTENTIALLY been stolen. Sure it's no fault of your own that it's been flagged, but now you have to call GM, punch in your VIN, wait for it to be validated, have an automated line tell you that your car MIGHT have had too many modifications and that you'll have to hold for someone in India so that you can start your car and drive to work.

Granted, I do recognize the difference between a car that you own and an operating system that you license, but this borders on ridiculous.

[ROF]

Potentially being the key word. If this control was such that ONLY those who had pirated copies were affected, I'd be more supported, but it does a pretty good job of screwing up legitimate licensed users as well.

Imagine if you got in your on your way to work in the morning and it wouldn't start because it MIGHT have POTENTIALLY been stolen. Sure it's no fault of your own that it's been flagged, but now you have to call GM, punch in your VIN, wait for it to be validated, have an automated line tell you that your car MIGHT have had too many modifications and that you'll have to hold for someone in India so that you can start your car and drive to work.

Granted, I do recognize the difference between a car that you own and an operating system that you license, but this borders on ridiculous.

Been there, done that. Called Microsoft within 15 minutes everything was cleared up and I was ready for my morning meetings. So what I had to skip my cigarette beforehand because I was on phone with MS. It would not have been nice to show up with a non-genuine version just because I needed my nicotine. I drank two cups of coffee instead.

Did it stop me from missing anything important? No. My copy was legitimate. From the time I called until the time it was corrected was no more than 15 minutes. The reason I put potentially was because I had a personal experience. My vendor nor I had done anything wrong. Microsoft quickly corrected whatever problem there was and I was on my way. I did not have to wait on hold for someone in India. I was tranferred to another department towards the end of my call so I waited approximately 30 seconds and I also was on hold for about 3 minutes(timed to my coffee cups fullness to emptiness) while I awaited someone to return with a solution. That was my only wait times. Since it was not my fault I have also received a 10% discount on my next Microsoft purchase. Since my sister will be buying a computer for nephew who is starting college in the fall I think I will apply the 10% to her machine construction.

Would this have been any different if I couldn't get into windows? No. Because having a blaring "You stole this OS" blue star would have been just as bad as having a non-functional laptop. In either case the computer would have been unuseable. In either case, Microsoft would have corrected the situation. I would feel much better knowing Microsoft has shut down piracy instead of giving pirates a "Badge of (dis)Honor". Stopping them from using stolen goods would send a better message IMO.

[BobK]

Been there, done that. Called Microsoft within 15 minutes everything was cleared up and I was ready for my morning meetings. So what I had to skip my cigarette beforehand because I was on phone with MS.

And so what if an employer has to pay people for the 15 minutes they're on the phone with MS? After all, it's okay for MS to steal that time because they're trying to stop people from stealing from MS.

Of course if it's your own time being wasted then you can determine that your time isn't worth anything- but everyone else might not agree with you supporting MS wasting their time.

[ROF]

Been there, done that. Called Microsoft within 15 minutes everything was cleared up and I was ready for my morning meetings. So what I had to skip my cigarette beforehand because I was on phone with MS.

And so what if an employer has to pay people for the 15 minutes they're on the phone with MS? After all, it's okay for MS to steal that time because they're trying to stop people from stealing from MS.

Of course if it's your own time being wasted then you can determine that your time isn't worth anything- but everyone else might not agree with you supporting MS wasting their time.

True, but it is my own time. I drive to work and arrive typically 45 minutes early so I can have coffee, relax, check up on the latest financial news, etc.

In my opinion employers could drastically increase work time by supplying smokers with ash trays and allowing us to sit at our desks and smoke like we did years ago instead of forcing us to not only go outside but also walk away from the building 150 feet. Microsoft isn't wasting your time. If anything, it's corporate policy and legislative policy that is wasting your employees productivity time.

[thecoalman]

Would this have been any different if I couldn't get into windows? No. Because having a blaring "You stole this OS" blue star would have been just as bad as having a non-functional laptop.

So you wouldn't have a problem if you were running a big powerpoint presentation from your laptop and.... across the 8 foot projection screen "this is a stolen OS" came up...... or it just just completely shut off in the middle of the presentation. That should impress the clientele.

Someone being locked out of the OS they paid for is not right no matter what the circumstances. If they can make it work so that only yht people with pirated software get locked out then I can agree with you but if is in any way going to affect real customers then I don't agree.

[BobK]

True, but it is my own time. I drive to work and arrive typically 45 minutes early so I can have coffee, relax, check up on the latest financial news, etc.

No doubt the other 249,000 million working people in the US don't mind if you and MS waste 15 minutes of their time every day either. And if MS can do it, why not every other company that makes a product you use.

In my opinion employers could drastically increase work time by supplying smokers with ash trays and allowing us to sit at our desks and smoke like we did years ago instead of forcing us to not only go outside but also walk away from the building 150 feet.

In my opinion, it's up to employers to make that decision- not MS.

Microsoft isn't wasting your time. If anything, it's corporate policy and legislative policy that is wasting your employees productivity time.

No, in this particular case it's MS wasting those 15 minutes. Corporate policy and legislative policy may waste much more time, corporate policy is decided by the people who are paying for the wasted time- not another company.

But you seem to be reduced to 2 basic arguments:

1- You don't mind wasting your time, therefore no one else should mind if their time is wasted.

2- MS should be able to do whatever they want as long as you can find other companies or governments doing things worse.

[ROF]

True, but it is my own time. I drive to work and arrive typically 45 minutes early so I can have coffee, relax, check up on the latest financial news, etc.

No doubt the other 249,000 million working people in the US don't mind if you and MS waste 15 minutes of their time every day either. And if MS can do it, why not every other company that makes a product you use.

Everyday? What are you on about? This happened once and has been corrected within 15 minutes. I agree. All companies should be able to turn off their software if suspected piracy is occuring. It is a mild inconvenience compared to the billions of dollars lost each year due to piracy.

In my opinion employers could drastically increase work time by supplying smokers with ash trays and allowing us to sit at our desks and smoke like we did years ago instead of forcing us to not only go outside but also walk away from the building 150 feet.

In my opinion, it's up to employers to make that decision- not MS. [/quote]

I wish it were. My employer(CEO) smokes like a chimney in the dead of winter. She would gladly allow us to smoke at our desks but State policy lawmakers have made it so that it is a crime to do so.

Microsoft isn't wasting your time. If anything, it's corporate policy and legislative policy that is wasting your employees productivity time.

No, in this particular case it's MS wasting those 15 minutes. Corporate policy and legislative policy may waste much more time, corporate policy is decided by the people who are paying for the wasted time- not another company.

But you seem to be reduced to 2 basic arguments:

1- You don't mind wasting your time, therefore no one else should mind if their time is wasted.

2- MS should be able to do whatever they want as long as you can find other companies or governments doing things worse.[/quote]

Incorrect. No one else should mind if they own a legitimate version. Are you happy that those who pirate software are still allowed to use something you paid hundreds of dollars for? It might be inconvenient but at least stopping piracy would actually be the practice of microsoft instead of rewarding pirates with an icon of (dis)honor.

[ROF]

Would this have been any different if I couldn't get into windows? No. Because having a blaring "You stole this OS" blue star would have been just as bad as having a non-functional laptop.

So you wouldn't have a problem if you were running a big powerpoint presentation from your laptop and.... across the 8 foot projection screen "this is a stolen OS" came up...... or it just just completely shut off in the middle of the presentation. That should impress the clientele.

Someone being locked out of the OS they paid for is not right no matter what the circumstances. If they can make it work so that only yht people with pirated software get locked out then I can agree with you but if is in any way going to affect real customers then I don't agree.

Read the entire post or even the portion you quoted and you'd see that I "do" have a problem with that. That's why I spent my time correcting the issue.

[BobK]

No doubt the other 249,000 million working people in the US don't mind if you and MS waste 15 minutes of their time every day either.

Everyday? What are you on about? This happened once and has been corrected within 15 minutes. I agree. All companies should be able to turn off their software if suspected piracy is occuring. It is a mild inconvenience compared to the billions of dollars lost each year due to piracy.

It happened once with MS. If every product you legally owned and/or used required an extra 15 minutes of time then it would be every day for a lot of days.

The fact that only it's only a mild inconvenience to you is irrevelant. MS is essentially stealing 15 minutes of you (or your employers) time. The fact that they're stealing hoping to prevent piracy doesn't excuse their theft.

All companies should be able to turn off their software if suspected piracy is occuring.

No matter how inconvenient it is to to people whose softare isn't pirated?

But you seem to be reduced to 2 basic arguments:

1- You don't mind wasting your time, therefore no one else should mind if their time is wasted.

Incorrect. No one else should mind if they own a legitimate version.

Incorrect?? I say that you think no one else should mind, and you reply with "incorrect, no one else should mind?"

I mind. And so do many other people who own a legitimate version that MS decides might be a pirated copy and shuts it off.

As I say, you don't mind, therefore you think no one else should mind. You're wrong- many people do mind. If MS can get the bugs out of their piracy detection software then they should stop using it.

It might be inconvenient but at least stopping piracy would actually be the practice of microsoft instead of rewarding pirates with an icon of (dis)honor.

Exactly how is that (whatever it is you're talking about) an icon of (dis/honor)?

[Bjs]

Ms might abandone it yet , after my report was sent in ... crashed my genuine xp pro .

Since then , it has not come back ... do it again though , and I'll bill ms for repair's .

[offline]

Know what's funny? I'm not hearing a peep out of China. You know China, the place where XP SP2+ "costs" less than a couple of Yuan (50 cents) from shops, stalls and street vendors. Funny that - must be all corporate versions

[robertazimmerman]

Just Google it and you will find the solution.

Roberta

[Colindale]

A thing like should should be totally forbidden. I hate those people who only live for their fu**** $$$$$

I agree. Microsoft should be able to prevent bootups for all non-genuine versions with a phone number to call prominently displayed. These users should not(even if it's not directly their fault) to continue using potentially stolen software. A simple phone call would solve those who have a legitimate copy mistakenly tagged as non-genuine. Those who pirate would be dead in the water.

Grow up ROF and open your mind!, your dealing with members of the Ape family, you know,
evolved animals.

Also, I dont think you understood what the person you are quoting said!.

[thecoalman]

Read the entire post or even the portion you quoted and you'd see that I "do" have a problem with that. That's why I spent my time correcting the issue.

My point being if you didn't know it was an issue until it happened during a presentation or right before when you don't have the 15 minutes to rectify the situation.