Windows Genuine Advantage?

[Lisa0825]

The Windows Genuine Advantage Notification tool notifies you if your copy of Windows is not genuine. If your system is found to be a non-genuine, the tool will help you obtain a licensed copy of Windows.

More information for this update can be found at http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=39157

This automatic update came up today. I don't think this sounds like something I want to install :shrug: This was a hand-me-down computer, and I honestly don't know if my copy of Windows is legit, or if the CD has been used since then.

I see from google that hackers have already broken it.

[Prisoner_Number_Six]

1. Go ahead and let it install.

If your copy is legit, no problem. If it isn't, it'll simply bug you with a tray icon that constantly reminds you that you're a software pirate and you'll burn burn BURN in hell- other than that, it just won't let you do security updates. Nothing will be disabled, and the software cops won't come busting your door down. The NSA may, however... :evilgrin:

[DavidMS]

2. How to check.

If you PC has a COA sticker (somthing like this ) you are definately fine. Otherwise, you need to record the COA (you can use keyfinder by Magic Jelly Bean).

[welshTerrier2]

3. i'm legit ... and i'm not installing the thing ...

this seems like blatant invasiveness to me ... who knows what they're tracking or could track ... when i buy a pc and an operating system, i'm done ... the security updates are little more than fixing a defective product ...

if MS keeps pushing this nonsense, i'm switching to Linux ...

[Redneck Socialist]

6. I installed it

but this sort of thing bugs the shit out of me. I'm considering Linux too.

[Kali]

4. My windows is legit and I had a hell of a time

doing authenticity verification! It may not let you even if yours is good!!!!

[Kali]

5. amending my opinion

my computer died shortly after I posted this and my problems may have been related to that rather than microsoft.