last seen 6 days 17 hours agoLast summer I hired a pro to fix my computer. He had to reinstall windows, install a new burner, all sorts of housekeeping after a fatal crash. When he returned with my computer, he told me he also installed Windows XP Pro - I had Home previously and never mentioned that I wanted an upgrade or needed one. Now, with that new verification tool, I am being told my copy of Windows may be counterfeit. I called him and he told me I have a few options. 1) Deal with it, eventually I'll get a new computer (huh? And deal with the extra icon and constant warnings?) 2) He has a workaround that he'll come by and apply for free 3) I could pay the $150 and fully license it. I'm frustrated because I never asked for it. I had a factory installed XP home before, I was cool with it, but he took the liberty of "upgrading" me without my consent. He told me he's no longer automatically giving "upgrades" to his customers, no surprise there. Honestly, he got my computer with a valid copy of XP home and installed Pro that he assured me isn't counterfeit but only shows up as such. I think I should have a fully licensed product. I think he should reimburse me for the cost of it. Is this worth taking him to small claims court for? I really don't care to use him again, anyways. I've paid him over $400 in total to service my computer for other things - some advice from others would be appreciated.
Troubles with new Microsoft verification tool (Windows Genuine Advantage)
Posted on: Mon, 03/26/2007 - 9:02am
You betcha - I feel like I have a great lil arsenal here when something weird happens or when he pulls something shifty. Always better to have input from various objective sources before jumping into anything! =)
If you can get WGA deleted, you will need to set up Automatic Updates to get updates. Set it up "Notify but don't download or install". Scrutinize every update offered carefully. Uncheck (don't install) WGA next time it's offered and choose the option to not be offered updates you decline.
Disabling automatic updates makes Norton angry. I've pondered this for the past few days, dealing with the popup warnings and will probably just pay to have a real copy. It's one thing to snatch a program via bittorrent from time to time and use a hack/crack/keygen, but my OS isn't something I want to toy with... especially since when something goes wrong again, I'll surely use someone else to fix it.
Thanks again to all you GuGers who gave me input and help with this! I still feel awfully vindictive regarding this guy - who knows, maybe I'll pursue something.
Elleohelle,
You don't have to disable automatic updates, you just have to choose "custom install" when they are downloaded then uncheck the Windows Genuine Advantage. It will then ask you if you want to hide that update, which you'll say "yes".
You wont deal with it again, except when you see that you've hidden important updates at the Microsoft site.
Trust me, I uncheck this update all the time. I deal with over 200 computers at the college and time maximization is key. We already know that they are legit, so we save some time.
If messing with the registry is what is what is bothering you, check out some of the other options provided by the link.
"A man can stand anything except a succession of ordinary days."
-Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
Thank you thank you thank you Ashton!
I finally did the first fix you posted then unchecked it when it tried installing again. Fingers crossed this will last a while. That was easier than I expected! And all the meanie warnings and annoying nags went away! Ashton is my hero!
My comp guy knows he's in trouble - but he's good in all other aspects as far as major meltdowns, he's here within hours to fix stuff when it goes wrong, so I think I'll keep him. For now.
Thanks again for the priceless input!
No problem.
Fell free to write if the tech gives advise that you're unsure about.
"A man can stand anything except a succession of ordinary days."
-Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
is it worth it too take him to court, well you have to weigh the amount you could sue for which is probly the amount to buy a licensed version of xp which u said is 150, over the cost of taking time from work to go to court. i know for myself i would probly lose more money taking the time off than i would win in a judgement. and even if you get a judgement, if the person fails to pay, then your back to taking them to court to try and get a lien or garnishment, which means more time out of your schedule.
sorry if i sound discouraging but the hassle is one of the reasons many people don't bother suing in small claims. but if its more about the principle than the money than i'd say you have a good case to win.
It is more about principle. But he could also get into deep caca, couldn't he?
Gonna try the workaround and see what happens. Thanks for your help and input!
This should help you out.
More information on WGA Validation Tool (KB892130) and WGA Notifications (KB905474) which install LegitCheckControl.dll, WgaLogon.dll and WgaTray.exe.
With new release of WGA, some methods no longer works, and some has been updated. Several methods that has certain success on certain people, you may try until you success.
Official Method by Microsoft - more information here.
First Method
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon\Notify
Note: With this method, you may be prompted to install WGA Notifications again which can still be unselected.
I would highly recommend you visit this link for multiple methods of getting around Windows Genuine Advantage tool.
Link to disable and Remove WGA
"A man can stand anything except a succession of ordinary days."
-Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
WOW thank YOU Ashton!
Of course, I would rather just have the guy pay me (or give me credit for future work) to validate my copy, but I'll try this so I don't have to ever call him again. Or sue him for it - heck , I am in California... ha.
I knew I could count on you guys for help.