Windows Advantage

[tyre_tread]

A little while ago i was having a problem with a message saying that my copy of Windows XP was not genuine and I found, on this form, a link to some software that resolved the problem.

I need it again (thanks Mrs TT) and I can't find it by searching the forums. Can anyone point me in the right direction please?

Many thanks

[ThePassenger]

Erm.... is your copy of Windows legit?

I think if you can show Microsoft that WGA is in error they'll sort it out for you.
Otherwise your left looking for something that would disable Windows Genuine Advantage probably with the aid of google, also you'll want the latest version as I belive the old trick of disabling the ActiveX control no longer works.

[che6mw]

have you tried rebooting (oooooo i sound like a help desk!) as i had the same issue but Windows sorted itself out after a power down and restart.

[tyre_tread]

Windows in legit copy but can't find the documentation and instal disk to prove it.

Re-boot doesn't work I'm afraid.

There are plenty of sites recommending a multiple stage techno geek process but the download i found did it all for you.

[FunkyGibbon]

Try and activate the copy of windows. It will probably fail, but it gives you a phone number and the procedure to get a new activation code.

Give Microsoft a call and they'll sort it out.

[Jinx]

Can't you just disable WGA using process explorer/ autoruns from sysinternals? yes my windows is legit I just don't like pointless programs filling up my memory

[tyre_tread]

FunkyGibbon said:

Try and activate the copy of windows. It will probably fail, but it gives you a phone number and the procedure to get a new activation code.

Give Microsoft a call and they'll sort it out.

so how do your prove its a legit copy?

Call Microsoft? I won't even call my bank as I can't stand the call centre mentality.

[tyre_tread]

Jinx said:

Can't you just disable WGA using process explorer/ autoruns from sysinternals? yes my windows is legit I just don't like pointless programs filling up my memory

I don't mean to be rude, and yes you probably can, but that's technobabble to me which is why I wanted the original link with the routine that performed the process automatically.

[FunkyGibbon]

tyre_tread said:

FunkyGibbon said:

Try and activate the copy of windows. It will probably fail, but it gives you a phone number and the procedure to get a new activation code.

Give Microsoft a call and they'll sort it out.

so how do your prove its a legit copy?

Call Microsoft? I won't even call my bank as I can't stand the call centre mentality.

To be honest they were very good with me. My PC crashed and I had to re-install XP from an OEM start up DVD.

It would not activate even when I typed in the OEM licence number on the sticker.

You phone them, tell them you are recovering a system crash and that it is an OEM version of XP.

They talk you through a procedure that generates a number on your PC (a long hash code that depends on hardware etc) - you tell the operator that number - they read back to you the activation number, you type it in.

Job done in less than 5 mins.

edited to add - I didn't need to prove anything regarding legitimacy of the software. They didn't ask for any personal details either.

FG

Edited by FunkyGibbon on Thursday 9th November 14:33

[Jinx]

tyre_tread said:

Jinx said:

Can't you just disable WGA using process explorer/ autoruns from sysinternals? yes my windows is legit I just don't like pointless programs filling up my memory

I don't mean to be rude, and yes you probably can, but that's technobabble to me which is why I wanted the original link with the routine that performed the process automatically.

Sorry Tyre tread didn't mean to go all technobabble on you (hard to judge the expertise level from the initial query). Download www.microsoft.com/technet/sysinternals/Security/Autoruns.mspx and search for the tick box next to WGA (windows genuine advantage) and untick. Reboot and hopefully windows will stop pestering you.

[road2ruin]

The best, and only, way I have heard of (and it does work) is to look in the windows/system32 folder on your h/d. Inside you will find two files on called wgatray.exe and one with a similar name wgalogon.dll, I believe, (there will only be two). Rename these with the .old or.bac extension then load up wordpad or word and save two blank text files with the name of the original files including the extension ie wgatray.exe (even though its a text file). Then re-boot and its gone. To stop it coming back in the future, coz it will, set your updates to download but I will install. Then when you come to install choose custom install untick the windows genuine advantage if it is asking to install again (it does this every so often) and ask it not to remind you about it again. Never know might get lucky.

Edited by road2ruin on Thursday 9th November 15:56

[tyre_tread]

Thanks guys.

Problem solved. Did a system restore to just before the updates using Start, Help & support.

I wll be investigatind the permanent solution you have suggested though as I'm sure the problem will re-emerge