What? Microsoft is trying to check i am what??
As far as if I'm running an update. Who knows?! They're all automatic.
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Windows Genuine Advantage Notifications on Start Up
Hello,
I am getting Windows Genuine Notifications pop up at start up. Being that I've had my computer nearly 3 years and this is just now showing up, I'm reluctant to install anything like this on account of the fact that I just recently eliminated some malware (sysguard.exe).
Is this thing legitimate or another issue? I have attached a screen shot of the pop up.
Thanks,
Gavin
- notification.jpg
- 59 KB
Windows Genuine Advantage Notification Screen Shot
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Answers
Check here:
http://www.microsoft.com/g
It's an ActiveX plug-in that checks your Windows installation is legal - you'll still be able to get security updates from Windows Update without using it but not other product updates.
Nope it's been about for at least 3 years maybe more, because they push it via Automatic Updates you've probablly had it installed without noticing. The clean up on your machine has probably kicked it into action (but not in a malicious way)
Check on your machine for a folder at C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Windows Genuine Advantage
That your machine was previously registered with WGA. Microsoft continually modify the WGA code - cynics might say because people without genuine installs keep hacking it to make their installations appear legitimate.
The info in the DAT file is used to confirm you have a genuine version when you connect to the update server.
No Problem
Yes - the latest incarnation of WGA was pushed week commencing March 24
See: http://blogs.msdn.com/wga/
So the infection you removed may have prevented it downloading earlier or simply as you are updating the system after your clean-up your getting the current version installing.
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by: MASQUERAIDPosted on 2009-04-16 at 07:55:14ID: 24158413
Yep- that's the WGA installer - it's legitimate (unless you weren't running a Microsoft Update) - Microsoft are trying to check if you are too!