Good installations of Windows Genuine Validation tool?

[wantathinkpad]

okay. So I know this thing can be quite annoying but I know the majority (based on the lack of posts on this topic) have had no problems with the installation.

So do you do anything before installing?
Are there still annoying things about it?

I ask this because I am afraid to download. Because it doesn't sounds like I can uninstall or recover a bad installation.

[GomJabbar]

It's only annoying if you do not have a Genuine Copy of Windows.

[jdhurst]

The annoying thing about Genuine Windows Validation is that it runs over and over and over again. It never stops and Microsoft now admits that they are running it on a continuous basis to collect information about you. They know who you are by tracking the model and serial of your ThinkPad. It does not matter to them that you are legal. They are intent on collecting private information (for which they have no need) to determine whether the Windows install is legal. Worse, they only need to check once, but they keep doing it. My guess is that the frequency of checks will continue to increase but that is a speculation on my part. ... JDH

[wantathinkpad]

yeah my copy of Windows is Genuine. But I heard about this rechecking thing not sure how i feel about it. Sooner or later I will have to install it I guess.

But just making sure again. It is not CPU or memory hogging? and any inquiries are just at start up correct?

[jdhurst]

It does not hog the CPU or memory. It works quietly by stealth instead. ... JDH

[Stargate199]

I have the WGA Validation tool, but not the WGA Notification. The Validation tool is whats needed to download software off Microsoft's Website. I do not think it collects any information, but then again it's Micro$oft so anything is possible. The WGA Notifications is the program that got all the hype last year. You need WGA Validation tool if you want to upgrade to IE7 or WMP11. Otherwise, if you use the automatic updates, you should be fine. Do not set it to full automatic, otherwise it will install the notification program. WGA programs are not needed to install updates through automatic updates (yet, we'll see with SP3)

[wantathinkpad]

okay. I didn't realize there was a difference. I definitely don't need any notificaitons. Also I downloaded Wmp11 a few months ago because just clicking update in WMP didn't work. I got it off downloads.com (CNET). and it installed fine. But I am going to assume it is impossible to get IE 7 stand alone?

[Stargate199]

You can get IE7 from Microsoft's website. Just go to the Internet Explorer page and there should be a link to download it. WGA validation tool is required for the install to work. IE7 will only work with Windows XP with Service Pack 2 installed.

[RealBlackStuff]

Phone 'home' to Micro$haft at every boot up can be suppressed, using XP-Antispy: http://xp-antispy.org/index.php?lang=en
It lets you change a few useful other items as well.

[bonestonne]

i see no reason in installing it whatsoever. i bought my XP, i know its legal, i could scan the box and CD as proof [however its little proof as i could just as easily find a picture on the internet and use that.

that and you don't actually need it. just google the patch or file you're looking for, and i can almost guarantee you'll be able to find a direct link somewhere for it. M$ doesn't need to know anything about you. its true that most people hit the mentality of "i know i'm legal, i have nothing to hide", however, nothing goes unchecked. browsing habits, personal blogs, all that and more...i'd rather i keep to myself than let M$ keep an eye on me.