Windows Nag Windows to Counter Piracy 548
Vicegrip writes "Microsoft is enhancing its Genuine Advantage program in the US, Australia, UK, Malaysia and NZ to now include persistent nag screens to remind that your version of Windows is not licensed. These nag screens will keep appearing until you license your version of Windows or, presumably, convince Microsoft they've made a mistake."
Next move... (Score:5, Funny)
Re:Next move... (Score:5, Insightful)
Now, if they offered a scaled down version that contained only the most necessary of drivers and a simple user interface to access drives and programs (think 32-bit safe mode) that I could then build it up from there, I would jump on it in a heartbeat.
Re:Next move... (Score:4, Insightful)
Several years ago, I had hoped that Linux would be a possible upgrade path from 2000 by the time Longhorn (now Vista) gets here. But it won't be, and it looks like we'll end up paying for that upgrade, even if there *still* isn't a compelling reason to upgrade...
Re:Next move... (Score:4, Informative)
Re:Next move... (Score:5, Funny)
Re:Next move... (Score:3, Informative)
That's it.
XP _is_ technically better... (Score:4, Informative)
XP adds over 2000:
*) Volume Shadow Service (finally...)
*) MFT defragmentation support
*) 64-bit virtual memory support and 64-bit file mmaps
*) application prefetch
*) better page retiring algorithms and PTE management
*) new (faster) locks for kernel objects for SMP
*) Built-in Terminal Server and detachable console (nee remote desktop)
*) support for read-only NTFS (like on a CD or ZIP disk)
*) redesigned registry and configuration subsys (much faster, less mem, mostly lockfree)
*) slow int 0x2e syscalls replaced by sysenter/sysexit (big difference in context switches)
and a bunch of other little things behind the scenes.
So its worth going to NT 5.1/2 if you can whip it into shape.
Re:Next move... (Score:3, Funny)
Windows 2007 Dull but it worked in 1995, 1998, 2000, and 2003
Windows XP 2007 XP, new and improved for 2007
Windows X[Q...Z] If XP is "extra pain", then XQ is
Windows ME 2007 ME is Redmond-speak for "warmed over". Ah, the nostalgia of it all
Windows XP Service Pack 3 Tru
Re:Next move... (Score:3, Insightful)
obligatory (Score:5, Funny)
Re:obligatory (Score:3, Interesting)
Quote [microsoft.com]
How to uninstall Windows Genuine Advantage Notifications
You can uninstall Windows Genuine Advantage Notifications by using Add or Remove Programs in Control Panel.
Now the obvious followup question is: What happens if I do uninstall this nagware? Am I crippling Windows? Will the Windows Genuine Disadvantage (tm) be reinstalled behind my back at the next automatic update? Will my name, address, phone number, IP address, and credit card information be phoned home to the Microsoft Secret Police?
Re:obligatory (Score:4, Insightful)
With some time and testing it would be possible to come up with a diff of both before and after its installation and come up with manual removal process... Sure it can be beaten, but I doubt this method is meant to be impenetrable from the l33t hax0rs of the world, instead they are trying to stop casual piracy and those who unknowingly purchases illegal copies of Windows.
Re:obligatory (Score:3, Insightful)
I disagree. They see the sales of white box computers not matching the Windows Boxes sold and assume everyone is stealing from them. Never mind that people might be installing Linux/Win98/2000/BSD or whatever onto these computers. Look for them to lobby Congress about outlawing unlicensed computers next.
Enjoy,
Re:obligatory (Score:5, Insightful)
Your theory might hold some weight if there wasn't a huge market for counterfeit hardware, and other consumer goods. In such a case both the customer and the actual product maker end up losing because the customer doesn't have the product they thought they were buying and the actual producer's name gets tarnished if there are problems.
No, your mistaken. You would be right if we were talking about Asia. But this genuine check is targeted at the US, EU, UK, and AU were it is much harder to sell conterfeit goods (Yes I know it happens, but not on a broad scale).
This program is for the 60% of shipments White box PCs accounted for last year (See IDG/Gartner reports). Five of which I bought and installed Windows on none. See this article for more information http://slashdot.org/article.pl?sid=06/04/05/14252
Your talking points read like a Microsoft Marketing campaign.
Enjoy,
Re:obligatory (Score:3, Interesting)
At a time when Microsoft is actually facing serious competition (Linux on the Desktop may or may not be "there yet" but it's frighteningly close, and a lot of companies want a piece of Microsoft's pie) it is doing things that, in a non-monopolistic environment, would simply drive users to more co-operative competitors. Granted, Windows users have always put up with orders of magnitude more irritation, frustration and general disgust than us
Re:obligatory (Score:3, Interesting)
Excellent question. I offer a counter question.
What did it take for IBM to loose 75% of market (mind) share between 1988 and 1993? Possibly it could be because they were more expensive (IBM DOS/OS2), proprietary (PS/2,MCA), and had bad PR at the time (monopoly etc).
What did it take for Apple ][ users to switch over to Macs? Scratch that comment, I'm still an Apple ][ owner forever (Even though I own three Macs
What did
Re:obligatory (Score:4, Informative)
There is already a way to modify the registry to remove the system tray warning balloons.
Tips & Tricks: Kill the System Tray Balloons [imason.com]
(I am not sure why there is no UI for this. You'd think it'd be a common request).
Re:obligatory (Score:2)
Re:obligatory (Score:5, Informative)
Re:obligatory (Score:4, Funny)
No, it comes that way out of the box.
Re:obligatory (Score:4, Informative)
How to uninstall Windows Genuine Advantage Notifications
You can use Add or Remove Programs to view Windows Genuine Advantage Notifications, but you cannot use Add or Remove Programs to remove the notifications.
Mod parent up -- it's *not* uninstallable (Score:4, Interesting)
At any rate, what I remember being the bottom line was that you can decline to install the Notification system without penalty, by declining the EULA. However, how many people really read those EULAs, and how many people just click through them? We all know the answer to that. Once you've clicked through and agreed to install the software, it's not designed to be removable. Regardless of whether or not it may be possible to remove (much like IE is removable, if you're really determined) it's not supposed to be. This was made pretty clear in the email from the MS rep.
It's not uninstallable, it may perhaps be removable, is I guess the bottom line here. Those are two different things.
The closest you can get to "uninstalling" it is disabling the notifications, but they'll go back on automatically the next time a new release is downloaded.
Re:obligatory (Score:5, Interesting)
There's a LegitCheckControl.dll floating around that you dump into c:\windows\system32 whilst in safe mode, give the PC a reboot and all is well. Windowsupdate etc work fine.
Not that I've tried it or anything... ;)
Re:obligatory (Score:3, Informative)
There's a LegitCheckControl.dll floating around that you dump into c:\windows\system32 whilst in safe mode, give the PC a reboot and all is well. Windowsupdate etc work fine.
Not that I've tried it or anything...
Or simply flag the ActiveX as disabled. No need to download 3d party (unsafe) hacks.
Re:obligatory (Score:5, Informative)
Now it tells you that "This add-on is managed by your Administrator", and the button is grayed out. I guess BillG and/or Microsoft is my 'Administrator' now, as I can't change it while being logged in as LocalAdmin.
MS is slowly but surely pissing off the clueful audience by taking away control. Just wait for the boos with Vista when you can't install unsigned kernel drivers, plus other 'security features' that ensure you can't just crack the thing in 2 seconds by replacing a key DLL with a modified one.
Re:obligatory (Score:5, Informative)
Re:obligatory (Score:5, Funny)
Re:obligatory (Score:4, Funny)
I hope not! (Score:5, Insightful)
I don't think all of the current Windows users are willing to pay for Windows, and if they are forced into doing it, there's a good chance they'll look elsewhere. Those that do decide to pay for Windows will also eventually be tempted by any alternative that has zero cost.
In trying to make all users pay for Windows, Microsoft would be shooting themselves in the foot, and I think they realise that they need illegitimate copying. Not too much, but not too little, either...
Re:I hope not! (Score:3, Interesting)
Its like when people purchase games and the serial has already been registered.
Clever hackers create a random valid key which is used before the person with the legit box, when the person with the legit boxed version connects its too late, that magic number has already been used.
Re:I hope not! (Score:4, Interesting)
Man, that would be beautiful.
I have a feeling Microsoft would catch on though, when they saw the same IP address trying to register 50 or 60 different serial numbers a second. Maybe if you used one of those spam-zombie networks though, you could do it. (Now there's some irony.)
Re:WRONG (Score:3, Interesting)
I have experienced this update first hand;
You can decline the EULA, but most people blindly click YES without even reading them.
The nag is highly annoying. It brands the login/shutdown screen, popus up a confirmation dialog with a short pause when you login, randomly shows a bubble dialog and puts a star-like icon in the system tray.
You CANNOT remove it from add/remove programs (perhaps you ca
Comment removed (Score:5, Funny)
Re:My Mother (Score:5, Funny)
*Clippy*
It looks like you're trying to play a game!
However, your room needs cleaning and your dishes need washing first.
And why don't you go out and play with other kids instead of being closed in your room with nothing but a computer?
Off you go now!
Why not? (Score:5, Funny)
Re:Why not? (Score:5, Funny)
Re:Why not? (Score:2)
Re:Why not? (Score:5, Funny)
Re:Why not? (Score:3, Informative)
Why?
Maybe the PEBKAC? I've got an Emachines I use daily (right now!) that has had Windows installed, since it left the factory, with no re-installs (or even repair installs). That has been almost three years ago. (Model T3025)
Re:Why not? (Score:3, Informative)
Re:Why not? (Score:3, Interesting)
Will I notice? (Score:5, Funny)
Easy to circumvent... (Score:4, Interesting)
Re:Easy to circumvent... (Score:5, Insightful)
You, sir, are brilliant.
Of course, that's assuming that the dialog isn't modal and that it obeys whatever scheme you're using to hide the other Windows and never deliberately pops to the front of all desktops.... But Microsoft would never break functionality to wring more revenue out of....
Eh, never mind. Maybe not.
It should say (Score:5, Funny)
Re:It should say (Score:2)
Best thing ever... (Score:5, Insightful)
And not at the expense of existing paying Windows customers.
I don't think Microsoft is going to be convinced otherwise, and if people are pirating when they would really not use anything else, then hell, they should pay for their Windows license.
It might move those who pirate just for fun into other OS's :-)
Re:Best thing ever... (Score:4, Interesting)
Meanwhile, over here in OSX/Linux/FreeBSD-land, I'll happily tut-tut my relatives and friends who still use Windows and show them a better way to go about the whole computer thing.
time to burn a few extra Ubuntu install disks, folks :)
Or until you remove the app... (Score:4, Informative)
These nag screens will keep appearing until you license your version of Windows or, presumably, convince Microsoft they've made a mistake
Or until you remove the notifications program. From Microsoft's Genuine Advantage KB article (i.e. TFA):
You can uninstall Windows Genuine Advantage Notifications by using Add or Remove Programs in Control Panel.
Re:Or until you remove the app... (Score:2, Interesting)
Re:Or until you remove the app... (Score:2)
My first thought was to remove Windows. Works everytime
Doesn't work (Score:4, Funny)
Re:Or until you remove the app... (Score:5, Informative)
You can use Add or Remove Programs to view Windows Genuine Advantage Notifications, but you cannot use Add or Remove Programs to remove the notifications.
You can temporarily disable Windows Genuine Advantage Notifications. To do this, right-click the Notifier icon in the notification area and select Change Notifications Settings. Then, follow the prompts. This will disable the Notification Prompts until a new release of the Notification Update is released.
Re:Or until you remove the app... (Score:5, Informative)
in Control Panel.
Interesting, that's not what TFA says now. Now it says:
You can use Add or Remove Programs to view Windows Genuine Advantage Notifications, but you cannot use Add or Remove Programs to remove the notifications.
Perhaps it was changed since your comment was posted?
Check Google tomorrow.... (Score:5, Funny)
Re:Check Google tomorrow.... (Score:2)
Re:Check Google tomorrow.... (Score:2)
Now that's funny! (Score:5, Funny)
FTA: Microsoft says that every time a notification is displayed, the user will receive detailed information about the specific validation failure. The information includes steps that can be taken to resolve the problem.
These don't seem to include, "try Linux instead".
Oh to be able to hack Genuine Advantage...
Re:Now that's funny! (Score:5, Insightful)
Great..from the same !@#$% up people who gave us.. (Score:2)
Can't you at least perform your own tasks!!!!
what nags me.. (Score:5, Interesting)
Your copy of windows is genuine and activated.. but lets check it anyway. again. again and again.
Seesh.
Re:what nags me.. (Score:2)
Mistake? (Score:5, Funny)
Well, the software got out the door, so aren't we a little late on this? :)
More interesting: how it's described. (Score:5, Insightful)
From my standpoint, what was more interesting was:
a) This was a high priority item. Yes, this is as important as fixing IE flaws. Surely.
b) How it's listed in the license agreement:
MICROSOFT PRE-RELEASE SOFTWARE LICENSE TERMS
MICROSOFT WINDOWS GENUINE ADVANTAGE VALIDATION TOOL
So they're putting BETA software into high priority updates?
Re:More interesting: how it's described. (Score:2)
Planet Microsoft (Score:5, Insightful)
Do these guys WANT to drive users to open source?
Ed Almos
I agree. A win for OSS and Mac users. (Score:2)
Screen Shots Please ... (Score:5, Funny)
This is priceless! (Score:2)
Since Vista will be crapware, MS is gonna try to push people to buy XP. Nice one MS.
http://religiousfreaks.com/ [religiousfreaks.com]Re:This is priceless! (Score:2, Insightful)
I had to do the same thing with Win ME. It pained me to say that Win 98 was the better alternative, but compared to Morons Edition, it was true.
What happens if you just don't install it? (Score:4, Interesting)
Re:What happens if you just don't install it? (Score:5, Informative)
This adds another subtle way to force you to change by keeping your computer in a vulnerable state when future exploits are plugged.
Re:What happens if you just don't install it? (Score:5, Informative)
Nothing, for now. But it will be manditory soon.
For the moment, users can decline to download and install the pirate alert. But that may not last long. "While the program is presently opt-in, as it expands later in the year, it may become a requirement for the AU [Automatic Updates] service," Microsoft said in a FAQ on its Web site.
From the article here: http://www.informationweek.com/news/showArticle.j
"Microsoft is limiting IE 7 and Windows Defender updates for non-genuine users," the company said on its Web site. Windows Vista, scheduled for general release in January 2007, will have an even bigger carrot: its Aero Glass interface will run only on valid copies of the operating system.
Enjoy,
a n00b writes... (Score:3, Funny)
has _anyone_ done this?
Piracy is strating to end but... (Score:4, Interesting)
DMCA: Anybody pointing to or discussing a crack .. (Score:2, Insightful)
Welcome to the new world order.
Anagram (Score:5, Funny)
Re:Anagram (Score:2)
Re:Anagram (Score:3, Informative)
(NAG==GAN) returns false.
Re:Anagram (Score:3, Funny)
Wanna invade an Eastern country?
Comment removed (Score:3, Insightful)
English First World (Score:2)
Phew! Canada dodges a bullet.
Comment removed (Score:3, Informative)
Re:Opt Out (Score:3, Interesting)
(btw, my copy of XP is legit.)
If it wasn't, you wouldn't have been able to disable auto-updates. Owners of copies that fail genuine check can choose between auto-updates or no updates, period.
What type of nag message windows? (Score:4, Insightful)
Maybe they could have the annoying Search Mutt take up the left hand window and do a little animation while I have to figure out how to turn it off?
Or they could have that bastard Clippy come on screen and tell me something like "It looks like your copy of Microsoft Windows" isn't licensed properly." with a list of solutions on how I can throw more money at MS.
Lastly there is the universal message box that could pop up right in the middle of the screen stealing focus. That's a classic.
Microsoft Windows has so many annoyances to choose from that most users will probably just click OK when the message box pops up. After all, it's worked so well for WinZip.
Re:What type of nag message windows? (Score:3, Interesting)
I do agree there are too many annoying pop ups and messages, but then, because of the installed marketshare that Windows has, they have to cater to the lowest common denominator, i.e. people that wouldn't realize their USB could work faster because they have no clue what the difference is between 1.1 and 2.0.
On the other hand, you could model an OS like OSX, which tells you nothing. You never know when something doesn't work because Apple doesn't see
Re:What type of nag message windows? (Score:3, Informative)
Whoo boy!! Have i got a registry key for you!
Create/set a new DWORD: enableballoontips=0(hex value)
Re:What type of nag message windows? (Score:3, Informative)
Strangely enough, I got a new PC in work today that was the most recent XP build our IT dept has put out. On the search page there was a new "link" at the bottom saying "turn off animated character". I clicked on it and the dog walked off into the distance, never to be seen again. That damn mutt actually made me smile! Nice new feature, not sure if it was M$'s
Horrible submission (Score:3, Informative)
Second, as nearly everyone has already noted, as designed this will not "keep appearing until you license your version of Windows or, presumably, convince Microsoft they've made a mistake." It is uninstallable.
May I take a moment to remind these users that... (Score:3, Insightful)
Missing the point... (Score:5, Informative)
It's all good. (Score:5, Insightful)
Seriously, it's nothing but good for everybody.
1. Microsoft gets to protect the copyright on its products. Protecting copyright is good for everyone. Proprietary, GPL, Open Source, it all boils down to Intelectual Property Law, and if there were no circumvention of it, people would be forced to make more appropriate choices. You're pretty pissed when companies violate the GPL, right? You should be equally pissed when someone violates the Windows EULA. Look at it this way: for every pirated copy of Windows, there is one less Linux User. If they can't afford Windows, welcome to the Free World.
2. If you can't run a bootleg copy of Windows, maybe you will try something else/better
== feh ==
Good thing I've got anti-spyware... (Score:3, Funny)
I'm installing linux... (Score:3, Interesting)
Thank you Microsoft.
That was easy. (Score:5, Informative)
And since the read bit is still there, you won't trip Windows Update to force you to reinstall it; the DLL still matches with the WU catalog and all the WGA registry keys are still in place.
Re:How? (was Re:That was easy.) (Score:5, Informative)
Now, let's change the permissions for WgaLogon:
Now we have a local copy of the ACL which we can modify.
You can now turn "Use simple file sharing" back on, if you want.
On morality (Score:3, Interesting)
While I agree in principle, I feel Microsoft has lost the moral right to my money. My point:
I go out to buy bread daily and my town has a street with all the supermarkets right next to eachother. Microsoft is one of them. They sell bread but I don't like the taste of their bread, so I go and buy at a competitor. All is fine.
The next day I come back, expecting to buy my bread at the store I bought at yesterday, but the store is on fire. Microsoft is holding a wholesale on matches. I go to yet another competitor. All is fine.
The next day I come back, expecting to buy my bread at the store I bought at yesterday, but the store is flooded and you can see sharks swimming in the water. Microsoft is holding a wholesale on garden hose...
You'll see where I'm going at. In the end there is only Microsoft with crappy tasting bread, Apple who sells exotic whole grain Knackebrod and Linux who just stands on the sidewalk and hands out free stuff. The only reason why Apple still exists is because they are expensive, and the whole reason Linux exists is because Microsoft can't destroy their store.
In short, Microsoft made bloody sure I HAVE NO CHOICE but to use windows (I play games, yes I know about Cedega, I have other windows only programs that I need to run, yes I know of wine and reactos, stop trying to ruin my example). So I see no moral reason to hand this thug my money.
If windows ever becomes 100% pirate proof, I will head to Linux even if I have to give up gaming. I'm a software engineer. One thing Microsoft does NOT want me to do is go to Linux, find out that I cannot do certain things I _have_ to have and then make it myself. Although I do think Linux would start a tremendous growth spurt if this scenario would ever come into play.
You can, but... (Score:2)
So frankly all you are doing is removing the ability of your computer to assert that it is infact genuine. Thus for any future checks it will automatically fail. Your arent accomplishing much.
Re:Or, presumably, until you UNINSTALL (Score:4, Funny)
Yes.
We'll see you in a few minutes. Thanks.
- BSA [msversus.org]
Re:Why I pirate Windows. (Score:5, Funny)
I agree, the botnet running on my cousin's PC hasn't crashed in months. Go, Microsoft!