Windows Genuine Advantage Validation Tool (KB892130)

Question

I'll post this here since it concerns what amounts to security updates.   This is the third time I have been asked to download this software. Since I have been downloading MS updates for years, why does it want to check once again to make sure I don't have an illegal copy of Windows. Can't it search around in there for awhile in there and discover, 'Ok, this guys good, let's go to the next one'. Apparently I can go no further as far as updating goes until I install this latest version. What does it want to know that the two earlier versions didn't provide? What new intrusive spyware is it adding this time that I don't know about or am able to remove? :smileysad:   I am a reasonable, easy going, likeable kind of guy, a real prince of a person, etc, etc, but this really gets my crank turning. And why do Windows updates take so long to come up, searching endlessly, when my security products take only a few seconds, even with my archaic dialup. :smileymad:   Hissyfit is over, rant is complete, peace reigns. :smileywink:

joe53 · Answer

dalem29 wrote:

I'll post this here since it concerns what amounts to security updates.

This is the third time I have been asked to download this software. Since I have been downloading MS updates for years, why does it want to check once again to make sure I don't have an illegal copy of Windows...

Hi Dale:

I guess the simple answer is that MS has to release new versions of KB892130 from time to time because the bad guys keep finding ways to hack it in order to prevent MS from detecting that they are using pirated software.

I seriously doubt that KB892130 contains any spyware. From MS "Description of WGA" website:
"The WGA validation process does not require or collect any information that could personally identify you. Customers who have a genuine copy of Windows and who decide not to complete the validation process can still obtain critical software updates by using the Automatic Updates feature." What you will not be able to do without the latest version, as I understand it, is to download non-critical updates.
Ref: http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx/kb/892130

It's a nuisance, to be sure, but I'm in sympathy with this approach by MS to limit piracy, which costs us all. It is also a tad irritating that MS chooses such a sneaky way to get you to download the update at MSU/WU- all you get is a notice that you need to download new components in order for the site(s) to continue to work. Only after agreeing do you realise it is just the latest WGA version that is updated.

Why not just state up-front that your WGA Validation Tool needs updating? The current approach by MS only fosters suspicion that they are trying to pull a fast one, which I don't think they are.

dalem29 · Answer

Thanks Joe   I was just being overly dramatic to express my irritation at the way this particular update is presented. Instead of just offering it as just another update that they could even labeled as 'critical' update, they have to use this little special box  that is very different  from the usual download screen. There is a little button which when pressed that does state what the update is about. I am completely sympathetic about their need to do this, but they could go about it differently. :smileywink:

joe53 · Answer

I hear you- and I agree.   There is always of course the option to just turn on automatic updates to avoid this- which is probably what MS wants us to do ...

dalem29 · Answer

NEVER!!! I gotta have a little control over this infernal machine. :smileyvery-happy:  They'll have to be happy with it being set to let me know when updates are available. Message Edited by dalem29 on 11-16-2007 06:11 AM

Virus & Spyware

Windows Genuine Advantage Validation Tool (KB892130)

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