windows genuine advantage notification (WGAN)

Question

The other day automatic update downloaded WGAN to my new computer.  I haven't installed it yet because I am unsure what to do - install or not install.    I am confused because I've read articles calling WGAN spyware and and how to get rid of it from your computer and Microsoft saying it's not.   So my dumb question is,  what is your recommendation?  Should I install it?     Thank you.   ********* Newbie to XP, since end of May.

Phoenixis · Answer

Personally i think you should.   WGAN stands for  Windows Genuine Advantage Notification.   I did a google search and found that it is a part of microsoft softwae, so you should be alright.   I installed it and my Anti virus doesnt find anything.   Phoenix Message Edited by Phoenixis on 07-20-200601:08 AM

joe53 · Answer

WGAN is certainly not spyware in the traditional sense, nor a virus, but it sure has caused a lot of folks just about as much grief. I don't think most people need, nor should they install this particular update. If you are certain your operating system is a valid MS product, then you have nothing to gain by installing it.

See this thread, and the links referred to: http://forums.us.dell.com/supportforums/board/message?board.id=si_virus&message.id=54505

Message Edited by joe53 on 07-20-200602:31 AM

kancer · Answer

hello there

try the following to solve the problem

Start -> Run -> cmd -> NET STOP WUAUSERV and NET STOP BITS

Down load the patch from http://tinyurl.com/o3cpu

then download a verification tool from http://tinuyurl.com/9ggd3

then Start -> run -> cmd -> command prompt : NET START WUAUSERV and NET START BITS

Note : BITS refers to Background Intelligent Transfer Service

kancer

Polina · Answer

Phoenixis, joe53, and kancer - I still haven't decided what I'm going to do, but I do want to say "thank you for your responses, appreciate it".

Polina

Message Edited by Polina on 07-20-200610:53 PM

Windows General

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