Genuine Windows?

[JAS21]

I have just started to use my step-daughters computer, at present she is studying in the UK. I know that it hasn’t been used on the internet for some while. This computer must be about three years old, as she bought it whilst we were living in the UK.

So I am installing Microsoft updates and I now get a message like, “You may be a victim of Software something” It did not pass the MS validation Test, and it tells me to look at some MS site.

I haven’t yet, should I and if I ignore what will happen? I asume that it is referring to windows installation

thanks

[sniffdog]

That's perfectly up to you if you want to ignore it or not. Fact is that if it's not validated, you won't get any updates. Nor can you download certain programs from Microsoft's site.

[A_Traveller]

John, confused here. Do you mean that the PC was bought here in Thailand whilst you were in the UK, or that it was purchased in the UK and shipped here? If the later then you are, presumably, less likely to have the ah-ha Jim lad issues.

Regards

[Gary A]

Click on the message and you should get another option to "Validate Windows Now". Once you validate Windows, Windows will update your computer with several new programs that will allow you to automate installation of future updates.

[Guest Reimar]

Any idea what (W)indows (G)enuine (A)dvantage means?

WGAWindows Genuine Advantage (or Windows Genuine Article). A Microsoft programme that will require Windows to be validated as genuine before any windows updates can be downloaded from the Microsoft website.Or the advantage that you can download updates pp without hassle if you use a genuine Windows version.

Cheers.

Edited June 12, 2008 by Maestro
Rmoved some quoted text from deleted post - Maestro

[sniffdog]

Actually this is the explanation of Microsoft:

'Security updates are not part of WGA or OGA. You can install security updates using the Windows Automatic Updates feature or download them from the Download Center.'

Edited June 12, 2008 by Maestro
Removed part of reply referring to deleted posts - Maestro

[Maestro]

I have cleaned this topic up some more by deleting posts that were off topic, etc.

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Maestro

[Maestro]

Actually this is the explanation of Microsoft:

'Security updates are not part of WGA or OGA. You can install security updates using the Windows Automatic Updates feature or download them from the Download Center.'

Source for above quote from the Microsoft website: http://www.microsoft.com/genuine/downloads/faq.aspx

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Maestro

[Maestro]

...So I am installing Microsoft updates and I now get a message like, “You may be a victim of Software something” It did not pass the MS validation Test, and it tells me to look at some MS site.

I haven’t yet, should I and if I ignore what will happen? I asume that it is referring to

Yes, I think you should go to that website linked in the information window that pops up. It will probably give you useful information about how to proceed.

If after that you are still unsure, ask here again. Copy paste that information window into your post.

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Maestro