Bill and Steve’s Bogus Advantage – Removing Windows Genuine Advantage

One of my boxes managed to get hit by the Windows Genuine Advantage “upgrade” even though it is a legitimate copy. Apparently, this is happening more times than Microsoft would like to admit.

The “Genuine Advantage” is supposed to be an incentive for the following reasons:

• Avoiding the “this copy is not genuine” constant nagging that is supposed to embarrass you in front of friends, families, and co-workers. Like booting Windows when you are a ‘nix geek wasn’t bad enough.
• Avoiding the fear, uncertainty and doubt from pop-ups that “Your computer is at risk!”.
• Software features that are available to Genuine Advantage users only (this will be more prevalent in Windows Vista).
• Installing “optional” upgrades like the .NET Framework that are a requirement for any modern Windows “freeware”.

Thankfully, through the wonders of poorly designed technology, it is simple to disable this nagware. AI’s lounge offers five techniques for disabling the “Genuine Advantage”, I chose #3 and it worked like a charm for getting rid of the nagware (but I’m still locked out from the “Genuine Advantage” featured upgrades).

Is posting such information breaking the ridiculous U.S. DMCA? I’d say no considering that Microsoft provides some of the methods of disabling it on their website. There are also allegations that it is spyware since it “phones home” to Microsoft every time you boot your computer, even if you have a legitimate copy.

>> A.i.’s Lounge » This copy of Windows is not genuine

>> Lauren Weinstein’s Blog: Windows XP Update May Be Classified As “Spyware”

>> Lauren Weinstein’s Blog: Microsoft Responds Regarding Windows XP Update vs. Spyware

>> Linux Genuine Advantage

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More Stupid Windows Features

• Configuring Windows Automatic Update to use manual installations and stop rebooting the friggin’ computer
• Bill and Steve’s Bogus Advantage – Turning off Microsoft Genuine Advantage legally
• The Exorcist Redmond – Monitor Display Turns Sideways or Upside Down
• FilterKeys Must Die – Disabling this annoying application