MS will turn off your Windows if you don't...

[kcredden]

Slashdot writes:

WGA Turning Off PCs in the Fall?

thesaint05 writes "We all know about Microsoft's WGA initiative that started last July. Most of us were troubled to learn that the WGA has been 'phoning home' to Microsoft at every boot. Well, get ready, because eventually Microsoft may be turning off copies of Windows without WGA installed. According to a Microsoft technician, 'in the fall, having the latest WGA will become mandatory and if its not installed, Windows will give a 30 day warning and when the 30 days is up and WGA isn't installed, Windows will stop working, so you might as well install WGA now.'" A new version of WGA was released on Tuesday and, at least for the time being, Windows users have the option of removing WGA from their systems.


more here (http://it.slashdot.org/it/06/06/29/1657241.shtml)

--
Personal note: Folks, I don't think MS's stupid enough to even attempt this, to force that tiny minority of pirates to buy a copy of Windows. (who would never pay for Windows anyway) but just so you know, and be prepaired.

Personally I have heard of tech support reporting people have WGA installed, have bought and paid for copies of Windows, and it still screws up. Just think when a big business, or a lawyer looking to make a bunch of money, gets their system turned off, and they start loosing mondo bucks. You'll start to see lawyers and class-action lawsuits circling MS like sharks on a wounded whale.

Take this article, with a grain of salt but also be prepared.

- Kevin

[Chuck]

This is already happening. Not sure why they say it will start in the fall. We get a PC a week that has been shutdown. We have seen that 75% of these that are shutdown and have a legitimate copy of windows installed. Calling Microsoft to get them fixed is a pain in the behind.

Till some congressman has an issue with it we will have deal with our computers being held hostage by some major corporation.

[kcredden]

I'm honestly surpised, but it tends to reenforce what I say, that corporations are getting too much power over average people; like RIAA. I think MS better have some good lawyers, I can see it hitting some big businesses, sometime, or some lawyer looking to make some bucks, sets up a class-action lawsuit on 'behalf of average citizens.'

Thankfully my Win2k is legit, and having no problems, but I am already looking for a crack. Also putting a lot of effort into getting into linux now ;) At least our business computers are immue to this. They're not hooked to the internet. Wonder what Billy Boy says about that? (hehehes)

This is already happening. Not sure why they say it will start in the fall. We get a PC a week that has been shutdown. We have seen that 75% of these that are shutdown and have a legitimate copy of windows installed. Calling Microsoft to get them fixed is a pain in the behind.

Till some congressman has an issue with it we will have deal with our computers being held hostage by some major corporation.

[Chuck]

It boils down to law makers having no idea on how to deal with Technology related bills. The pass laws on information give to them by lobbyist who are paid by some big corporation.

You are going to be infected by this sooner or later. XP's latest up day requires an INTERNET connection to MS regularly for verification. My Vista machine is a MS connection fool. Seems like every 5th packed is a report to Microsoft, could be a BETA thing but still, that is just wrong.

Here is the whole deal Mr. Bill Gates. Check it once is fine but repetitive check is just a waste of valuable resources. Unless you have a secret agenda. Not to rant to much about the conspiracy theory but why else would they need to check you PC each time you start it.

We need lawmakers that at least know how to do more than move a mouse the mouse to the MS Word or the IE icon.

[kcredden]

Do you first, have any idea on how to find out the time/date/version of a particular Windows? LIke when it was manufactured? The office's last system was a Dell, we got about...6 months, possibly a year ago, with XP/SP2 installed on it. It's never been on the internet yet, basically because boss is too cheap to spring for a lan (now I'm glad!) I also haven't updated it as well. So I can ask, is it old enough to be safe from this extortion? There's no real need for updates, if it's off the internet.

This (net) system I'm using is Win2k, w/WGA already installed on it, and it was fine with this at the time. This just also enforces my desire to make a 'net computer' out of linux, and spare parts, and putting the Dell on Win2k - eventually linux.

And your right on the nose with everything else you wrote. I think MS's shooting themselves in the foot, if not blowing the foot completely off.

You are going to be infected by this sooner or later. XP's latest up day requires an INTERNET connection to MS regularly for verification. My Vista machine is a MS connection fool. Seems like every 5th packed is a report to Microsoft, could be a BETA thing but still, that is just wrong.

[Foxy]

I don't know about you all, but I saw this lawsuit coming a mile away...

Microsoft Faces Class Action Suit

Jeremy Kirk, IDG News Service
Fri Jun 30, 10:00 AM ET

Microsoft is facing a class action suit over a tool that gathers data on a user's computer in an effort to detect bootlegged copies of its Windows operating system.

The suit, filed in U.S. District Court in Seattle on Monday, concerns Microsoft's Windows Genuine Advantage, an antipiracy tool the company introduced in July 2005. The WGA program collects hardware and software data, delivering it to Microsoft servers. The stored information is then used to warn of possible piracy violations.


The lawsuit alleges the program violates consumer protection laws in California and Washington state, and laws against spyware, invasive programs that surreptitiously collect data.

Consumers Wary

In introducing WGA, Microsoft finds computer users already sensitized to the question of how they are notified about software installation and privacy issues. Late last year, Sony BMG Music Entertainment provoked controversy by shipping 15 million music CDs containing invasive copy protection software that installed itself on buyers' computers.

Sony eventually compensated users who bought the affected CDs, which had software that installed itself without user consent and transmitted data, after a class-action suit.

Suit Says Microsoft Mislead Users

The suit against Microsoft contends the company mislead users in delivering WGA to computers, masking it under batches of monthly updates that often include critical security patches. It asks Microsoft to delete all data collected by WGA and provide users with the ability to remove the software from their computers, in addition to damages.

"In truth and in fact, Microsoft, in its efforts to maximize revenue through antipiracy measures, mislead consumers and the public as to the true nature, functionality and operation of its WGA," the suit said.

Earlier this month, Microsoft admitted a version of WGA under distribution as a "high priority" update was in fact a test version of the WGA software. In April, Microsoft stepped up the WGA program, adding a function notifying users if their copy of Windows wasn't valid and causing it to make frequent contact with the company's servers.

Microsoft Releases Improved WGA

In response to user complaints, Microsoft released a new version of WGA this week allowing people to opt out of notifications. The update also changes the frequency with which the program contacts Microsoft to check the validity of Windows.

Users have also complained the software is buggy, labeling copies of Windows as counterfeits when the license may have been legitimately transferred to a different piece of hardware.

For computers suspected of running bogus software, Microsoft has blocked downloads of free tools such as Windows Defender, its antispyware tool, but allowed security patches.

Microsoft officials contacted early Friday did not have an immediate comment.


~~LINK~~
http://news.yahoo.com/s/pcworld/20060630/tc_pcworld/126301

[oncearacer52]

I just bought a Compaq From Walmart with Windows NT. I didn't get a Windows CD. I had to connect to the internet to start up the computer. Now I get dozens of these error messages a day, asking me to send a report to Microsoft.......What is this all about? It keeps my screensaver from working and at times I have to clear out several of these screens just to use the computer. Is this part of this WGA thing? What is WGA? Will the new download fix this?

[Chuck]

This is not a part of WGA. This is something in windows or a program installed that has a problem.

WGA will cause to problems.
1. Not let you computer start up.
2. Will not allow you to get MS Updates.

You might fix this by doing the windows updates. It is in you program files list at the top.

[rickm0]

oncearacer52,
If I had just purchsed a computer from Wal-Mart and it had these problems I would take it back to Wal-Mart for a replacement or a refund and let them deal with it. rickm0

[Foxy]

That is a valid suggestion, rickm0, however, the next "Wal-mart" computer they buy will just do the same thing, it is not Wal-mart issue, it is the computer manufacturer. I have heard nothing but bad things about those Wal-Mart computers. That is why we went with DELL. With the instant rebates it was the same price as that cheap Compaq, and better RAM, Speed, and generally all around a better deal. We have had NO problems with our DELL.
We ordered it through TCS because we couldn't figure out which one would best suit our needs as a family. Daphne was very helpful and got us a great deal and we couldn't be happier!! I recommend them to everyone.

[kcredden]

To be honest, I've quit buying any electronic from Wal-mart several years ago. Why? Because of their 'low prices, always' idea. It seems they push the manufactures so hard to get their prices low, that they take too many shortcuts. Resulting in sub-standard parts, and equipment. When I saw those Lexmart printers a couple of years ago, being given away for $20 mother bought one for the office as a back-up printer. Bad mistake. It's cost us far more for ink, than even our more expensive laser, or my HP inkjet. I've read many times, that Lexmart printers are ink hungry, including in trade magazines where the printer cost around $1,000+. I won't buy any Lexmart printer anymore.

Same went for a MP3 CD player. I bought one from Wal-mart, lasted 6 months. Bought another, and it was DOA. Bought the 3rd from Crutchfield (http://www.crutchfield.com/S-zsuVGwxn7iW/) and paid $110. (A sony) it's lasted 4 years under normal use.

I always recommend home-build computers, since you know exactly what's going in, and of course, you don't pay the MS tax (that is unless you have to use XP then you do anyway.) But if you can't home-build, Dell is the 2nd best choice.

That is a valid suggestion, rickm0, however, the next "Wal-mart" computer they buy will just do the same thing, it is not Wal-mart issue, it is the computer manufacturer. I have heard nothing but bad things about those Wal-Mart computers. That is why we went with DELL. With the instant rebates it was the same price as that cheap Compaq, and better RAM, Speed, and generally all around a better deal. We have had NO problems with our DELL.
We ordered it through TCS because we couldn't figure out which one would best suit our needs as a family. Daphne was very helpful and got us a great deal and we couldn't be happier!! I recommend them to everyone.

[rickm0]

That is a valid suggestion, rickm0, however, the next "Wal-mart" computer they buy will just do the same thing, it is not Wal-mart issue, it is the computer manufacturer. I have heard nothing but bad things about those Wal-Mart computers. That is why we went with DELL. With the instant rebates it was the same price as that cheap Compaq, and better RAM, Speed, and generally all around a better deal. We have had NO problems with our DELL.
We ordered it through TCS because we couldn't figure out which one would best suit our needs as a family. Daphne was very helpful and got us a great deal and we couldn't be happier!! I recommend them to everyone.

Foxy, You are correct about Wal-Mart computers. I know of four computers that was bought there and they all had to be taken back. Rickm0

Chuck , What is this WGA you`re talking about?. I`m not familiar with this. Rickm0

[Foxy]

WGA is Windows Genuine Advantage, its antipiracy program that checks if the Windows operating system on a machine has a valid license.


Here is another suit... Rickm0.... this is what the WGA fuss is all about...


Microsoft Hit With Second Lawsuit Over WGA
Jeremy Kirk, IDG News Service
Wed Jul 5, 10:00 AM ET

Microsoft has been hit with a second lawsuit over Windows Genuine Advantage, its antipiracy program that checks if the Windows operating system on a machine has a valid license.

The class-action suit was filed Friday in U.S. District Court in Seattle, just four days after the first one. The new suit lists its plaintiff as Engineered Process Controls and Univex, along with citizens Edward Misfud, David DiDomizio, and Martin Sifuentes, who are listed as owners of licensed copies of Windows XP running WGA.

Microsoft Accused of Misleading Customers

The suit alleges WGA is spyware and that Microsoft mislead consumers by labeling it as a critical security update. The plaintiffs maintain Microsoft did not make users aware that WGA frequently contacted its central servers.

"WGA gathers data that can easily identify individual PCs, and WGA can be modified remotely to collect additional information at Microsoft's initiation," according to the filing.

WGA collects a computer's IP address, BIOS data, system version and local language and settings information, the suit says.

Company Tries to Placate Users

Microsoft acknowledges WGA collects hardware and software data but maintains it is only used to verify that only one copy of an OS has been registered on one computer. If Microsoft finds a discrepancy, WGA can notify users their OS may be unlicensed through pop-up warnings.

Users have complained WGA is flawed, identifying legitimate copies of an OS as fraudulent. Microsoft blocks the download of some programs but allows security patches if an OS is judged to be invalid.

Last week, Microsoft changed some features of WGA, including adding an option that let users turn off warnings that their OS may be invalid and the frequency with which WGA communicated with its servers.

The suit asks for compensation and for Microsoft to warn users of the risks of WGA and produce a tool to remove it

---Link---
http://news.yahoo.com/s/pcworld/20060705/tc_pcworld/126313

[rickm0]

Thanks for the info Foxy. Rickm0

[Foxy]

Thanks for the info Foxy. Rickm0

No problem.

[balance]

Okay so I keep getting messages saying internet explorer has encountered a problem and needs to close. It happens more and more all the time and I don't find any viruses on avast so you're telling me that its MS and I can't fix it. I have 2 up right now.

[Foxy]

take it to TCS in Maysvile...they helped mine out when it did that.