 Removing Wga, Location Windows Downloaded Program Files |
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 Jul 7 2006, 11:50 AM
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 Bleeping Diva  Group: Members Posts: 7,479 Joined: 25-April 04 From: As always I'm beside myself ;) Member No.: 228  |
(As opposed to these complicated lenghty instructions.) http://support.microsoft.com/kb/921914 Windows Genuine Advantage Validation Tool is located in C:\WINDOWS\Downloaded Program Files. When right clicking on it, there is an option to "Remove" . Dare I try it?? lol Will it even work? Points to ponder. Since I was still not quite sure, I created a restore point. Then googled for some info. Hmm... look what I found. Straight from [Ha!] almighty M$ theirselves. Frequently Asked Questions about the Windows Validation Assistant: http://www.microsoft.com/resources/howtote...dation_faq.mspx QUOTE How do I uninstall the Windows Validation Assistant component from my computer? Open the C:\Windows\Downloaded Program Files folder. On a Windows Server 2003 machine, right click on ProductIDGatherer.WindowsGatherer and select Remove. On a Windows XP machine, right click on Windows Genuine Advantage Validation Tool and select Remove. Please note: The path for the Downloaded Program Files folder could be different depending on your Windows installation folder. It can not be removed via start > control panel > add/remove (BTW The only thing that can not be uninstalled from there!) or disabled in IE > tools > Manage add-ons. Not on my system anyway even though it states in the dialog box: "This add-on in managed by your Administrator" Nonsense, I am in the administrator account!  LegitCheckControl.dll is also in the WGA folder in Downloaded Program Files The right click option for it is "delete" Wondering if it would delete too... Do any of you real techs (lol) have any thoughts on this? Could doing so screw up my comp? After all the info. is on Micro$oft.con oh I mean .com  If it would mess things up, would a sys. restore put things back in order? Perhaps a reg backup should be made too?? Should I go for it? This post has been edited by Scarlett: Jul 7 2006, 06:35 PM --------------------  |
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Jul 10 2006, 04:55 PM
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#2
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New Member Group: Members Posts: 6 Joined: 9-July 06 From: Cheshire, UK Member No.: 75,432 |
Im not sure the policys of this forum on such matters so probably best to buy a real copy of windows xp
-------------------- ALL SOFTWARE BELOW IS FREE
spyware programs: SpybotS&D Adaware SE Cwshredder Ewido Blacklight rootkit remover Vundo fix Windows defender Anti virus programs: AVG Avast Antivir Bit defender Clamwin Online Virus scans: Trend micro Ewido Preventing spyware: Spyware blaster Spyware guard Winpatrol Avorax shield Diagnostictools: Everest Memtest Ccleaner |
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Jul 10 2006, 06:17 PM
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#3
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 Distinguished Member Group: Members Posts: 775 Joined: 11-October 05 From: East Coast Member No.: 36,780 |
Whoa...if it works, please let me know!! I don't want this cruddy program on my lappy!!!
baronvongogo, you may not know why those of us with legit copies of Win XP want this program gone. Read, and be angered: WGA Check-ins Microsoft admits WGA mess-up Microsoft sued over WGA There you go. That's why we want it gone!!!! 
--------------------  - Avatar graphics courtesy of Shatterheart.net, Celestial Star, and Rauvinne - Sig textures & stamps courtesy of Celestial Star |
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Jul 11 2006, 05:15 AM
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New Member Group: Members Posts: 6 Joined: 9-July 06 From: Cheshire, UK Member No.: 75,432 |
I agree with you but some forums have rules about discussing the removal of the WGA.
-------------------- ALL SOFTWARE BELOW IS FREE
spyware programs: SpybotS&D Adaware SE Cwshredder Ewido Blacklight rootkit remover Vundo fix Windows defender Anti virus programs: AVG Avast Antivir Bit defender Clamwin Online Virus scans: Trend micro Ewido Preventing spyware: Spyware blaster Spyware guard Winpatrol Avorax shield Diagnostictools: Everest Memtest Ccleaner |
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Jul 11 2006, 03:12 PM
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#5
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Bleeping Diva Group: Members Posts: 7,479 Joined: 25-April 04 From: As always I'm beside myself ;) Member No.: 228 |
QUOTE(baronvongogo @ Jul 10 2006, 04:55 PM)  Im not sure the policys of this forum on such matters so probably best to buy a real copy of windows xp Hello baronvongogo I own a genuine copy of XP. I just wanted to make that clear. I wouldn't want anyone to think differently. @rms4evr Well I have not tried it yet. lol A bit afraid what may happen if I did. 
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Jul 11 2006, 10:17 PM
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 SPAM Magnet Group: Site Admin Posts: 16,040 Joined: 6-May 04 From: SW Louisiana Member No.: 363 |
If there were rules about discussing the removal of the WGA on this site, I don't think a Moderator would have brought it up.
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Jul 12 2006, 05:57 PM
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#7
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Bleeping Diva Group: Members Posts: 7,479 Joined: 25-April 04 From: As always I'm beside myself ;) Member No.: 228 |
Thanks TG for defending my honor.
 Ok all I removed Windows Genuine Advantage Validation Tool from Downloaded Program Files. Just as M$ instructed. Funny thing is that it did not go to the recycle bin as I thought it would. *Shrug Now hmm... should I go after LegitCheckControl.dll or no?  As much as I would love to, I think I will leave it be for now. Before doing so I installed Microsoft July security updates. I had a choice as to whether or not I wanted to install Genuine Advantage and the Malicious Software Removal Tool. Which I opted out of both. ;) I had them hidden as well. They were again listed as "High Priority" updates. Go figure. Now after I ran a second scan to see what would show. QUOTE  Important You've hidden important updates You've asked us not to show you one or more high-priority updates but your computer might be at risk until they are installed. Restore them now <---- That is a link that guess what takes me straight to M$ precious bit of spyware cloaked as a high priority update Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool - June 2006 (KB890830) <--Is the one that shows. Now should that be considered a high priority update as well?? Interesting that they continue to rate it as a high priority update. As a reminder to all Microsoft security updates for July 2006 Published: July 11, 2006 http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/u...ins/200607.mspx This post has been edited by Scarlett: Jul 12 2006, 06:15 PM -------------------- |
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Jul 12 2006, 07:07 PM
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 I can see what you post! Group: Members Posts: 6,469 Joined: 14-February 05 Member No.: 12,053 |
http://yanowhiz.googlepages.com/windowsgenuineadvantage
On there, is a link to a file which will remove the WGA. You will have to restart after using it. Also there are a list of what Windows calls home with and how to still get Windows Updates after removing the WGA. -------------------- |
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Aug 8 2006, 03:36 PM
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#9
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Bleeping Diva Group: Members Posts: 7,479 Joined: 25-April 04 From: As always I'm beside myself ;) Member No.: 228 |
I blogged about further results in my experiment here
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