Comptuer TIps and tricks

Windows Genuine Advantage (WGA)

  notifications occur when your computer hasn't passed the validation test. The validation test can be failed due to being sold a pirated (non-genuine) copy of XP, or because you have changed your XP product key to a software-generated key, or sometimes it just happens for no reason at all. The failed validation installs three types of notifications on your computer: one on the log in screen, one log in timer, and one balloon. It also stops updates from Microsoft and disables your ability to install IE7 and Windows Media Player 11. This solution can get rid of all three notifications, even though you will still not be able to update through Windows Update. You will not be able to download things from Microsoft that requires a valid license either.

Edit Steps

Delete Method

1. 1
   If you have only just installed Windows Genuine Advantage notifications, simply using the system restore function will remove the program. Then refuse to accept the WGA update next time Windows updates. Otherwise, proceed as detailed below. (NOTE: If you try these steps while you are in "Safe Mode," step #8 is unnecessary).

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   First, try the following:  
   1. Open a Command Prompt window by clicking on Start -> Run. Type CMD and press OK.
   2. Change Directory into the System32 Folder (type cd \windows\system32)
   3. Open a Notepad window and type the following lines:
      • taskkill -IM wgatray.exe
      • del wgatray.exe
      • del wgalogon.old
   4. Highlight and copy the three lines above to the Clipboard.
   5. Paste the contents of the Clipboard to Command Prompt.
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