Microsoft KB Archive/898588

= Description of Windows Genuine Advantage (WGA) =

Article ID: 898588

Article Last Modified on 8/11/2005

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APPLIES TO


 * Microsoft Update
 * Microsoft Windows Update
 * Microsoft Windows XP Professional x64 Edition
 * Microsoft Windows XP Professional
 * Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005
 * Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition 2002
 * Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition 2002
 * Microsoft Windows XP Tablet PC Edition 2005
 * Microsoft Windows XP Tablet PC Edition
 * Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition
 * Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional Edition

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INTRODUCTION
If you access downloads on the Microsoft Download Center or on the Microsoft Windows Update Web site, you may be prompted to complete the Windows Genuine Advantage (WGA) validation check process. On the Download Center Web site, you may be prompted to install an ActiveX control when you select a download that is marked with the WGA icon. On the Windows Update Web site, the ActiveX control is a mandatory update. This update is required to access downloads that are specific to Windows.

On both the Microsoft Download Center and the Windows Update Web site, an ActiveX control that is known as the Windows Genuine Advantage Validation Tool performs a validation check to verify that your copy of Windows is genuine. If your copy of Windows is genuine, you may continue to access the download. If the copy of Windows does not pass the validation check, you receive a message that states why Windows did not pass the check. Additionally, you receive information about other steps to try and about how to obtain a genuine copy of Windows. If you are using the Windows Update Web site, you are returned to that Web site, where you can obtain non-Windows downloads.

Note The Automatic Updates feature is not affected by the WGA validation check. Therefore, you can use the Automatic Updates feature to make sure that you receive critical Windows updates.



MORE INFORMATION
The WGA program creates an improved Windows experience for users who have a genuine copy of Windows. The Windows Update Web site is a feature that is available only to customers who are running a genuine copy of Windows.

Products that are covered under WGA include all versions of Microsoft Windows XP and Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional. WGA does not include Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Microsoft Windows Millennium Edition, or Microsoft Windows 98.

The WGA validation process does not require or collect any information that could personally identify you. Customers who have a genuine copy of Windows and who decide not to complete the validation process can still obtain critical software updates by using the Automatic Updates feature.

For more information about genuine Microsoft software, visit the following Microsoft Web site:

http://www.microsoft.com/genuine/default.mspx

For information about Windows Validation, visit the following Microsoft Web site:

http://www.microsoft.com/genuine/downloads/WhyValidate.aspx

To see frequently asked questions (FAQ) about the Genuine Windows validation, visit the following Microsoft Web site:

http://www.microsoft.com/genuine/downloads/FAQ.aspx

For information about how to tell if software is genuine, visit the following Microsoft Web site:

http://www.microsoft.com/resources/howtotell/ww/default.mspx

For information about Microsoft Software Piracy Protection, visit the following Microsoft Web site:

http://www.microsoft.com/piracy/default.mspx



Technical support for Windows x64 editions
Your hardware manufacturer provides technical support and assistance for Microsoft Windows x64 editions. Your hardware manufacturer provides support because a Windows x64 edition was included with your hardware. Your hardware manufacturer might have customized the Windows x64 edition installation with unique components. Unique components might include specific device drivers or might include optional settings to maximize the performance of the hardware. Microsoft will provide reasonable-effort assistance if you need technical help with your Windows x64 edition. However, you might have to contact your manufacturer directly. Your manufacturer is best qualified to support the software that your manufacturer installed on the hardware.

For product information about Microsoft Windows XP Professional x64 Edition, visit the following Microsoft Web site:

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/64bit/default.mspx

For product information about Microsoft Windows Server 2003 x64 editions, visit the following Microsoft Web site:

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2003/64bit/x64/default.mspx

Additional query words: wuv5 au

Keywords: kbinfo kbpubtypekc KB898588

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