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WGA Under Vista SP1 Is Kinder and Nags More

Posted by kdawson on from the no-pretty-screen-background-for-you dept.

DaMan writes in with a ZDNet blog entry on Windows Genuine Advantage under Vista SP1. It seems that the draconian features present in Vista RTM have been replaced by nag screens and annoyances such as repeatedly changing the desktop background to black. But WGA no longer turns off Aero and ReadyBoost or logs you out after an hour."

3 of 299 comments (clear)

  1. Re:nag screens and annoyances by nachoboy · · Score: 4, Informative

    WGA should at least give the option to back up its state of that its activated to a certain machine, similar to how one in XP can back up the wpa.bak and wpa.dbl files. Then, in case the machine has to be reinstalled again, Windows can prompt for a copy of these files, and not have to ask for a CD key on future installs.

    Just use phone activation. The installation ID calculated by Windows is the same even across formats, which means the phone confirmation ID is reusable. Just activate by phone once and you are free to reuse the confirmation ID every time you reinstall after that, no further verification by Microsoft required. Note that this applies only to Vista and is different from XP, where the installation ID included a random salt and was unique to each installation.

    Another possibility, but this is a can of worms, is using a TPM chip to store a certificate. Once the machine is activated to use a certain edition and OS, a certificate is stored in the TPM, similar to how Apple stores a certificate for MacOS. Then, on subsequent installs, the OS just checks to see if its licensed via the TPM for that feature set, and goes on its merry way, never requiring activation again.

    This is basically how it works today for preinstalled copies of Windows from large OEM's (Dell, HP, etc.). The computer manufacturer puts a specific string in the BIOS which is verified by Windows. If an OEM copy of Windows is used, activation is bypassed and no need for communication with Microsoft is ever required. It's only available from large OEM's because Microsoft must trust the OEM to correctly account for each computer sold and pay the appropriate license fee. This technology is referred to as SLP, or System Locked Preinstallation, and dates back to Windows XP.

  2. Re:nag screens and annoyances by Kijori · · Score: 3, Informative

    You personally have had trouble with a legally purchased copy of Windows Vista and WGA? Or are you just parroting the vocal minority because that's the slashdot way? I have. WGA mistakenly identified my copy of Windows as being pirated; I never found out why. It was extremely annoying to turn on my PC and be unable to do what I wanted for no real reason, plus resolving the problem involved almost an hour on the phone to Microsoft. In fairness to them though, they were very reasonable on the phone and I don't know anyone else who has suffered the same problem. Fortunately for me I use Ubuntu for everything but games, so I didn't miss out on anything important, it was just an irritation. For other people the consequence could be rather more serious, and I'd like to see MS offering something in the way of compensation if they're mistaken.
  3. Re:nag screens and annoyances by Nazlfrag · · Score: 3, Informative

    For other people the consequence could be rather more serious, and I'd like to see MS offering something in the way of compensation if they're mistaken. Sure you are entitled to compensation. From the EULA:

    18. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY AND REMEDIES. Notwithstanding any damages that you might incur for any reason whatsoever (including, without limitation, all damages referenced herein and all direct or general damages in contract or anything else), the entire liability of Microsoft and any of its suppliers under any provision of this EULA and your exclusive remedy hereunder (except for any remedy of repair or replacement elected by Microsoft with respect to any breach of the Limited Warranty) shall be limited to the greater of the actual damages you incur in reasonable reliance on the Software up to the amount actually paid by you for the Software or US$5.00. The foregoing limitations, exclusions and disclaimers (including Sections 15, 16 and 17) shall apply to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, even if any remedy fails its essential purpose. Don't spend it all at once.