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Microsoft's much talked about Windows Genuine Advantage scheme is now in place and active. Windows users who download updates from Microsoft now need to undergo verification checks in order to get the downloads. The only exception are Windows security updates, which will still be distributed regardless.

The verification checks will effect downloads from Windows Update, Microsoft Update and Microsoft Downloads sites, and as well as Windows itself will impact on updates to such software as Windows Media Player, DirectX and the new Microsoft Anti-Spyware program.

Those people who have inadvertantly purchased a copy of Windows which is not legitimate will be able to obtain a legitimate copy free of charge by providing proof of purchase and the counterfeit CD to Microsoft, and also submitting a piracy report. Those people unable to provide proof of purchase may purchase a valid license key for their copy of Windows at a heavily discounted price by submitting a piracy report.

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A short, practical checklist for ’s thread and to answer ’s problem: WGA is an ActiveX/validation step used by Microsoft Update, so a genuine install can still be blocked if the validation engine or browser settings are unhappy. Try these quick fixes in order: clear IE temporary files and cookies; remove any existing “Windows Genuine Advantage” ActiveX entries (Tools → Internet Options → View Objects / Manage Add-ons) and revisit Windows Update; confirm system date/time is correct; add Microsoft update sites to your Trusted Sites; temporarily disable third‑party antivirus/firewall while testing; and try the update from another machine or via Automatic Updates. Microsoft’s Windows Update troubleshooting guidance covers date/time, AV/firewall and proxy issues and the basic checks above. (support.microsoft.com) (learn.microsoft.com)

If the launcher still fails, reinstalling the WGA engine is a commonly used next step: obtain the WGA ActiveX cab (LegitCheckControl.cab), extract the DLL/INF, copy the DLL(s) to %windir%\system32, register the DLL and install the INF, then reboot and retry validation. Community and Microsoft support threads document this procedure when the validation ActiveX is corrupted or blocked. If you see messages like “this version of the validation tool is no longer supported,” re-download the most recent validator and contact support if the problem persists. (groups.google.com) (learn.microsoft.com)

For the piracy/paperwork question: use Microsoft’s Counterfeit Software Report (How to Tell) — the online form tells you exactly what to print and mail (report confirmation, counterfeit media, COA/product key and proof of purchase) and explains what Microsoft may do after review. Keep a scanned copy of everything (the page notes items submitted may not be returned). If needed, open a support case via Microsoft Support/Contact Us and reference both the counterfeit‑report ID and the support case number. (microsoft.com) (support.microsoft.com)

If these steps don’t resolve things, keep a short log (error text/code, what you tried, screenshots) and include it with your counterfeit report or support case to speed resolution.

Member Avatar for JANINE

what if you have a genuine copy of windows and the updates site wont let you download and install updates though as has happened to me. then what??? what happens then??

i've been trying to get the windows genuine advantage validation tool and i've been trying all week to obtain it but to no avail. resorted to contacting microsoft technical support.

anyway how does one get hold of the piracy report documentation etc?

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