How does WGA for Windows XP currently work?
The process for WGA is designed to be quick and simple. It does not collect any personally identifiable information that can be used by Microsoft to identify or contact the user. The validation process includes the following steps: • Upon their first visit to the Microsoft Download Center, Windows Update, or Microsoft Update, users will receive a message requiring them to validate their Windows. • Users will be prompted to download an ActiveX control which checks the authenticity of their Windows software and, if successful in validating Windows, stores a special license file on the PC for future verification. • The validation process electronically checks for several known counterfeiting methods. Users do not have to manually enter information in most cases. • After successful validation, users may continue their download. WGA Notifications is an anti-piracy tool which performs the WGA validation check and notifies users if they are not running genuine Windows.
