How to avoid WGA on a slipstreamed SP2 disk?

Hi, I posted this question in the WinXP slipstream thread but it's a sticky and might not get noticed in time for me Sorry for the 'double posting.'

So I'm going to slipstream SP2 into my WinXP disk today for a new build this weekend. Is there any way to prevent WGA from being part of the slipstreamed SP2? I just don't like the idea of having that pseudo-spyware on my system If not, how can I uninstall it once the Windows install is done?

Sorry, but this thread is illegal under the DMCA. Even if you claim you own a copy of Windows XP I would consider it a discussion regarding the topic of how to create WAREZ. It talks about how to bipass copyright protected software which is covered under the DMCA. Please visit a forum that is dedicated to this activitiy.

Well I'm always one to follow rules, if the mods deem it illegal then it can be deleted. I can't report my own posts but you can feel free to if you like.

And yes I do own a legit copy of XP with a key, I'll obviously have to activate it anyway. I'd consider warez to be 'how to avoid Windows product activation altogether' not 'how to not install WGA' but whatever the mods decide is fine. I'm pretty anti-warez, I went out of my way to get a retail-boxed DVD-R recently for the software, I don't even download music or movies and I don't have any P2P software. My current install doesn't have WGA because it was originally a separate update and I chose not to install it. So does that make my current install illegal under the DMCA? Since SP2 download probably has it integrated, I figured there is a way to get rid of it.

I disagree with you GreenJelly. WGA is just a Windows update, and without it you are not able to get other updates which came after it. So as long as the discussion is just how to not install that, and doesn't cross over into how to get updates that will require WGA (without installnig it) this we are fine.

Not installing WGA should be easy enough. It was a seperate update which came after SP2, and isn't a part of SP2 as far as I know. So it is very simple, do your SP2 slipstream, and then when running Windows Update just choose not to install that update. You will not be able to install other updates without this though, so you make that call. And if this is a priated copy of Windows then the only solution is to buy a genuine copy.

WGA was really bad when it first came out, it would check up on you daily. Now it is a little better, but I agree I still don't like the message it is sending.

http://www.softpedia.com/get/Tweak/System-Tweak/AutoPatcher-XP.shtml



What's included (English December 2006):

Windows XP SP2 - Critical Updates

KB873339: Security Update for Windows XP
KB885835: Security Update for Windows XP
KB885836: Security Update for Windows XP
KB886185: Critical Update for Windows XP
KB887742: Critical Update for Windows XP
KB888302: Security Update for Windows XP
KB890830: Malicious Software Removal Tool v1.23
KB890859: Security Update for Windows XP
KB891781: Security Update for Windows XP
KB893756: Security Update for Windows XP
KB896358: Security Update for Windows XP
KB896422: Security Update for Windows XP
KB896423: Security Update for Windows XP
KB896424: Security Update for Windows XP
KB896428: Security Update for Windows XP
KB899587: Security Update for Windows XP
KB899589: Security Update for Windows XP
KB899591: Security Update for Windows XP
KB900725: Security Update for Windows XP
KB901017: Security Update for Windows XP
KB901190: Security Update for Windows XP
KB901214: Security Update for Windows XP
KB905414: Security Update for Windows XP
KB905749: Security Update for Windows XP
KB908519: Security Update for Windows XP
KB908531: Security Update for Windows XP (v2)
KB911280: Security Update for Windows XP (v2)
KB911562: Security Update for Windows XP
KB911564: Security Update for Plug-in do Windows Media Player
KB911927: Security Update for Windows XP
KB912919: Security Update for Windows XP
KB913580: Security Update for Windows XP
KB914388: Security Update for Windows XP
KB914389: Security Update for Windows XP
KB917422: Security Update for Windows XP
KB917537: Security Update for Windows XP
KB917953: Security Update for Windows XP
KB918439: Security Update for Internet Explorer for Windows XP SP2
KB919007: Security Update for Windows XP
KB920213: Security Update for Windows XP
KB920670: Security Update for Windows XP
KB920683: Security Update for Windows XP
KB920685: Security Update for Windows XP
KB921398: Security Update for Windows XP
KB922582: Update for Windows XP
KB922616: Security Update for Windows XP
KB922819: Security Update for Windows XP
KB923191: Security Update for Windows XP
KB923414: Security Update for Windows XP
KB923694: Cumulative Security Update for Outlook Express for Windows XP
KB923980: Security Update for Windows XP
KB924270: Security Update for Windows XP
KB924496: Security Update for Windows XP
KB925398: Security Update for Windows Media Player 6.4 for Windows
KB925454: Cumulative Update for Internet Explorer 6 for Windows XP SP2
KB925486: Security Update for Windows XP SP2
KB926247: Security Update for Windows XP
KB926255: Security Update for Windows XP


Windows XP SP2 - Recommended updates

European Union Expansion Font Update
KB319740: Update for Windows XP (v5)
KB831240: Update for HighMAT support in the Windows XP CD Writing Wizard
KB884020: Update for Windows XP
KB884883: Update for Windows XP (v8)
KB885222: Update for Windows XP (v2)
KB886677: Update for Windows XP
KB886716: Update for Windows XP (v2)
KB889527: Update for Windows XP (v3)
KB889673: Update for Windows XP
KB892211: Software Update for Web Folders
KB894395: Update for Windows XP
KB896344: Update for Windows XP (v2)
KB896626: Update for Windows XP (v2)
KB897338: Update for Windows XP SP2 (v3)
KB897663: Update for Windows XP
KB898458: Security Update for the Step-by-Step Interactive Training Application
KB898461: Update for Windows XP
KB898900: Update for Windows XP (v2)
KB900485: Update for Windows XP (v2)
KB903234: Update for Windows XP
KB904412: Update for Windows XP (v2)
KB904942: Update for Windows XP (v2)
KB906569: Update for Windows XP (v2)
KB907865: Update for Windows XP
KB908521: Update for Windows XP
KB909095: Update for Windows XP
KB909520: Microsoft Base Smart Card Cryptographic Service Provider Package
KB910437: Update for Windows XP
KB912461: Update for Windows XP
KB912817: Windows XP COM+ Hotfix Rollup Package 13 (v2)
KB913538: Update for Windows XP
KB916595: Update for Windows XP
KB916846: Update for Windows XP
KB917021: Update for Windows XP (v3)
KB918005: Update for Windows XP (v4)
KB918093: Update for Windows XP
KB918997: Wireless LAN API (v6)
KB919071: FIX: For VMR9 in Windows XP
KB920342: Update for Windows XP
KB920872: Update for Windows XP
KB922120: Update for Windows XP (v5)
KB924867: Update for Windows XP
KB924941: Update for Windows XP
KB928089: Update for Internet Explorer 7 for Windows XP
KB928388: Update for Windows XP
KB928939: Update for Windows XP/2003/Vista


Components

.NET Framework:
- .NET Framework 1.1 (+SP1)
- .NET Framework 3.0
- KB886903: Security Update for .NET Framework 1.1 SP1
- KB922481: Security Update for .NET Framework 2.0 (aka KB917283)
- KB922770: Security Update for .NET Framework 2.0
- KB925168: Update for .NET Framework 1.1 SP1
Internet Explorer 7
Microsoft Journal Viewer 1.5.2316.0 (only in Full)
Microsoft Management Console 3.0 (KB907265)
Microsoft Windows Rights Management Services Client with Service Pack 2 - x86
Microsoft XML Parser (MSXML):
- KB887606: Security Update for MSXML 2.6
- KB924191: Security Update for MSXML 3.0 SP7 on Windows XP
- MSXML 3.0 SP7
- MSXML 4.0 SP2 including KB927978
- MSXML 6.0 including KB927977
Network Diagnostic Tool (KB914440 v12)
Remote Desktop Connection (Terminal Services Client 6.0) for Windows XP (KB925876)
User Profile Hive Cleanup 1.6d
Windows Defender v1.1.1593.0
Windows Installer 3.1 (v2)
Windows Live Messenger v8.0.0812
Windows Media Player 11
Windows Messenger 5.1.0701 (only in Full)
Windows PowerShell 1.0 for Windows XP SP2 (KB926139)
Windows Script 5.6 for Windows XP (v5.6.0.8825)
- KB917344: Windows Script 5.6 Security Update for Windows XP SP1 and SP2
Windows Update v6


WGA (Optional!)

Windows Genuine Advantage <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<


Add-ons

'Royale' Theme (only in Full)
4x Screensavers (only in Full)
Adaptec ASPI
Bootvis 1.3.37 (only in Full)
Copy Profile Tool
Delete Microsoft Java VM tool
DirectX Control Panel applet
Google Toolbar v4.0.1020.6156 (only in Full)
IE spell 2.5.1 (only in Full)
PowerMenu 1.5.1
Remove Windows Messenger tool
Macromedia (Adobe) Flash Player 9.0.28.0 for Internet Explorer (only in Full)
Macromedia (Adobe) Flash Player 9.0.28.0 for Mozilla, Firefox, Opera and Netscape (only in Full)
Macromedia (Adobe) Shockwave Player v10.1.4.020 (only in Full)
Microsoft Color Control Panel Applet for Windows XP (only in Full)
Microsoft Windows User State Migration Tool v2.6.1
Official Windows XP PowerToys (only in Full):
- Alt-Tab Replacement
- CD Slide Show Generator
- ClearType Tuner
- HTML Slide Show Wizard
- Image Resizer
- Open Command Window Here
- Power Calculator
- SyncToy v1.4
- Taskbar Magnifier
- Virtual Desktop Manager
- Webcam Timershot
Startup Control Panel 2.8
Sun Java 6 (only in Full)
TweakUI 2.10
TweakUI Control Panel applet
Wallpapers (only in Full):
- AutoPatcher Wallpaper
- Delete Win9x style wallpapers option
- Delete default WinXP wallpapers option
- New Wallpapers (x16 at last count)
Windows Uptime Tool


And of course a lot of registry tweaks which improve speed, appearance, functionality and security!

Softpedia guarantees that AutoPatcher XP December 2006 Update is 100% FREE, which means it is a freeware product (both for personal and commercial use) that does not contain any form of malware, including but not limited to: spyware, viruses, trojans and backdoors.

This software product was tested thoroughly and was found absolutely clean, therefore it can be installed with no concern by any computer user.However, it should be noted that this product will be retested periodically and the award may be withdrawn, so you should check back on this page from time to time.

Thanks Rattle, I find MS' site a PITa to navigate and find stuff on. So it looks like WGA isn't a part of the SP@ download, so I don't even have to worry about it

Strangely I have been able to do updates without it installed unless MS snuck it in on me somewhere as part of an update package

WGA has, and continues to be used by microsoft to verify the computer is legit, however you are talking about creating a disk that is pre-configured install disk, with the feature that removes the checks Microsoft performs to ensure your copy is legit.

If the WGA is optional, then it is legal to choose not to install it. If it is included in a Service Pack, and windows doesnt give you the ability to remove it, and it states that it is not legal for you to remove that software, then you are infact in violation of the DMCA...

the law that blows...

However, it seems to me that I may have been mistaken... However I have not confirmed any of the above statements. It would be nice to show a reference Rattle as to where you got that information, and how you came to the conclussiion that it is optional.

The bellow quote is a good source of information, yet it is a bit confusing, and really doesnt seem to answer the topic it presents (aka its poorly written).

Circumvention and DMCA
In the US, the Digital Millennium Copyright Act criminalizes production and dissemination of technology that can circumvent measures taken to protect copyright, not merely infringement of copyright itself, and heightens the penalties for copyright infringement on the Internet.

In September 2005, Microsoft filed lawsuits against a number of companies that sold unauthorized copies of software to unsuspecting consumers. The cases are important because the leads came from customers who learned they had counterfeit software via the Windows Genuine Advantage program.[5]

On November 16, 2005, Microsoft released a standard Netscape WGA plug-in to complete the Windows validation process from Mozilla Firefox and other non-Microsoft browsers - although it does not use the Firefox extensions system, and thus is not supported by the latest version of the browser. Another workaround was released on December 25, 2005 to bypass WGA authentication by using a valid hash generated by a remote system. Microsoft responded with a cease and desist letter to the website host, and the workaround was taken down on January 6, 2006. Many people continue to validate on the Microsoft website from a public computer using a genuine copy of Windows, then write down the hash and continue to use it at home or work. As of July 2006, Microsoft has not devised a way to prevent this method of circumvention. On May 4, 2006 Microsoft announced lawsuits for allegedly distributing unauthorized copies of Windows against eDirectSoftware of Montana, and Chicagoland resellers Nathan Ballog and Easy Computers.[6]

Various workarounds to get past WGA authentication have been released on the Internet. Before Microsoft issued official instructions on removing the WGA Notifier (a desktop application which resides in the system tray and periodically displays messages, reminding users to authenticate their operating system), users simply had to remove 2 files in order to rid their system of the software.

In mid-September 2006, reports started appearing on the Internet of a newer version with the number 1.5.708.0. However, some comments suggest that this may be a version under development which has accidentally been released somewhere.

In September 2006, Microsoft dropped various required validations on programs such as ActiveSync.

Click to expand...

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windows_Genuine_Advantage
Credibility: High but can be false.

The above statement clearly states that at some point during the update process you agree to use the WGA. Thus any attempt to remove the software is illegal.

The link http://support.microsoft.com/kb/921914 states how to remove the Notifications... Not the software itself... Also it is only valid for the pre-release version

Well, it's turned into an interesting thread. As far as the lawsuits, until they are resolved I'd say discussing it isn't actually illegal. But...

Before Microsoft issued official instructions on removing the WGA Notifier

Click to expand...

If MS has provided official instructions on how to remove the WGA notifier I don't see any problem discussing it at all.

MadMan007 said:

Thanks Rattle, I find MS' site a PITa to navigate and find stuff on. So it looks like WGA isn't a part of the SP@ download, so I don't even have to worry about it

Strangely I have been able to do updates without it installed unless MS snuck it in on me somewhere as part of an update package

Click to expand...

that link is to autopatcher

its a proggy that has all the updates till decemeber, (they update every month, then release a FULL version very 3 months or so) you have every update THERE IS at your disposal and can do with it what you want, also has some added features.

Rattle said:

that link is to autopatcher

its a proggy that has all the updates till decemeber, (they update every month, then release a FULL version very 3 months or so) you have every update THERE IS at your disposal and can do with it what you want, also has some added features.

Click to expand...

That link is a direct way in which someone could install windows, crack windows, then install the upgrades... I am not sure if the software is legit or legal. I feel that these software crosses the line of the purpose of this forum, which is to A) help people with there legit OS's and B) to help people OC their computers.

I think the intention of the forums rules was to prevent people from talking about and providing instructions on, how to remove software protection. Like I said, there are some GREAT forums on how to do this... OCForums should not be the place to discuss this.

I have defended other forums in the past, and stated they are legit because we were talking about the ETHICAL behavior of certain aspects of various fixes. This thread I must object too, unless the following can be addressed. I am working out these issues and triing to come up with the answers

If at somepoint you are required to load the WGA to receive additional upgrades, and that apon doing so you agree to a license that states that you will not bypass this software, then any discussion of building a computer that includes updates past the point WGA becomes manditory is against forum rules. If this is the situation, any activity that you partake in to accomplish your task is illegal under the DMCA.

I hate the DMCA. I think it is one of the worst laws in the books. Yet until we get the courts to overturn it, or until we get enough people to recognize the problems associated with this law and demand change, then we must abide by the law. I feel it is a major violation towards freedom of speach and that Computer code is no different then a book. I can associate the DMCA and actions regarding a book that results in you blacking out or making funny notations as the same action associated with any modification of software or computer code (including media).

Mike

BS I have legit windows and know many other that do and use this so they dont have to go thru the microsoft update BS and have crap like WGA on their machines if they choose not to have it and its much much quicker.

Green, I understand what you're saying and it's fair to question the intent or legality of posts. Then again the one sentence I did quote from the wiki link you posted seems to say MS itself provides a way to remove WGA.

As for the softpedia page, let's face it, if that link was really a direct way to crack Windows there's no way it could remain up, MS would sue to get it taken down. There are no directions on there on how to bypass activation or crack Windows as far as I can see, heck the wiki page provides more directions , and given that MS apparently provided a way to not install WGA I repeat my opinion that it's an ok topic to discuss. But in the end it's the mods opinion that matters, so whatever they decide.

I doubt it is illegal software either...

However, I dont agree with the statement that "Well I got a Legal copy, so I can do what I want with it"...

I beleive this attitude should be reflected in the law, however it is NOT. If the DMCA happened durring the 1978-1984 period, all of our PC's would be controlled like MACS are...

I own a peace of software. I should be able to modify it however I want. If I want to distribute these changes, then that activity should be illegal.

If I copy a DVD it is NOT illegal. If I copy a CD it is NOT illegal. If I sell a copyrighted DVD or CD then that is illegal. If I de-encrypt a DVD so that I may make a backup copy FOR MYSELF, then that activity is illegal.. Bypassing any copyright protection, is illegal even for personal use. The only exception is "Fair Use", which no one seems to know what that means.

Mike

I'm all about abiding by the law...never have a problem with it...until it stops making sense. IOW the spirit of the law is far more important to me than the letter is. If I'm told I cannot backup LEGIT CDs and DVDs I buy for my sons (who promptly trash them) then I have no use for that particular law. I won't buy the same material again and again simply because some software or music company's lobbyists bought off a group of politicians and convinced them to push through an unjust law.

More on topic I've been annoyed by the WGA as well, and I never allow update to install it. I can only assume that I've been prevented from downloading other updates since, but that's my decision. I'd be interested in bypassing WGA and getting patches for whatever security holes remain in XP.

TimoneX said:

I'm all about abiding by the law...never have a problem with it...until it stops making sense. IOW the spirit of the law is far more important to me than the letter is. If I'm told I cannot backup LEGIT CDs and DVDs I buy for my sons (who promptly trash them) then I have no use for that particular law. I won't buy the same material again and again simply because some software or music company's lobbyists bought off a group of politicians and convinced them to push through an unjust law.

More on topic I've been annoyed by the WGA as well, and I never allow update to install it. I can only assume that I've been prevented from downloading other updates since, but that's my decision. I'd be interested in bypassing WGA and getting patches for whatever security holes remain in XP.

Click to expand...

autopatcher is the best legal way to do just that bypass that WGA crap

Downloading it now.

It's slow going...must be popular.

TimoneX said:

Downloading it now.

It's slow going...must be popular.

Click to expand...

make sure you get the full program from novemeber here
http://www.softpedia.com/progDownload/AutoPatcher-XP-December--FULL--Update-Download-6278.html

my first link in this thread is the decemeber update to this november full version.

if your a firefox user, you can also try windizupdate

http://windowsupdate.62nds.com/

If you are trying to build a clean slipstreamed XP installation disk then I recommend RyanVM Integrator. WGA is an optional add on component and you get all the other post sp2 updates in a handy 7-zip package. You can also use nlite to integrate RVM update packages.

http://www.ryanvm.net/msfn/updatepack.html

Edit: WindizUpdate pwns the Microsoft IE update page. Much better, smoother and cleaner. You don't have to wade through all those KBs to determine which update superseded another so you don't end up installing older outdated updates when the newest one is what you need.

Edit 2: There is a FireFox Extension for WindizUpdate
https://addons.mozilla.org/firefox/2699/