Monday, January 16, 2012

How to Remove Windows Genuine Advantage Error


Windows Genuine Advantage (WGA) is an application that attempts to validate that your PC is using a licensed copy of the XP operating system. If the app tags your version of XP as pirated, it will repeatedly prompt the user to install a valid version of the OS. 
Some Windows users have reported that Windows Genuine Advantage have been invalidating perfectly legitimate copies of XP, and the incessant error messages are proving extremely bothersome. While Microsoft is creating a fix, frustrated users can disable the error messages manually. This simple process involves editing the computer's registry. Don't be taken aback by the prospect of using the command prompt, it's really quite easy as long as you follow the instructions.



Instructions


Any time you make changes to an operating system, it's advisable to back up all the files and data on your PC.


Once your data is backed up, shut down your computer.


Hold the F8 key down while you restart the computer. At the prompt, choose to reboot in safe mode.


Once your desktop appears, click the "Start" menu, and select "Run." This will open a command prompt. Type "regedit" in the command prompt window to open the registry editor.


Just in case something goes wrong, back up the registry. In the registry editor's menu, Click "File" and then "Export." Select "All" under "Export Range." Save the file to a folder you can easily find.


Now search the editor for the "wgalogon" folder and delete it. Close out of the registry editor.


Use your Windows search to find any "wga*" files and delete these files.


Now reboot your computer in "normal" mode. You should never see another WGA error message again.

No comments:

Post a Comment