New "key" mandatory in Windows for updates

[-pops-]

How long did you give the hourglass?

That happened on a couple of my son's machines but it seemed that it was the updater taking a long time to scout around the machine. I think it was machines with Photoshop AND PSP loaded on them - i.e. very large single programs.

[deuces wild]

10 minutes and I gave up.

edit. I tried it again and got the same error message.

This stinks! :angry:

[-pops-]

Strange! :unsure:

[Scarecrow Man]

Try this DW

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/KB898461

and make sure you are using Windows Isntaller 3.1

BITS

[deuces wild]

Thanks.....I am now officially *validated*.

I feel special.

[AlanHo]

I just noticed a glitch on my computer.

When I went to the MS site a few days ago to verify my software etc Microsoft downloaded a small programme which enables the download of updates automatically for all MS software - and not just Windows.

Fine - I'm all for that

However - I just looked again at the update site (Now called Microsoft Update rather than Windows Update and clicked on Download History - to find just 6 updates downloaded after validation. Previously all my updates were listed from way back.

Somewhere on the site I saw a reference to being able to go on to the Windows Update site so entered the old URL which automatically changed to Microsoft Update. I cannot see a way of accessing the Windows Update site to look at my previous download history because every time I try, the Microsoft Update page takes over.

Is it just me - or is everyone similarly affected.

[Chris]

Change Settings, Scroll Down.

[Boris]

Belarc Advisor

details

- will show you every update you've installed.

I've circled those I updated today - the rest are from before the new arrangements applied.

[ɹəuəllıʍ ʇɐb]

If I click on 'Review your update history' I get a whole lot of updates, but not all. 31 are listed, back to March 2005, but nothing earlier.

Yes, I think this is Windows Update vs. Microsoft Update.

Anyway, there are many tools that can list all installed updates, e.g. systeminfo

[Scarecrow Man]

With the release of WGA 1.0, Microsoft has made a number of enhancements, including the following:

• Validation via WGA will be required for all customers using Windows Update (WU), Microsoft Update (MU) for Windows content, and the Download Center (DC). Security updates remain available to all Windows users - with or without WGA validation - via the DC or Automatic Updates.

• Microsoft has provided ongoing added-value software offerings for genuine users throughout the WGA pilot as a way of providing these customers with richer Windows experiences. Microsoft has augmented its initial offerings with additional offers for a total value of over CAD $450.

• Microsoft has enhanced and simplified the validation process by automatically checking participants' PCs to determine whether they are running genuine Windows software. All Windows users will no longer be required to enter their 25-digit product key in order to validate their software.

• Two offers of genuine software will be available worldwide for Windows XP Professional and Home Edition for customers who unknowingly purchased counterfeit software. Qualifying customers who fill out a piracy report, provide proof of purchase, and send in their counterfeit CDs may receive a genuine copy at no cost. Qualifying customers who submit a piracy report may receive a genuine copy of Windows XP Home for $129 CAD Windows XP Pro for $199 CAD. The latter offer will be fulfilled electronically and via postal mail in order to help customers get genuine Windows as quickly and conveniently as possible.

http://www.microsoft.com/canada/media/rele...2005_07_25.mspx

[wng_z3r0]

just wait till DRM kicks in and M$ will virtually own your computer...

[ɹəuəllıʍ ʇɐb]

Interesting KB article: http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?...kb;en-us;905226 ...