Microsoft is now introducing Windows Genuine Advantage security patch in the updates of Windows XP to attack the pirated and counterfeited versions of Windows XP or Microsoft Office.
This software will ensure that the users only use licensed and legal copies of Microsoft Office products and will help in identifying the pirated versions. Those found using counterfeit software will not be able to access the add-ons and updates from Microsoft.
The Windows Validation Assistant will test the software by checking the users' computer. It will check whether the Windows operating system was installed using the valid product key. It was first introduced as a voluntary product to check the licensed and legal versions of Microsoft Office products but Microsoft is planning to make it compulsory.
If the product is a pirated version, the patch will generate a pop up on the login screen and desktop which will tell the user that the Windows XP version is not genuine. Such users will be denied access to the latest version of Internet Explorer 7 and other software and will have to pass the software validation test before they can proceed.
The customers who have unintentionally bought the pirated version of Office would have to pay extra license fee. The Genuine Advantage kit for Microsoft Office Professional Edition 2003 would cost as much as $359, the Microsoft Office Student and Teacher Edition 2003 would cost $139 and the Microsoft Office Small Business Edition 2003 would cost $269.
Although the internet provides cracks to remove or bypass the new software WAP, experts strongly recommend the buying of the legal version of Windows XP or Windows XP (Home or Pro) Edition. The Windows Genuine Advantage (WAP) Kit for Windows XP also includes a 25-character Product Key and a Windows Product Key Update tool that enables the users to covert their pirated versions to the genuine version of Windows XP.
