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Windows Genuine Advantage is a Microsoft initiative designed to cut down on software piracy. As part of this initiative, Microsoft is restricting access to software updates for users with copies of Windows that Microsoft does not consider to be genuine. Users without a Microsoft-approved copy of Windows no longer have access to Windows Update and other Microsoft downloads. Without Windows Update, it is not possible to ensure that a machine is secure and patched.
Starting in the fall, Brandeis LTS requires that all Windows users have a Microsoft-approved copy of Windows 2000 or XP in order to register for network access. In the event that a Windows computer fails Microsoft's validation test, the computer will not be allowed to register.
Most students will not be affected. If you purchased a computer from Dell or another major vendor, you should have nothing to worry about. If your copy of Windows fails Microsoft's validation test, you will be informed when you register your computer, and your computer will not be given full access to the Brandeis network. You will still be able to read your e-mail using IMP Webmail, and you will be able to log on to WebCT for your course work, but you will not be able to browse the web or use any other network services.
Visit a Microsoft Genuine Advantage site from home, such as Microsoft Calculator Plus. Be sure to use Microsoft Internet Explorer. You will need to press Continue a number of times. If you are able to download Calculator Plus, your copy of Windows is Microsoft-approved. If you see a Validation Failure message, Microsoft does not consider your copy to be genuine.
Microsoft recognizes that having a non-approved copy of Windows is not necessarily your fault. If you can show that you purchased your non-approved version of Windows with a new computer, Microsoft will provide you with a genuine copy for free. For more information, please refer to Microsoft's website. If you have a genuine copy of Windows on CD, you can also pass validation by reinstalling the operating system with that CD. See our instructions on reinstalling your Windows operating system. You can obtain advice and general help from the UNet Help Desk at x9UNET (781-529-8638).
For a limited time, Microsoft will replace any non-approved version of XP Home for $99.00, and XP Pro for $149.00. See Microsoft's website for more details.
Staff and faculty are covered under a campus license from Microsoft for work machines. To replace a non-approved Windows copy, ask your department coordinator for a licensed CD. Help is available on this issue from the Tech Desk at x6SRVC (781-736-7782).
Visit Microsoft's website for detailed information.
