Digital Collaboration / Social Computing guide, a SharePoint Architect's view

Microsoft’s updated WGA Notifications package released on Tuesday was under fire because of the following reasons:

1. Annoying alerts of Windows Piracy Check
2. Pinging of Microsoft Server every system restart
3. To top it all, it was hidden alongside security fixes update that unknowingly made user’s computers into test beds

People did not like the way Microsoft has silently distributed the tools via automatic updates which cloaked itself under security fixes and has told the media the tool installed cannot be removed. This led to programmers finding ways to combat this deceptive software.

Knowing that they cannot stop programmers from rallying tools to forcedly remove this, they have changed their minds and released steps/procedures to remove this tool.

In summary below are the things you need to follow:

Disable WGA Notifications

1. Log on to the computer by using an account that has administrative permissions.

2. Make sure that the WGA Notifications version that exists on the computer is a pilot version. The version format for the pilot version is 1.5.0532.x. In this case, you can uninstall versions 527-532 only. For example, you can uninstall versions that range from 1.5.0527.0 to 1.5.0532.2. To find the WGA Notifications version, follow these steps:

a. Click Start, and then click Control Panel.
b. Double-click Add or uninstall Programs, locate and then click Windows Genuine Advantage Notifications, and then click Click here for support information.
c. In the Support Info dialog box, verify the version number, and then click Close.

3. Rename the following files by changing the extension to .old:

Rename %Windir%system32WgaLogon.dll to %Windir%system32WgaLogon.old Rename %Windir%system32WgaTray.exe to %Windir%system32WgaTray.old

4. Restart the computer.

Manually uninstall WGA Notifications

1. Log on to the computer by using an account that has administrative permissions.

2. Make sure that the WGA Notifications version that exists on the computer is a pilot version. The version format for the pilot version is 1.5.0532.x. In this case, you can uninstall versions 527-532 only. For example, you can uninstall versions that range from 1.5.0527.0 to 1.5.0532.2. To find the WGA Notifications version, follow these steps:

a. Click Start, and then click Control Panel.
b. Double-click Add or uninstall Programs, locate and then click Windows Genuine Advantage Notifications, and then click Click here for support information.
c. In the Support Info dialog box, verify the version number, and then click Close.

3. Rename the following files by changing the extension to .old:

Rename %Windir%system32WgaLogon.dll to %Windir%system32WgaLogon.old Rename %Windir%system32WgaTray.exe to %Windir%system32WgaTray.old

4. Restart the computer.

5. Unregister LegitCheckControl.dll by using Regsvr32. To do this, follow these steps:a. Click Start, click Run, type cmd, and then click OK.

b. At the command prompt, type the following, and then press ENTER: Regsvr32 %Windir%system32LegitCheckControl.dll /u

6. Restart the computer.

7. Click Start, click Run, type cmd, and then click OK.

8. At the command prompt, delete the following files by typing the Del command. Press ENTER after you type each command.

Del %Windir%system32wgalogon.dll Del %Windir%system32WgaTray.exe Del %Windir%system32LegitCheckControl.dll

9. At the command prompt, type regedit.

10. Locate and then right-click the following registry subkeys. Click Delete after you locate each subkey. HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindowsNT CurrentVersionWinlogonNotifyWgaLogon
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindowsNT CurrentVersionWinlogonNotifyWgaLogon
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindows CurrentVersionremoveremoveWgaNotify

11. Restart the computer.

Story found via news.

[tags]Microsoft, WGA Notification, Security Fixes, Windows[/tags]

This is a video on making a quick launch bar in Windows 7.

Video description

The one thing I hate about windows 7 is the lack of the quick launch bar. I tried other bars like rocketbar and such but it just wasn’t the same. Then at work one day I came up with this great idea. check it out.

Asus has announced their latest version of their revolutionary netbooks, the Asus Eee PC 1000HE. The current introductory prices is at $399 USD.

As of their press release:

ASUS Announces the Upgraded Eee PC 1000HE, Available Now for Pre-Order

– First netbook to feature Intel Atom N280 processor, the new Eee PC offers more power, 9.5 hours of battery life, and comfort and style –

FREMONT, CALIFORNIA (February 2, 2009)-ASUS, the innovator who revolutionized the mobile computing landscape with the original Eee PC netbook, today announces its most powerful and long-lasting Eee PC yet – the 1000HE. Available for pre-order from selected online E-tailers, the Eee PC 1000HE is the pinnacle of netbook computing, offering more power, longer battery life, increased comfort and legendary ASUS quality.

World’s First Atom N280 Netbook
With the extra power of the Intel Atom N280 processor, users will be able to boot faster, get work done quicker, and enjoy higher performance compared to other Atom N270-powered netbooks. The Eee PC 1000HE also features ASUS’ exclusive Super Hybrid Engine (SHE) technology, which can boost CPU speed for extra power or lower it to preserve battery life, all at the touch of a button.

Higher Density battery, New Keyboard
The Eee PC 1000HE is equipped with a high-density battery that, when combined with the Super Hybrid Engine, allows for an industry-leading 9.5 hours of battery life*. Using the Eee PC all-day has never been easier thanks to its bright 10” LED backlit display and new “chiclet” keyboard that allows for faster and more comfortable typing.

Wireless Internet and File Storage on-the-go
The Eee PC 1000HE comes with WiFi 802.11b/g/n network connectivity for ultimate wireless accessibility and mobility. Bluetooth v2.0 is also included for flexibility and convenience with any Bluetooth devices.

Additionally, the Eee PC 1000HE is outfitted with 170GB of Hybrid Storage – 160GB of internal hard disk drive and 10GB of file-encrypted Eee Online Storage. Users can store, share and access documents and multimedia easily on the move.

Pricing and Availability
The ASUS Eee PC 1000HE is available immediately for pre-order through the official ASUS Eee PC Group on Facebook at the following link: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=6297967631. The introductory MSRP of the Eee PC 1000HE is $399 USD. For a limited time, an additional $25 instant discount will apply to the pre-orders. The Eee PC 1000HE will be available in both Fine Ebony Black and Blue in North America.

• Estimated maximum battery life under Windows XP is measured with BatteryMark 4.0.1 (in Eee PC Super Hybrid Engine Power-Saving mode, 40% LCD brightness, Wi-Fi off, BT off, and camera disabled). Actual battery life may vary based on product settings, usage patterns and environmental conditions.

Asus Eee PC 1000HE are devices to support Lenovo S10.

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