the new "Windows Genuine Advantage Notification" system has begun implementation since April 25. This will be used on Windows XP. This program applies to OEM, Retail, and Volume License versions of XP.

Not everybody will see this change immediately. There will be a phased introduction. When you get the new Notification tool will be decided by Microsoft.

When Windows Updates are run, a new WGA tool will install. After WGA checks for authenticity, if it finds a problem, it will start posting warnings at bootup and via popup balloon messges.

"This copy of Windows is not genuine."
"You may be a victim of software counterfeiting."

After 14 days, there will be an hourly warning that a non-Genuine copy of Windows is being used. You can turn off the warnings if you wish, but they will return with each Windows update.

As long as a non-Genuine copy is detected, certain updates won't be possible but Windows XP will continue to function.

Those with non-Genuine copies will be offered an online purchase directly from Microsoft for $149 for XP Professional and $99 for XP Home. For this price, you'll receive a key, a COA, and a CD. There will be other options given for fixing the problem, including resolving the problem with the supplier of the software or PC, buying a retail version, buying an OEM version from a legitimate reseller, or getting a free copy from MS (but only when VERY HIGH GRADE counterfeit software is involved, and the user fills out MS's piracy report form).
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