First discovered in September of 2007, Microsoft began to automatically update users computers even if they had “Automatic Updates” turned off. At the time, MS offered no explanations of any kind. Since then they have said that the updates were necessary for end users to continue to receive updates and critical patches. So, the updates were supposed to update the automatic update. The problem here is that it is up to MS to decide exactly what is a “critical” update. Since many “updated” programs like Internet Explorer and Media Player 9, 10, and 11 as well as WGA (Windows Genuine Advantage) can cause problems ranging from security flaws to totally inoperable systems.
Internet Explorer
Internet
Explorer is the number one Internet browser in the world, and therefore the
number one target for hackers and malware authors. Corporations and individuals
spend millions of dollars installing and configuring various 3rd
party programs like firewalls and anti-virus software to overcome the inherent
flaws in Internet Explorer. These clandestine upgrades have opened up new
and/or different security problems and even rendered some systems incapable of
accessing the Internet entirely.
Windows Media Player, already a
well-known security problem, will reset to the default of searching the
Internet for information as well as upload a complete list of the users entire
media file collection. I wonder how much that information would be worth to the
movie and recording industry?
WGA (Windows Genuine Advantage)
Last, but the most devastating so
far, is the WGA (Windows Genuine Advantage) update. This update verifies that
the users version of Windows is, in fact, a legally licensed copy of Windows.
Unfortunately, many users legal copy is flagged as counterfeit. Since many
systems were purchased with the operating system (Windows) pre-installed, they
did not receive an “original” MS disk. The operating system was actually
located on a hidden section of their hard drive and was, in fact, completely
legal. This method of installation in called the “Corporate” version of
Windows. It is a bulk distribution license that was paid for by the system
builder, and legally installed on every system that they built. However, if
that company has since gone out of business, or if a copy of the license key
was intentionally or accidentally released to the public, Microsoft deems it to
be a “pirated” or “counterfeit” copy.
I have personally seen the dreaded
“You might be a victim of software counterfeiting” warning mysteriously appear
on dozens of legally purchased systems. The warning will appear and after a few
days the user will be presented with a “Countdown” window at startup. The
window will create a 30 second delay offering the user a “Click here to solve
this problem” checkbox before allowing you the option of choosing a “Not now”
or “Later” button. This will continue for a few more days, until the user is
left with only the option of clicking on the “Repair Now” or “Later” button. If
the “Later” button is selected the system simply reboots and the process starts
all over again. At this point the user is effectively “locked out” of their own
computer, and the only option is to go to the MS site, where they will be
instructed to re-purchase their copy of Windows. The really sad part is that
they will not get a new disk, but simply another activation number for their
money. Imagine how profitable it would be if the automakers of the world could
simply send you a letter informing you that your car was not legally purchased
and that if you would like to keep it, all you had to do was pay for it, again!
Well that’s what MS is doing, and actually getting away with it.