Did you know Windows 7 contains a hidden secret "Customer Experience Improvement Program" which collects information about your computer hardware and how you use Windows without interrupting you?
The program also periodically downloads a file to collect information about problems you might have with Windows.
In this way, the program helps Microsoft improve Windows.
You would get surprised when you'll know that this program even counts how many times you have clicked on start menu, how many programs you have pinned to Taskbar, etc.
Actually when you install Windows, it asks you to participate in Customer Experience Improvement Program.
If you allowed this program to collect information or don't know whether the program is collecting information or not, here is the way to know or disallow it to collect information:
1. Open Start menu and type Customer Experience Improvement Program in search box.
2. It'll show it in search results. Click on it to launch its Settings.
3. Now select "No, I don't want to participate in the program." option and click on "Save Changes" button.
4. That's it. It'll stop collecting your information.
PS: We recommend you to allow this program to collect information as it doesn't harm you in any way and also helps Microsoft to improve Windows.
This article was posted by VG in following section: Troubleshooting, Windows 7.
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parasbhanot
did't know that thanks
SuperSoldier
Now I know. I don't want Microsoft tracking MY computer when I get Windows 7.
MJPollard
Thanks for the info. When the time comes for me to move from XP to 7, I'll know to turn this feature OFF. Call me paranoid, but I don't like ANY software doing things behind my back, not even if it's allegedly "benign" and "solely used for purposes of improving the software." There's no company in the world that I would trust to that extent, Microsoft in particular.
MarkAnthony
Cool
JrColas22
I never knew this. Thanks VG.
Maybe that explains why my PC's hard drive has been going crazy when I'm doing absolutely nothing on it.
But has this program been added only on Windows 7?
VG
^^ Yes.
Dustin Harper
You have to opt in when installing Windows. It's part of most of their current software. Even Visual Studio asks if you want to help make the software better by joining the Customer Experience program, even the setup experience.
But, it's not harmful by any means. But, there are some people that would rather give up their PC than to have Microsoft know how many times they click on the Start menu! :)
paulkev09
Wow, it's like Microsoft is putting a "spyware" on every copy of Windows 7. Anyways, that does not stop me from loving Windows 7...thanks for the tip.
And...regarding the new look of your website, i can say it's clean and better.
And your new layout loads even faster.
Emil
If it is difficult to get into these settings from any searchfield for OS without English language.
Look inside your Actioncenter (follow the flag icon in taskbar).
Ponder
Here's one for you. How do you remove the 'Windows Security' "These files may be harmful to your computer" prompt, when transferring files over your local network?