Microsoft has released a new update "KB971033" for Windows 7 users. It updates the activation and validation components in Windows Activation Technologies for Windows 7.
Windows Activation Technologies helps you confirm that the copy of Windows 7 that is running on your computer is genuine. Additionally, Windows Activation Technologies helps protect against the risks of counterfeit software. Windows Activation Technologies in Windows 7 consists of activation and validation components that contain anti-piracy features.
- Activation is an anti-piracy technology that verifies the product key for the copy of Windows 7 that is running on your computer. The product key is a 25-character code that is located on the Certificate of Authenticity label or on the proof of license label. These labels are included with each genuine copy of Windows. A genuine product key can only be used on the number of computers that are specified in a software license.
- Validation is an online process that enables you to verify that the copy of Windows 7 that is running on your computer is activated correctly and is genuine.
This update for Windows Activation Technologies helps detect validation errors and activation exploits. This update also detects any tampering attempts made to important Windows 7 system files. Be aware that some counterfeit copies of Windows include malware.
When this update is installed, it performs a validation process for the copy of Windows that is running on your computer. However, this validation process does not affect the functionality of Windows. The update process exits silently if it detects no validation errors, activation exploits, or tampered files.
If the update discovers a tampered file, it tries to restore the file. This restore may require a restart. If this update cannot restore the tampered files, it will direct you more information on the Internet.
If a validation error or activation exploit is detected, you will be directed to more information on the Internet for resolution of the activation exploit or the validation error. When validation errors or activation exploits are removed, you may be asked to use a valid product key to activate the copy of Windows 7 that is running on your computer. If you decide not to resolve the validation error or the activation exploit at that time, you will be periodically notified that the copy of Windows 7 that is running on your computer is not genuine. Additionally, Windows will provide a link to more information online for resolution.
This update package is available through Windows Update and Microsoft Download Center.
Download Link (64-bit)
This article was posted by VG in following section: Windows 7.
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ANON_MCITP
OK i know there is a lot of scare over the WAT KB971033. Here are some things you can do. If you used one of the WAT REMOVERS.
First Option Uninstall kb971033
If you want to Keep it that is Fine Also or you want to keep auto Updates on and dont want to be bothered about the wat thing.
here is what you can do
Download it install it. Very easy to find KB971033 on MS website will give you the download for the update.
here is the tricky part.
Go to Control Panel\All Control Panel Items\Administrative Tools\Local Security policy
From there
Software Restriction Policies- right click and create new
Go to additional rules
Create 2 hash Rules Or path rules I like hash only cause if the file move Still denied.
C:\Windows\System32\Wat\WatAdminSvc
C:\Windows\System32\Wat\WatUX
Restart
Your are done.
It has been installed but the operating system is now blocking it from ever running.
The exe Cant run there for it can’t tell on you, it is installed so there is no update to watch out for. Fight MS WIN 7 with MS WIN 7
Feru·san
2 Questions: Do I need to install this update so I can continue downloading updates from MS? Is this a critical update that forbids me to access further updates if I don't install it?
VG
^^ No. Its an optional update.
Feru·san
That's good to know.
Mint
Well if you want to avoid all of this,just go get yourself a FREE copy of Linux Mint.Doesn't cost a freakin dime and has over 30,000 sofware packages.Just as good as windows,and has programs that match anything you have to pay for on windows,all free.Just check it out.Download a free copy and try it.You can run it as a live CD without installing anything.I used to be a windows user myself and gave up on the monopoly that microsoft is.What do ya got to lose?
TheGooch
Mint - I tried it, and it didn't work with any of my daily use applicatons, photo edit apps, video editing apps, etc. And the iPhone and MS Exchange compatibility was zero. It wanted me to throw away 20 years of experience and start all over. No thank you, I have better things to do with my time.
Tomk
Just asking,what if i dont activate my copy of windows for quite a long time,what will become of it and what are some of the dangers of using non-genuine windows
VG
^^ Using genuine Windows helps in getting all essential updates released by Microsoft. Also you can install free software from Microsoft such as Microsoft Security Essentials, IE, etc in genuine Windows only. Also Microsoft regularly releases updates to check pirated Windows in systems.
regarding not activating Windows, you can use it for 30 days without activation but after that it'll block you from login.