Microsoft is working on the problem, and is telling users who are affect that they should “try again” later, with some support techs telling readers that Microsoft is aiming to have a fix in place by Monday, August 28th, according to ARS Technica.

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What is Windows WGA?

Windows Genuine Advantage is one of Microsoft’s validation pieces to manage licensing issues. Apparently something has gone haywire and users are reporting it is not validating their systems. You probably are thinking to yourself, “Self good thing you installed your XP or Vista a long time ago and we are validated already”. Yes and No, it is also used for updates and patches. In fact my guess is that is what caused the break…a bad patch.

Can Windows WGA shutdown my XP or Vista O/S?

In theory Microsoft says no, but at this point it is safe to assume anything. Stay vigilant if this effects you or your servers.

Do not’s of this emergency:

• Do not shutdown an invalidated machine
• Do not let Microsoft update or patch

Stay tuned for more updates here and especially at the Microsoft user forum. For lucky users they will miss this “bump” in the road.

Michael Rowles

Bump Advisor