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A new program by Microsoft named Windows Genuine Advantage now validates the legitimacy of each copy of the Windows operating system before using Windows Update, Office Update, and the Microsoft Download Center.
What is Genuine Microsoft Software?
Genuine Microsoft software is published by Microsoft that is properly licensed and is fully supported by Microsoft or a trusted partner. Using genuine Microsoft software offers you greater capabilities and easy integration with the widest variety of hardware, software, and services. It also provides confidence that you will receive the latest product features, updates, security enhancements, and ongoing improvements to keep your PC running as smoothly as possible, now and in the future.
How can I tell if my copy of Windows / Office is genuine?
To help you verify that you are using genuine Windows, Microsoft offers a quick and easy online process called validation.
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Validation takes only a few moments, and enables Microsoft to create a match between your PC's hardware profile and your 25-character Product Key (located on the Certificate of Authenticity), which Microsoft stores and checks against future activation and validation attempts. Microsoft does this to ensure that your Product Key is not used by another person in a malicious manner, such as activating a counterfeit or non-genuine copy of Windows.
The validation process will occur when you download from the Microsoft Download Center or from Windows Update.
Microsoft also offers the Office Validation Assistant, an quick and easy validation process that enables you to verify that your copy of Office is genuine. You may also use the Genuine Office Comparison Guide to compare the special anti-counterfeiting features of your Office XP or Office 2003 installation CD and Certificate of Authenticity (COA) with those included with genuine Microsoft software.
What are the advantages of Windows / Office validation?
In addition to having the confidence that you are using a copy of Windows or Office that is licensed and fully supported by Microsoft or a trusted partner, genuine Windows and Office customers are eligible for the following benefits:
- Free downloads from the Microsoft Download Center
- Free updates for Windows and Office from Windows Update and Office Update
- Special offers including free downloads, special promotions, and discounts
Will I be asked to provide personal information during validation?
For more information about the genuine Windows privacy policy, see the Privacy Statement on microsoft.com.
Want more information?
Visit Microsoft at http://www.microsoft.com/genuine/ for more information.
