Ya know, for those who can't XP due to....*ahem*...problems.

I fully recommend AutoPatch

www.autopatch.com

Bloody brilliant program, comes with all the latest patches and applies them all at once!

O rry. Probrems you say.

Quite rry

I fought this problem last week.

MS has implemented a new Authentication process, which can be problematic for some.

Here are some of my finding.
- they are using a 3rd party authentication, akaimi net or something, make sure your firewalls aren't blocking it.
- the WGA process connects to internet frequently (like spyware) choking up your bandwidth.
- if your not validated, or you have a "borrowed" install code, you can't update.

Here are some work around/fixes (for valid licence holders)
- Make sure you have administration rights to:
+ Manage Autding & Security logs
+ Back up files & directories
+ Restore files & directories
+ Take Ownership of files or other objects
(via the gpedit.msc)
- You can remove all "objects" in MSIE and remove the directory/folder in "All Users | Application Data | Microsoft | Windows Genuinue Authentication"

Don't download the newest WGA {Windows Genuine Authentication} package.

If you have, the easiest method around this is:
- Search your Windows Installation HD for all files that begin with WGA.
- Once found change / rename the files {best way is to add an underscore "_" to the beginning or end of the file} Do the DLLCache folder first, then the rest.
- Its safe to delete any text or log files.
- Reboot 3 times.

Get your critical updates as necessary, but do NOT get the new WGA package.

I got their offline Authentication package, which validated my licence's where valid for all 5 installs I have. But had problems after getting the new WGA process. Its buggy. I have OEM type installation/recover CDs, but the authentication process can sometimes have problems with these.

One of the biggest issues is major companies use their Volume Licence installs to install before shipping. They then ship the PC with a valid user licence, which does not correspond to the Volume Licence used by the company. The problem comes when the companies (Dell, Gateway, Sony, Alienware, Toshiba ect, but smaller companies are in wider problem grid) have installed their volume licence on more PC's then they're allowed, but then ship a valid user licence to the customer. So when the customer goes to update/register, the licence has gone beyond what was authorized, so updates will or can fail.

The whole WGA system/process is STILL in beta! SO, we the customers are in effect BETA testing their software for them.

MS forums and Company forums are ablaze with issues. This WGA process was only tested marginally in overseas areas, and then made wide spread in the U.S. Many customers.

MS has a program in place now, that if you fail to validate, you can BUY at a lower rate a new full blown XP install from them for about half the price you can get off the shelf. Only if you think you've got a pirated copy/licence of the software. They will send you a new key, a link to a site that allows you to install the new key. You will get an email with the new key and the link, and then they will send a CD to you in 4-6 weeks.

Hope this helps too.

For those interested on fixing your XP update process....

http://forums.microsoft.com/Genuine/...aspx?SiteID=25

The MS forums mentioned above.


Or if you know you have a valid sticker on your box, you can try this:
Good Luck,

*dies*

Its why I always click, custom install when auto updates come up to see what they are putting on my computer.... And so a few weeks ago, a "genuine windows validation" program or something like that poped up, and I clicked NO way... do not put that crapola on my puter!

I suggest in the future to anyone with a "not valid" copy of micro$oft, to check what they are doing to "your" copy of windoz.

*is confused*