How to Stop Installation Wizard from installing Windows Genuine Advantage Notification

Windows Genuine Advantage (WGA) is a software created by Microsoft to check the authenticity of Windows operating systems, specifically Windows XP, Vista and Windows 7. The Installation Wizard will pop up to install WGA after a connection to the Microsoft update center. If you choose to ignore it, it will pop-up every time you boot up your computer. There's no other option given to you by the Installation Wizard but to install it. There is a way though to stop the Installation Wizard from popping up and installing Windows Genuine Advantage Notification. Follow the steps below:

Instructions

1. Go to "My Computer."

2. Click on "Local Disk", usually it's C:\.

3. Go to folder "Windows."

4. Go to folder "system32."

5. Look for the folder KB905474 and click it to see the files inside.

6. Verify that the folder contains files that have "WGA" or "Genuine Notifications" in the filenames.

7. Delete the folder KB905474. This stops the Installation Wizard from installing Windows Genuine Advantage Notification.

8. Empty the Recycle Bin just to make sure Windows doesn't retrieve the deleted folder.

Resources

• How to make a shortcut or hotkey for Vista's Snipping Tool
• How to Enable Free Screenshot in Vista
• How to take Start Menu Windows Screenshot using the Snipping Tool in Vista
• How to fix missing "Copy to CD" link in Windows XP
• How to Use Snapshot Software to take Screenshot of your Computer