How to Get Rid of Microsoft Genuine Advantage

The Windows Genuine Advantage utility makes sure that you are not running a pirated copy of Microsoft Windows. The only problem with this tool is that it can become a nuisance, because it constantly reminds you that your operating system is counterfeit. It appears at the Windows login and randomly while you are using your computer. Removing the WGA nag messages only requires a few procedures.

Instructions

1. Click "Start" and open the "Computer" folder. Navigate the following folder paths:

   C://Windows//System32

2. Locate the file names "WgaLogon.dll" and "WgaTray.exe." Right-click each file and click "Rename" one at a time. Rename the "WgaLogon.dll" file "WgaLogon.old." Rename the "WgaTray.exe" file "WgaTray.old." Restart the PC.

3. Click "Start." Click "All Programs," "Accessories" and then right-click "Command Prompt." Click the "Run as administrator" option. This will open the Command Prompt.

4. Type the following commands at the prompt one at a time and press "Enter":

   regsvr32% windir% system32 LegitCheckControl.dll / u

   Del% windir% system32 WgaLogon.old

   Del% windir% system32 WgaTray.old

   Del% windir% system32 LegitCheckControl.dll

   Exit the Command Prompt. Reboot your PC.

5. Click "Start," type "Regedit" in the search box and press "Enter." This will open the Registry Editor.

6. Navigate to the following registry key on the left window pane:

   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE SOFTWARE Microsoft Windows NT CurrentVersion Winlogon Notify WgaLogon

7. Right-click the "WgaLogon" folder and click "Delete." Confirm the removal of the folder. Exit the Registry Editor. Reboot your system. Make sure the WGA tool no longer appears.

Tips & Warnings

• Incorrect registry changes can harm your system. Back up your registry before making any changes (see Resources).

References

• Windows Tips and Tricks: Remove WGA -- How to Completely Uninstall WGA (WGA Removal Guide)

Resources

• Microsoft: Back Up the Registry