How to Remove a Genuine Advantage Toolbar

Microsoft tests Windows each time you connect to the Web, no matter how many tests you pass.

The Windows Genuine Advantage notifications open each time your Windows XP computer connects to the Internet to authenticate your installation. This slows down your system. Though Microsoft offers no obvious way to stop this toolbar from opening, you can uninstall earlier versions of the notifications manually. If this process fails, download a program to remove them automatically from the link in "Resources."

Instructions

1. Open any folder.

2. Click on the "Tools" from the menu bar. Select "Folder Options." The "Folder Options" window will open.

3. Click the "View" tab. Check the box next to "Show hidden files and folders."

4. Click "My Computer" from the "Start menu." Open the "C:" drive.

5. Open the "Windows" folder within the "C:" drive. Open the "System32" folder from within that.

6. Right-click the "WgaLogon.dll" file, and select "Rename." Type "xxxx.dll."

7. Right-click the "WgaTray.dll" file, and select "Rename." Type "xxxx2.dll."

References

• Microsoft Support: How to Disable or Uninstall the Pilot Version of Microsoft Windows Genuine Advantage Notifications for Windows XP

Resources

• Softpedia: RemoveWGA 1.2