Windows Validation Process

Windows Genuine Advantage

Microsoft Windows Genuine Advantage (WGA) and Office Genuine Advantage (OGA) are programs initiated by the Microsoft Corporation to combat software piracy. An installation of Office or Windows that is considered "genuine" is eligible to receive "advantages," such as optional upgrades and value-added downloads. To determine whether your installation is genuine, it needs to be validated.

Validation

When you use Microsoft's validation tool for Office or Windows, the product key code used to activate the software is compared to information held by Microsoft. If the product key code passes this test, then the installation is considered valid or genuine. According to Microsoft's Genuine Advantage website, you can use its comparison guide to determine if your installation is valid prior to validating it.

Process

To validate your copy of Windows and obtain access to features only supported through the WGA program, go to the Microsoft WGA website. Click "Validate Windows" on the left side of the browser window and then click "Continue" on the next page. The website will determine whether you are running Windows XP or Vista. If you are using Firefox, you will be prompted to save the validation tool. Save it and then run it after it has downloaded. For Internet Explorer, you may have to allow the Active X Plug-In to run if the yellow warning bar appears at the top of the browser window. Otherwise, the validation tool should run once it has downloaded.

Results

Once the validation tool runs, your browser will display the results. According to Microsoft's WGA website, if your installation is determined to be invalid, you will be given a 30-day grace period to resolve the issues listed in your results. If you are running Windows Vista SP1, your operating system could be switched to "reduced functionality mode" when the grace period expires if the issues are not resolved.

Downloads

Once your installation of Windows is validated, you will be able to download updates and add-ons that are only available for validated users. You are also eligible for certain special offers if your copy of Windows is determined to be genuine.