Rafael Rivera

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Windows Genuine Advantage + Javascript = Workaround

(July 28, 07:03AM EST) Thanks for all the emails, I updated the IE script with user-submitted scripts to resolve the freezing and also bypass WGA on Microsoft/Windows Update. Do not email me about "simpler" methods (eg. Manage Add-ons, javascript :)! I know about this already...

Continue. Continue. Click. Click. Click. Sigh, my fingers could do without the extra clicking, hence why I came up with greasemonkey and trixie scripts for bypassing WGA on Microsoft's download pages.

For Internet Explorer users:

  • You'll need to download trixie and the relevant user script [Thanks Mark S., MacMonkey]. Simply download the .js file and drop it into trixie's scripts\ folder.
  • Fire up Internet Explorer (32-bit) and click Tools > Trixie Options. You should see WGA Workaround. If it's not already checked, check it. Uncheck the others if you don't want to use them (recommended).
  • Visit Microsoft Downloads or Microsoft Update to test it out!

For Mozilla Suite/Firefox users:

  • You'll need to download greasemonkey and the relevant user script. Simply download the .js file to a temporary location (like the Desktop), drag it onto a Mozilla Suite/Firefox window and click Tools > Install User Script. Keep the defaults.
  • Visit Microsoft Downloads to test it out! NOTE: Microsoft Update does not support Firefox.

For Opera users:

  • The script for Firefox above works as-is in Opera. Instructions later.

For Konqueror/lynx users:

  • You're kidding, right?

Published Wednesday, July 27, 2005 12:02 AM by Rafael

Comments

# Passer outre Windows Genuine...@ Wednesday, July 27, 2005 3:36 AM

Dubrow blog's [Benjamin Gauthey]

# Passer outre Windows Genuine...@ Wednesday, July 27, 2005 3:37 AM

Dubrow blog's [Benjamin Gauthey]

# Passer outre Windows Genuine...@ Wednesday, July 27, 2005 3:40 AM

Dubrow blog's [Benjamin Gauthey]

# Windows Genuine check cracked@ Wednesday, July 27, 2005 6:20 AM

That didn't take long... around 1 day in fact - Windows checks during the update to see if you're a legitimate user, forcing you to click yes, continue, of course, appy, thanks, I agree, next, etc. Of course if that kind of useless clicking pisses you off

The Linkielist

# re: Genuine Advantage se moer@ Wednesday, July 27, 2005 8:43 AM

Forest Blog

# re: Windows Genuine Advantage + Javascript = Workaround@ Wednesday, July 27, 2005 11:04 AM

doesn't work for me...


+ I can't get into my hotmail anymore after installing trixie, even after unchecking the 'Enhanced Hotmail' box...

Dodgeyyy

# re: Windows Genuine Advantage + Javascript = Workaround@ Wednesday, July 27, 2005 11:27 AM

Unchecked everything except WGA Workaround?

Rafael

# re: Windows Genuine Advantage + Javascript = Workaround@ Wednesday, July 27, 2005 12:42 PM

It's very sketchy for IE. So far the method I've found to work is to check the WGA Workaround box in Trixie, go to the site... the window will hang.


So you go to Trixie, UNCHECK the box, go back to the hung window, hit "back", and then VIOLA you can download anything.

Now, if only this could be made to work for Windows Update! LOL.

ppp

# re: Windows Genuine Advantage + Javascript = Workaround@ Wednesday, July 27, 2005 12:54 PM

Ok, a clarification. I don't know what in the JS is causing the hanging, but apparently the script is running at least once. Once that cookie is generated, there's no need to continue running Trixie until the cookie expires (usually long after you're done downloading).

ppp

# re: Windows Genuine Advantage + Javascript = Workaround@ Wednesday, July 27, 2005 1:17 PM

i installed trixie and the script. but i still can't download update's on microsoft.com

rammsteiner

# re: Windows Genuine Advantage + Javascript = Workaround@ Wednesday, July 27, 2005 1:49 PM

I am using XP SP2 with all the updates as of yesterday. I can't get the script to generate the cookie. I even tried adding .microsoft.com to the trusted sites list to reduce IE security in this case. No cookie, no bypass.

edgan

# re: Windows Genuine Advantage + Javascript = Workaround@ Wednesday, July 27, 2005 3:05 PM

my experience is the same as PPP's (above). It does work (both IE and FireFox). I'm sure we'll be seeing lots of activation methods in the next few days.

bardos

# re: Windows Genuine Advantage + Javascript = Workaround@ Wednesday, July 27, 2005 3:14 PM

Here is a fix for the IE script that hangs. Add/edit/replace the script in your Trixie scripts folder, then make sure you go to "Trixie Options" and RELOAD Scripts. Enjoy!

Only works for Microsoft downloads though...

// ==UserScript==
// @name WGA Workaround
// @namespace d09733c0-fe4c-11d9-8cd6-0800200c9a66
// @description Windows Genuine Advantage Workaround (IE)
// @include http*://*.microsoft.com/*
// ==/UserScript==

(function ()
{
var js = document.createElement("script");
js.setAttribute("language", "JavaScript");
js.setAttribute("type", "text/javascript");
js.text = 'document.cookie="WinGenCookie=validation=0";'
document.getElementsByTagName('head').item(0).appendChild(js);
}
)();

raboof

# re: Windows Genuine Advantage + Javascript = Workaround@ Wednesday, July 27, 2005 3:37 PM

nice raboof, works fine.

bardos

# re: Windows Genuine Advantage + Javascript = Workaround@ Wednesday, July 27, 2005 3:58 PM

raboof,

I tried your fix. It does fix the blank page problem, but doesn't seem to accomplish the goal of disabling WGA.

edgan

# re: Windows Genuine Advantage + Javascript = Workaround@ Wednesday, July 27, 2005 4:12 PM

edgan,

Make sure:

1) you are running the latest Trixie (0.2.3)
2) You copied/edited the script OK.

Then, close ALL IE windows - restart IE. Under Trixe Options, select the script (make sure it is checked too) and then click the View button - is the script correct?

If all is OK, go to MS downloads and it should work. Note on the bottom left corner of IE if you get script errors - if so, the script is wrong somewhere. Hope that helps.

r.---

raboof

# re: Windows Genuine Advantage + Javascript = Workaround@ Wednesday, July 27, 2005 4:20 PM

btw - the IE restart seems to be essential as it caches the page WGA status - so without a full restart and trixie knowing the correct script, it will appear to not work

also, this is ONLY for the MS downloads pages - NOT for "Windows Updates" - that still fails :-( The only help for that (for now!) is to do the Manage Addons trick in IE.

raboof

# re: Windows Genuine Advantage + Javascript = Workaround@ Wednesday, July 27, 2005 6:08 PM

Ah, my goal the whole time is to get Windows Updates to work, not the download page. Which I have been able to do just by disabling the WGA add-on. But I was interested in this idea for when they replace the add-on with code directly in some IE dll.

edgan

# @ Thursday, July 28, 2005 2:59 AM

Misschien heb je het al gemerkt als je met je illegale windows xp versie een update probeert binnen te halen lukt dat sinds kort niet meer. Meneer Bill G heeft een tooltje bedacht om te kijken of je een illegale xp op je pc-tje heb. Nu zit het internet

TrackBack

# re: Windows Genuine Advantage + Javascript = Workaround@ Thursday, July 28, 2005 2:17 PM

Voor windows update site kun je Windows Genuine Advantage afzetten via:

-Extra
-Internet-Opties
-Tabblad programma's
-Invoegtoepassingen beheren
-Windows Genuine Advantage selecteren
-Uitschakelen kiezen
-OK

Hierna werkt de update-site weer als vanouds.

Henksat

# re: Windows Genuine Advantage + Javascript = Workaround@ Thursday, July 28, 2005 4:39 PM

For Firefox users who don't want to use any extensions, I made a bookmarklet from Rafael's script.

Create a new bookmark and enter this as the location. It should all be one line.

BLOCKED SCRIPT(function () { var fix = document.createElement(%22script%22); fix.type = %22text/javascript%22; fix.innerHTML = 'document.cookie=%22WinGenCookie=validation=0%22;'; document.body.appendChild(fix); })();

f0rbez

# re: Windows Genuine Advantage + Javascript = Workaround@ Thursday, July 28, 2005 4:45 PM

Firefox users can use this bookmarklet.

<a class="bml" href='BLOCKED SCRIPT(function(){var fix=document.createElement("script"); fix.type="text/javascript"; fix.innerHTML='document.cookie="WinGenCookie=validation=0";'; document.body.appendChild(fix); })();'>Remove WGA Check</a>

f0rbez

# re: Windows Genuine Advantage + Javascript = Workaround@ Thursday, July 28, 2005 5:58 PM

Add the following line to the script to make it work for Windows Update as well:

window.g_sDisableWGACheck='all';





// ==UserScript==
// @name WGA Workaround
// @namespace d09733c0-fe4c-11d9-8cd6-0800200c9a66
// @description Windows Genuine Advantage Workaround (IE)
// @include http*://*.microsoft.com/*
// ==/UserScript==

(function ()
{
var js = document.createElement("script");
js.setAttribute("language", "JavaScript");
js.setAttribute("type", "text/javascript");
js.text = 'document.cookie="WinGenCookie=validation=0";'
document.getElementsByTagName('head').item(0).appendChild(js);
window.g_sDisableWGACheck='all';
}
)();

MacMonkey

# re: Windows Genuine Advantage + Javascript = Workaround@ Thursday, July 28, 2005 9:32 PM

I don't get it with firefox. I install Greasemonkey. I save the user script and put this on my desktop and than I drag it into my firefox. So I get this file:///c:/Documents%20and%20Settings/David%20Schack/Desktop/wgaworkaround.user.js


Click on Tools ---> Install User Script (so till then it goes normal)
Then I get included pages in greasemonkey -----> this : http*://*.microsoft.com/*

Greasemonkey says something like Press Ok .....

But I don't see the Ok button.

Can somebody help me plz?

BaardMuts

# re: Windows Genuine Advantage + Javascript = Workaround@ Thursday, July 28, 2005 9:40 PM

It's ok I found it myself :-)

BaardMuts

# re: Windows Genuine Advantage + Javascript = Workaround@ Thursday, July 28, 2005 10:33 PM

Tried it with the most recent update (above) to the script and it worked fine for me. I had all the updates except the "beta AntiSpyware" so I tried that and no problems.

Thanks guys.

jerryel

# BLOCKED SCRIPTvoid(window.g_sDisableWGACheck='all')@ Friday, July 29, 2005 12:02 AM

Microsoft enabled their Windows &quot;Genuine Advantage&quot; program earlier
this week.&amp;nbsp; What this means...

Christopher M. Cain

# re: Windows Genuine Advantage + Javascript = Workaround@ Friday, July 29, 2005 4:44 AM

Ok. I opened notepad, pasted this in:


// ==UserScript==
// @name WGA Workaround
// @namespace d09733c0-fe4c-11d9-8cd6-0800200c9a66
// @description Windows Genuine Advantage Workaround (IE)
// @include http*://*.microsoft.com/*
// ==/UserScript==

(function ()
{
var js = document.createElement("script");
js.setAttribute("language", "JavaScript");
js.setAttribute("type", "text/javascript");
js.text = 'document.cookie="WinGenCookie=validation=0";'
document.getElementsByTagName('head').item(0).appendChild(js);
window.g_sDisableWGACheck='all';
}
)();


and saved it with a .user.js extension. I then dragged the file into FireFox and went to the Tools menu and clicked on "Install User Script...". I know it works for downloads from Microsoft's download site because I download the the AntiSpyware program. I also have a valid / retail Windows installation / key. However, when I go to the windows update site, I get this message:

"Thank you for your interest in obtaining updates from our site.

To use this site, you must be running Microsoft Internet Explorer 5 or later.

To upgrade to the latest version of the browser, go to the Internet Explorer Downloads website."


Why is Windows Update not working? I did install the script correctly. Thanks for any help.

IsLNdbOi

# re: Windows Genuine Advantage + Javascript = Workaround@ Friday, July 29, 2005 4:46 AM

Ok. I opened notepad, pasted this in:


// ==UserScript==
// @name WGA Workaround
// @namespace d09733c0-fe4c-11d9-8cd6-0800200c9a66
// @description Windows Genuine Advantage Workaround (IE)
// @include http*://*.microsoft.com/*
// ==/UserScript==

(function ()
{
var js = document.createElement("script");
js.setAttribute("language", "JavaScript");
js.setAttribute("type", "text/javascript");
js.text = 'document.cookie="WinGenCookie=validation=0";'
document.getElementsByTagName('head').item(0).appendChild(js);
window.g_sDisableWGACheck='all';
}
)();


and saved it with a .user.js extension. I then dragged the file into FireFox and went to the Tools menu and clicked on "Install User Script...". I know it works for downloads from Microsoft's download site because I downloaded the the AntiSpyware program. I also have a valid / retail Windows installation / key. However, when I go to the windows update site, I get this message:

"Thank you for your interest in obtaining updates from our site.

To use this site, you must be running Microsoft Internet Explorer 5 or later.

To upgrade to the latest version of the browser, go to the Internet Explorer Downloads website."


Why is Windows Update not working? I did install the script correctly. Thanks for any help.

IsLNdbOi

# re: Windows Genuine Advantage + Javascript = Workaround@ Friday, July 29, 2005 5:31 AM

IsLNdbOi, Windows Update cannot run in Firefox. It must run in IE. That script is for IE with Trixie installed.

Here's another "simple" workaround I found that seems to work well for a lot of people. Not sure how long it will last.

Open LegitCheckControl.dll in a hex editor.

At location @0002BE98h:

Change 8B45D8 --> 33C090

BadDisk

# re: Windows Genuine Advantage + Javascript = Workaround@ Friday, July 29, 2005 5:53 AM

nice MacMonkey! Windows Updates works too now ;-)

raboof

# re: Windows Genuine Advantage + Javascript = Workaround@ Friday, July 29, 2005 6:39 AM

Yikes, sorry for the double post up there.

Thanks for the info. BadDisk. The script does work in that I don't have to use the GenuineAdvantage thing to download things from Microsoft's site. I used the script in my post above, with greasemonkey.

IsLNdbOi

# re: Windows Genuine Advantage + Javascript = Workaround@ Friday, July 29, 2005 6:45 AM

I tried looking for:

0002BE98

using "Hex Editor XVI32", but couldn't find it.

IsLNdbOi

# Syntax, people!@ Friday, July 29, 2005 12:39 PM

Hey, so I was saying to myself "WHY isn't the script people pasted WORKING in Windows Update" and then I noticed that a semicolon was missing! D'oh!

The line:

js.text = 'document.cookie="WinGenCookie=validation=0";'

Needs a trailing semicolon, like thus:

js.text = 'document.cookie="WinGenCookie=validation=0";';

And then it works!

Also you can just paste the script into the address bar before you hit "custom" or "express", and avoid using Trixie altogether:

BLOCKED SCRIPTvoid(window.g_sDisableWGACheck='all')

And hit "go". ;)

ppp

# re: Windows Genuine Advantage + Javascript = Workaround@ Friday, July 29, 2005 2:18 PM

BadDisk, so what do I look for in LegitCheckControl.dll?

@0002BE98h

or

@0002BE98

or

0002BE98h

or

0002BE98


Thanks again.

IsLNdbOi

# re: Windows Genuine Advantage + Javascript = Workaround@ Friday, July 29, 2005 8:18 PM

I don't use that hex editor.

0002BE98h is the location in the dll. Sorry but I don't know any other way to say it. If your hex editor doesn't show you line numbers and/or your current location, get one that does. (Like Ultraedit32)

At that location, there should be 8B 45 D8

Change it to 33 C0 90

BadDisk

# re: Windows Genuine Advantage + Javascript = Workaround@ Sunday, July 31, 2005 11:00 AM

Download "XP Pro corp 640 PID KEYGEN". Generate a "Product ID range" > 700. Change VLK as in http://support.microsoft.com/kb/328874/en-us
enjoy! This way work with windos update too.
Bye bye! :-))

Ivan

# re: Windows Genuine Advantage + Javascript = Workaround@ Sunday, July 31, 2005 11:01 AM

Download "XP Pro corp 640 PID KEYGEN". Generate a "Product ID range" > 700. Change VLK as in http://support.microsoft.com/kb/328874/en-us
enjoy! This way work with windos update too.
Bye bye! :-))

Ivan

# re: Windows Genuine Advantage + Javascript = Workaround@ Sunday, July 31, 2005 5:51 PM

@Ivan:
if the ID rang to 700 is and if I start the PC again, is the old invalid ID again there!!!
this is a good solution if the ID was stored!

@BadDisk:
0002BE90h or 0002BE90 is the location in the German LegitCheckControl.dll.

hansen

# re: Windows Genuine Advantage + Javascript = Workaround@ Sunday, July 31, 2005 6:33 PM

Yeah, there are lots of good PID's that blow out MS's authentication, in the 700+ range, 999 range, etc.

But none of them "stick". When you reboot, the old PID is always back.

ppp

# re: Windows Genuine Advantage + Javascript = Workaround@ Monday, August 01, 2005 5:42 PM

or u use this program: http://www.megaupload.com/?d=38Q30W2Z

its changes the legit-dll automatically.
Its tested for german version. But maybe it works with other language versions. A backup file will be created. So u can undo.

warp2

# re: Windows Genuine Advantage + Javascript = Workaround@ Wednesday, August 03, 2005 2:21 AM

Using a Product ID range of 700-xxxxxxx does not create a valid VLK key. If you were to use a key generated in that range to install, you wouldn't be installing the VLK version - and you'd be asked to activate.

The only notable thing I have found is that generated keys all seem to have a public key index of 23. And like the rest of the PID, it's based on the key itself, so rebooting will change it back.

Jaban

# re: Windows Genuine Advantage + Javascript = Workaround@ Wednesday, August 03, 2005 3:15 PM

after installing Internet Explorer 7 beta 1 unable to do get the updates. Keeps on checking for updates and never completes.

derick

# re: Windows Genuine Advantage + Javascript = Workaround@ Thursday, August 04, 2005 7:35 PM

i tried this method. it did help me get my sp2 back thank goodness. but did yall d/l the WGA patch now? it says it cant be uninstalled. will this method get around it? i know the "back" method worked for me mentioned by ppp. it also helped i think to open another browser. it did hang on me but i got around it!

dz2k

# re: Windows Genuine Advantage + Javascript = Workaround@ Friday, August 05, 2005 9:12 AM

Another way of doing it, without having to install any programs:

Go to http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com. Don't press the [Express] or [Custom] buttons. Paste the following line in the adress bar and press enter:
BLOCKED SCRIPTvoid(eval(prompt('Enter code','')));

In the prompt that appears paste the following line of code:
var js=document.createElement("script"); js.setAttribute("language","JavaScript"); js.setAttribute("type","text/javascript"); js.text='document.cookie="WinGenCookie=validation=0";'; document.getElementsByTagName('head').item(0).appendChild(js);window.g_sDisableWGACheck='all';

Good luck everyone :)

Lil_Kei

# re: Windows Genuine Advantage + Javascript = Workaround@ Saturday, August 06, 2005 12:40 AM

If it helps at all, you can also bypass WGA in Windows XP SP2 by disabling the WGA plugin in Internet Explorer.

Control Panel + Internet Options + Programs + Manage Add-ons, then pick "Windows Genuine Advantage" and click the Disable button.

Disabling the plugin only works for the Windows Updates site though - the Microsoft Download Center will just bring you to that silly little "enter the code" screen.

...But you know, I haven't had any problems with Rafael's solution either. Trixie works fine.

Jaban

# re: Windows Genuine Advantage + Javascript = Workaround@ Tuesday, August 09, 2005 12:25 PM

I had trouble with Trixie, it would not work - when I click tools, trixie options nothing happened. I don't have the "Manage Add-Ons" because I am using IE with SP1. I was able to use the method where you simply paste BLOCKED SCRIPTvoid(window.g_sDisableWGACheck='all')
before you hit custom and that allowed me to do updates however can I install SP2? I am afraid it will not like my key and screw up my system...

jmsnyc

# re: Windows Genuine Advantage + Javascript = Workaround@ Wednesday, August 10, 2005 1:44 PM

Works great in IE and firefox thanks.

oldies

# re: Windows Genuine Advantage + Javascript = Workaround@ Wednesday, August 10, 2005 9:07 PM

jmsnyc, worked like a charm!

cipherDog

# re: Windows Genuine Advantage + Javascript = Workaround@ Friday, August 12, 2005 12:36 AM

What about installing SP2? I have the same key concern...

jmsnyc

# 关于WGA的尝试@ Friday, August 12, 2005 4:52 AM

网上说到绕过WGA的方法,一般提到两个地方.一是www.boingboing.net上,原文字如下:Thursday, July 28, 2005Microsoft

yanjc

# re: Windows Genuine Advantage + Javascript = Workaround@ Sunday, August 21, 2005 6:04 AM

looks like the sp2 wont d/l now

dz2k

# Microsoft publica parche para fallo trivial en el cortafuegos de Windows XP@ Saturday, September 03, 2005 1:47 AM

Se ha identificado una debilidad en Windows, la cual podr&#237;a ser
explotada por usuarios locales para ocultar cierta informaci&#243;n. Este
fallo es debido a un error en la forma que la Interfaz de Usuario del
Cortafuegos de Windows maneja entradas malformad

marcelo

# BLOCKED SCRIPTvoid(window.g_sDisableWGACheck='all')@ Friday, September 16, 2005 8:44 PM

Microsoft enabled their Windows &quot;Genuine Advantage&quot; program earlier
this week.&amp;nbsp; What this means...

Christopher M. Cain

# BLOCKED SCRIPTvoid(window.g_sDisableWGACheck='all')@ Saturday, October 01, 2005 7:04 PM

Microsoft enabled their Windows &quot;Genuine Advantage&quot; program earlier
this week.&amp;nbsp; What this means...

Christopher M. Cain

# re: Windows Genuine Advantage + Javascript = Workaround@ Friday, January 13, 2006 6:09 AM

This is as simple as 1-2-3.
1. Boot your windows into safe mode

2. Unpack and copy "LegitCheckControl.dll" to your system32 dir
inside your windows directory. (overwrite the old one)

3. Restart your computer and your done!

This one is tested and works on both Windows Update and
Microsoft Download.

Fix:
http://rapidshare.de/files/8494677/hindoowsasf.rar
--------------------------------------------------------------------
tested. 100% functional. 1-13-2006


Joopiter2

# re: Windows Genuine Advantage + Javascript = Workaround@ Friday, January 13, 2006 6:09 AM

This is as simple as 1-2-3.
1. Boot your windows into safe mode

2. Unpack and copy "LegitCheckControl.dll" to your system32 dir
inside your windows directory. (overwrite the old one)

3. Restart your computer and your done!

This one is tested and works on both Windows Update and
Microsoft Download.

Fix:
http://rapidshare.de/files/8494677/hindoowsasf.rar
--------------------------------------------------------------------
tested. 100% functional. 1-13-2006


Joopiter2

# re: Windows Genuine Advantage + Javascript = Workaround@ Thursday, February 09, 2006 12:00 PM

I did everything what's told in the article, and I can update perfectly now! But the problem is that Windows still says I have to activate it. Does anyone have a solution for that?

kevinn

# re: Windows Genuine Advantage + Javascript = Workaround@ Tuesday, February 14, 2006 4:01 AM

None of these methods work anymore.. at least for the download site.
I'm trying to download Windows Defender (Antispyware) Beta 2 but it always asks me to validate my copy.

I tried the scripts and the DLL that Joopiter2 posted above.. but it doesn't work.
When I get to the download page the validation thing is there and a pop-up bar shows up asking me to install an ActiveX validator control.

Is there any other way to bypass WGA and download the Windows Defender?

danielcs

# re: Windows Genuine Advantage + Javascript = Workaround@ Tuesday, February 14, 2006 6:46 PM

"None of these methods work anymore." I agree, is there a way?

MrMoton

# re: Windows Genuine Advantage + Javascript = Workaround@ Wednesday, March 01, 2006 3:20 PM

the thing that works for me is this go to the windows update page...


Before pressing 'Custom' or 'Express' buttons paste this text to the address bar and press enter:

Code:
BLOCKED SCRIPTvoid(window.g_sDisableWGACheck='all')

dingding

# re: Windows Genuine Advantage + Javascript = Workaround@ Wednesday, March 01, 2006 4:52 PM

That worked for me too:

BLOCKED SCRIPT void(window.g_sDisableWGACheck='all')

then press the back button and go from there.

shamrox