How remove MS "phone home" security update?

I've just been reading about the recent Microsoft Windows security update that I believe is called Windows Genuine Advantage that checks if you have a valid Windows setup and in addition LOGS IN to the MS website to pass info to MS. Apparently it logs in daily, unknown to you (MS says this will be changed to every 2 weeks)

Either way, I need this like a hole in the head. How can I identify this particular "security update" and remove it?

 

Just change the way that your auto updates works. Set it to notify but don't download. That way you can chose what updates you want to install and can skip the ones you don't want

 

Thanks but I already have it set Not to download. But since it was marked as a security update I assume I already downloaded/saved it. I believe you can remove individual downloads in XP. Does anyone know how to id it and remove it?

 

Great, thanks a lot.

 

Actually the security update KB892130 can be reached thru the Contro Panel > Add/Remove > Show Updates.

However, the update is marked "Cannot be removed" unlike all the other MS updates. As usual, MS seems to have us all by the b***s.

 

Hello robls99,

It can be undone with a System Restore. From the Start menu > all programs > Accessories > System Tools. Calender dates in bold can be restored to. Restore to just prior the update.

Any other updates, such as application installs or AV updates will have to be re done.

Regards - Charles

 

Charles,

Good idea to use the Restore function except according to the add/remove listing, I downloaded the update on 3/27 and doubt if I want to restore that far back. Oh well....we tried.

 

There are two different WGA activities which may be a little confusing. One is or lets say was triggered by an Active X plugin that checked everytime one went to the Windows update site. Initially there was a little java script that could be run with a specific browser plugin (will remain un-named) to disable the WGA check thereby providing full access to the update site. That has since been change to a hash related script. The second WGA activity is the WGA notification nag which came in the form of a critical update a few weeks ago. The workaround for that requires a little work on 5 different files which will also remain un-named. Should this be the problem you are referencing, you can buy a legitimate copy of Windows and do a repair install without adversely affecting any of your installed software or other files. I would recommend this course of action for anyone who is asking a question similar to yours.

 

That sounds a little involved but thanks for the info.

 

so maybe that is the reason when i clicked on locate me on windows live local or whatever it took me straight to washington state

 

You should also be able to set your firewall to not permit WGA to have access to the Internet.
I have no idea what happens the next time you try to download a Windows Update if any of the suggestions to remove/disable WGA is implemented.

 

Thanks guys for all your tips.