Microsoft software update

I'm concerned about the Microsoft software update installation wizard I received today from automatic updates about permanently installing software that checks to see if my copy of XP is genuine. The license agreement is plain that information on my computer will be gathered and that I "consent to the transmission and use of (my) computer information" I'm leery of this, but without it I may not be privy to future updates as evidenced by the statement that "installation of the validation tool may be required...to use services such as Windows Update." Is this safe to install?

 

Hello Roy,

Background on this issue:

http://www.windowsbbs.com/showthread.php?t=55729&highlight=wga

http://www.windowsbbs.com/showthread.php?t=55064&highlight=wga

http://www.windowsbbs.com/showthread.php?t=55515&highlight=wga

Its as safe to install as any other MS patch

Regards - Charles