Update WGA in SP1

Windows Vista SP1 brings with it a new tweaked version of the WGA (Windows Genuine Advantage) anti-piracy scheme.  How does this look to the end user?

Currently Vista offers two different user experiences to those considered to be running non-genuine installations of Vista:

• Reduced Functionality Mode (RFM) - This is a state where the user can only access Internet Explorer for 60 minutes at a time before being logged out.  Users can also boot into Safe Mode and access documents.  Ultimately though, Microsoft is pushing the user to get the system properly activated.  This state can be reached if the product activation period expires.
• Non-Genuine State (NGS) - This state occurs when an activated copy of Vista fails a Web-based validation check (for example, when the user attempts to download software from the Microsoft site).  In this case, features such as the Aero UI and ReadyBoost are completely disabled.  Other features such as Windows Update offer limited functionality.

As of SP1, both these states are gone and if a system is considered to be non-genuine it will enter what I can call a nag state.  In this state users will see:

• A nag screen to activate at logon that cannot be dismissed for 15 seconds.
• Every hour the desktop background is switched to black (it can be changed back, but after an hour it’s set to black again).
• Activation dialogs and balloon dialogs appear regularly.
• Optional Windows Updates aren’t delivered.

  Check this out at the below Screenshot:

  
  After 15 seconds you can dismiss the window.

  
  Windows still works, but notice that the desktop background has been set to black.

  
  Windows Update won’t bring in optional updates either.

  
  Nag screens galore …

  
  Everything still works. A relief for those caught up in the WGA net by accident.

  
  You can reset the wallpaper, but every hour this is reset to black until Windows is put into a genuine state.

  
  Oh, and when there are no nag screens, the user also sees a message on the desktop informing them that the installation is not genuine.

  
  If Windows Update is on, nag screens appear regularly.