Tag: mechanism

Microsoft Windows Memory Diagnostic Utility

August 29, 2008 by Jason

Windows Memory Diagnostic is a free utility available for download from Microsoft designed to sniff out flaws in a machine’s RAM modules. The fact is that the source of the now ubiquitous blue screen is not always Windows, or any piece of code for that matter. The fault could just as well reside in system memory, and this is where Windows Memory Diagnostic comes in. The tool is capable of evaluating the RAM on a computer and identifying any error.

Windows Memory Diagnostic supports x86-based computers with the following microprocessors: Intel - Pentium or Celeron families; AMD - K6, Athlon, or Duron families; and microprocessors compatible with those listed above. You can test all types of RAM that run on x86-based computers with the supported microprocessors,” reveals Microsoft’s description of the tool.

Both Windows Vista and Windows XP users will be able to create bootable media (either a floppy or a CD) which can be used in its turn in order to boot the computer. Windows Vista already features the tool integrated as a default component under Administrative Tools, or accessible via the Repair option in the operating system’s installation media. Read More»

WGA Antipiracy Mechanism Adapted to XP SP3

August 26, 2008 by Jason

Microsoft has adapted the Windows Genuine Advantage Notification tool to the third and last service pack for Windows XP. Designed to inform the end users that their operating system has failed to pass the Windows Genuine Advantage Validation process, the WGA Notifications component is now set up to integrate seamlessly not only with XP SP2 but also with Service Pack 3.

While avoiding terminology such as “pirated” and “counterfeit,” WGA Notifications will provide end users running Windows XP copies detected as non-genuine with the necessary information and assistance for them to get valid licenses for the operating system.

Windows Genuine Advantage Notifications notifies you if a copy of Microsoft Windows XP is not genuine. The notification messages only appear on computers that have failed the Windows Genuine Advantage validation process and that are running a copy of Windows XP that is not genuine. If you are running a validated, genuine copy of Windows XP, you will not receive notification messages,” reads an excerpt from the tools description. Read More»