Microsoft automatic updates just hit me with a new installation of a small program that "verifies" that my Windows is authentic. It appears to be intended as part of Automatic Updates, although thus far it's landed on only one of my four WinXP machines. The indication is that if you get updates you will get it. (And it's something you probably have not had foisted on you previously.)

Description of the Windows Genuine Advantage Notifications application is the article referenced when it downloaded to my machine.

A link at that page goes to General Genuine Advantage BS

The interesting part of it, for any of you who know or suspect a problem with the "genuineness" of your WinXP would be at the FAQ page that I floundered my way to from the immediately above::

Genuine Advantage FAQ

Quote from second section of so of the FAQ:

What is the genuine Windows offer?

Q: What is the genuine Windows offer?

A: The Microsoft genuine Windows offer is designed to help customers who unknowingly purchased counterfeit versions of Windows XP by offering those who qualify a complimentary copy or electronic license key for a genuine copy of Windows XP.

Q: What are the details of the genuine Windows offer?

A: To help customers who unknowingly purchased a counterfeit version of Windows XP, Microsoft has created two genuine Windows offers for those who qualify:
Complimentary offer: Microsoft will make a complimentary copy of Windows XP available to customers who have been sold counterfeit Windows. Customers will be required to submit a proof of purchase, the counterfeit CD, and a counterfeit report with details of their purchase. Only high-quality counterfeit Windows will qualify for the complimentary offer.

Electronic License Key Offer: Microsoft will offer an alternative for customers who find out via the WGA validation process that they are not running genuine Windows, but do not qualify for, or choose not to take advantage of, the complimentary offer. These customers will be able to license a Windows Genuine Advantage Kit for Windows XP online for a price of $99 for Windows XP Home edition or $149 for Windows XP Professional. The Windows Genuine Advantage Kit for Windows XP will include a new 25-character Product Key and a Windows Product Key Update tool that will allow customers to convert their counterfeit copy to genuine Windows XP electronically.

END QUOTE:

IF YOU QUALIFY (rules somewhat vague) you may get a free copy of "real WinXP."

IF YOU DON'T QUALIFY, you may be able to get a "conversion to real" for about half (or less) what just buying a new WinXP would be likely to cost you.

This probably applies only if your Windows came with a machine, and would not apply if you're your own counterfeiter. We have at least one member who has been informed that his machine came with a counterfeit copy – that I know of – and it does present a problem for keeping up to date and getting full function from WinXP.

I'd suggest checking this out at the links above and/or wherever they lead you, if there's any possibility this program applies to you.

John