Microsoft Don't Want Internet Explorer To Die - Removes Windows Genuine Advantage Check

Microsoft is really feeling the heat of Firefox browser. Microsoft is trying to do everything possible to stop loosing browser software market share to Firefox. Yesterday they announced a new build of Internet Explorer 7.0 that installs without validating Windows operating system as Genuine.

All the user running pirated copies of Windows XP can now install Internet Explorer 7 and enjoy tabbed browsing and other cool features of IE 7. IE7 was loosing ground to Firefox as all the pirated Windows XP uses are not able install it.

Microsoft Internet Explorer 7 Program Manager  Steve Reynolds announced on Microsoft’s IE Team blog:

“Because Microsoft takes its commitment to help protect the entire Windows ecosystem seriously, we’re updating the IE7 installation experience to make it available as broadly as possible to all Windows users. With today’s ‘Installation and Availability Update,’ Internet Explorer 7 installation will no longer require Windows Genuine Advantage validation and will be available to all Windows XP users.”

The new Internet Explorer 7  is available for Windows XP SP2, x64 Server and Windows Server 2003. Other than removing Windows Genuine Genuine Advantage validation, Microsoft has made few minor changes to the new browser. In the new version of IE7 menu bar is visible by default, online tour has updated how-to's and first run experience.

You can download Windows Internet Explorer 7 for Windows XP SP2 here.

What is Windows Genuine Advantage(WGA)? - For non techies

Windows Genuine Advantage (WGA) is an anti-piracy system from Microsoft that enforces Microsoft Windows online validation of the authenticity of several recent Microsoft operating systems when accessing several Microsoft Windows services, such as Windows Update, and downloading from the Microsoft Download Center.