...I don't think I've ever seen Windows tell me that I needed to uninstall the Windows Genuine Advantage file.!?.!?
@Zen: I've never seen that exact dialogue either but there are many instances where Genuine Advantage Validation can become compromised/corrupted on a legit system:
-- Use of registry cleaners
-- Defragging a 'dirty' HDD/partition containing the System and
afterwards running CHKDSK /f /r
-- Powering-off-during, or failed Windows Updates
In fact, legitimate validation errors in previously Validated Windows installations is common enough that Microsoft publishes tools to diagnose and fix them.
@anttg408: To check your version of Windows Genuine Advantage Validation and possibly to fix any errors:
-- Bing/Google
Microsoft Genuine Advantage Diagnostic Tool (MGADiag.exe) for your version of Windows. Download and save to a convenient folder.
-- When you run the Tool, you will be greeted by the
About tab that reads, in part:
The Microsoft Genuine Advantage Diagnostic Tool provides detailed information about the.... components and settings currently on your system. This tool allows you to diagnose and automatically resolve problems in some cases.
The rest is self-explanatory.
There is no communication with Microsoft unless you specifically authorize it. So, even if the
impossible occurred and you did some hanky-panky, you will be able to mend your evil ways, repent and move into the blessed light of Bill Gates' forgiveness.
In any further posts, please mention:
-- Your version of Windows and how it was installed; ie., upgrade, clean install, etc.;
-- Whether you've used registry cleaners and, if so, whether you have the backups;
-- Any recent crashes, hardware failures, power losses, disk checks, defrags.