What does WGA do if you aren't even runnning Windows?

[CZroe]

If I wanted to download, say, Windows Media Encodcer 9, I have to go through WGA (Well, I found another official link where I don't), Microsoft's "Windows Genuine Advantage" check for a legit Windows installation. So what would happen if I didn't even have Windows and I wanted to download it? Would they actually stop me? Are their free downloads ONLY for Windows customers?

 

[pcgeek11]

Originally posted by: CZroe
If I wanted to download, say, Windows Media Encodcer 9, I have to go through WGA (Well, I found another official link where I don't), Microsoft's "Windows Genuine Advantage" check for a legit Windows installation. So what would happen if I didn't even have Windows and I wanted to download it? Would they actually stop me? Are their free downloads ONLY for Windows customers?

Try it and see if you can?

pcgeek11

 

[nweaver]

I think that WU requires IE /ActiveX to work, so good luck

 

[stash]

He's not talking about WU.

 

[stash]

And validation can be completed by browsers that do not support ActiveX.

Q:
Will the validation process work with non-Microsoft Web browsers?

A:
Yes, you can complete the validation process using a non-Microsoft Web browser. Mozilla Firefox users: although the instructions for the validation tool executable file say to open or run the file from its current location, Firefox will not present you with either of those options. Instead, save the file to your PC and then double-click on the file to run it.

However, I have no idea if that is still necessary if you are not even running Windows.

 

[Ichinisan]

This week, both methods have been failing consistently on brand-new major OEM PC's that I encounter while installing cable Internet service. Some PC's won't prompt to install the ActiveX control, so reset all IE security zones and disable security software but it just does not work. I've tried with the latest version of Firefox and I just can't get it to work. I usually just give in and download Microsoft Windows AntiSpyware from BetaNews. You would think that MS would make this as hassle-free as possible, but even legitimate consumers can't download software when it is absolutely necessary! :|


I guess the answer to the OP is this: Microsoft does not make downloads for other operationg systems. There are some rare exceptions, and I'm sure that validation is not required for those downloads.

 

[CZroe]

I guess the answer to the OP is this: Microsoft does not make downloads for other operationg systems. There are some rare exceptions, and I'm sure that validation is not required for those downloads.

The target system has nothing to do with the system you use to download it and MS should accomodate this scenario. How many times have you had to use a different system to download something to fix that botched Windows system?!