Internet Explorer Drops WGA Requirement

Kelson writes "The Internet Explorer team has updated the installer for IE7. Mostly they've adjusted a few defaults and updated their tutorials, but one change stands out: The installer no longer requires Windows Genuine Advantage validation. Almost a year after its release, IE7 has yet to overtake its predecessor. Was WGA holding back a tide of potential upgrades, or did it just send people over to alternative browsers?"

Re:With ies4linux? A couple minutes

[Echolima]

Now none of us are gonna be able to get windows updates for our WINE!

sheeesh

PS: IE4Linux is pretty awesome, that was the selling point to get the wife on Linux.

Re:With ies4linux? A couple minutes

[skoaldipper]

IE on linux? But isn't that like duct taping kite string to a wii controller and running it to your xbox?

Good! Well maybe...

[Thyamine]

Just the other day I was trying to repair a PC where IE7 was having a variety of issues. I installed Firefox, explained the benefits, and then attempted to use Firefox to download IE7 since he needed it for some apps for work. However, the WGA was failing with all the same problems that IE7 was failing with. The irony (yes yes, not the right word) of it was I was actively trying to get IE from Firefox, and MS wouldn't let me do it without getting a validation code from all the WGA nonsense.

He was happy to hear about Firefox and plans on using that now instead, and after uninstalling IE7, found IE6 to be functional enough for those few times he needs it. So, while WGA is a pain in the ass, it helped convert one more person to Firefox. So I don't know how I feel about them removing it. ;-)

Re:With ies4linux? A couple minutes

[SolitaryMan]

PS: IE4Linux is pretty awesome, that was the selling point to get the wife on Linux.

WOW! Somebody uses this for things other than testing site layout in IE?

Re:Not likely

[Hemogoblin]

3. I can't think of any other ones, but having three bullets is the least I can have for the desired visual effect.

Classy. Made my morning :)