Office Genuine Advantage

I just finished restoring my computer and installing updates and my office software asked to validate itself over the internet and when it was done it left a folder called Office Genuine Advantage in my user folder. My office is genuine so this isn't a hide the notification thing or anything, just that there is an annoying folder in my user folder. All it contains is another folder (Data) which itself contains only one file, oaddin.dat. Can I delete this folder or is it and the one file there for a reason?

Hello Marty Marshalek,

That file is the program that makes you validate your copy of Microsoft Office to download non-critical updates and other downloads such as addons, samples etc.

I would just leave it there.

Well, I deleted it just as a test and the first time I did it I had to re-validate and the folder came back. I repeated the process but validated through internet explorer the second time. When I deleted the folder again it didn't ask about validation or anything. I don't know now if I should keep it or just leave it alone. It's really bothering me.

Leave it alone.

Just go to folder properties and hide it.
That is what I do. windows can still find
and you do not have to look at.
Your both happy. (windows and you lol)

Jimmy

Deleting it is the same thing as-if you were to clear or purge your WindowsUpdate (MicrosoftUpdate) cache. By deleting it, you'll have to "opt-in" again for MicrosoftUpdate.

Many advanced users like to run an elevated CMD prompt and use the 3-command "net stop wuauserv," "net stop bits," "net stop cryptsvc," then empty the contents of SoftwareDistribution (permanently delete.) Then, by revisiting WindowsUpdate, you can opt-in for MicrosoftUpdate.

Once opting-in again, it'll take one LONG scan (especially with x64 Vista+ systems) to re-offer previously hidden updates and/or new ones. I've heard and seen cases of skipping important stuff. I merely do it from time to time to circumvent errors.

That's a VERY hackneyed way of spelling out a potentially system-damaging process. Be careful, should you ever do that.

In the end, though, it's just a justification that yes, in fact, that is a component or bread crumb left behind once you opt-in for WGA / "validation."

PS - I pity the fool who validates with Firefox! Talk about complicating a simple thing...