The hotifix involved was the WGA Notification tool, and yes the first
couple of versions in error did have a EULA (End User Licence) that
mentioned it being "beta" although that did not effect the tool's
operation in any way.  In fact the PC I am using is running such a version
of the tool and being "genuine and legal" it hasn't effected the operation
of the PC one jot.  There is little genuine evidence that the notification
tool has caused problems to users other than those who were running dodgy
copies of XP.  In a fair few number of the cases this wasn't the direct
fault of the end user, they had either been sold a machine with a dodgy
licence or, and this seems to have happened more often than seems
credible, the user had taken their PC to be repaired or "cleaned" and the
local dealer had taken the easy way out and reinstalled the operating
system and in doing so had not used the user's media or licence but rather
used an image of a system that had been made with a leaked volume licence
key.  Yes, few have had problems, and it really is a few, however I have
no problems with any company including Microsoft protecting its
intellectual property,  Where a user has been told they had a dodgy copy
of XP the Notification tool has advised them how to proceed and that
includes asking for help and advice.

If you are concerned about MS or any other company or state's motives I
feel you might be best served by turning off your PC, packing your bags
and heading for the jungle.  Just a thought to ponder, you do realise that
Google for example have retained information about every query you might
have made using their search engine and that this information is available
for purchase? <g>

XP is a solid and far more reliable operating system than any 9x operating
system but if you feel that Win Me meets you requirements then stick with
it.  I've still got a box here that runs Win Me as its sole operating
system and it gives little trouble although that could be because it is
now only ever used for a few hours a week although until early this year
it was running continuously and being rebooted weekly.

Coming in a bit late to the thread but as per your last post I feel that
you have been misinformed as to Microsoft doing anything wrong with trying
to protect their products.

If you lurk in the XP ng's there are not that many people, compared to how
many are using it, that have problems with WGA. I know that I wouldn't
want anyone to use or copy something that was mine without permission so
certainly don't criticise Microsoft for protecting their property.

I still have a WinME machine running here which used to be used to dual
boot with XP and I know which OS I prefer to use. I have my own XP box so
does my DH and my DD is using the ME machine now just running that OS,
which does have its little hissy fits from time to time but for saying how
old it is I'm not surprised but I much prefer to use XP, which is  much
more robust and easier to use, it has to be for me to use it <g>

I don't think you will regret it if or when you move over to XP.
Joan