Remove Evaluation Copy from Vista SP1

If you did update your version of Windows Vista with the latest release candidate of Service Pack 1 you might have noticed an annoying text in the lower right corner of your operating system stating Windows Vista (TM) Evaluation Copy. Build 6001 even if you are running a genuine version of Windows Vista.

The message is misleading and could be interpreted in the wrong way especially if more than one user is working with the computer or if it is used for presentation purposes. According to Microsoft this message is just a reminder for the user that he is using a release candidate of Service Pack 1 which will stop functioning eventually.

I suppose a user who did install the release candidate of Windows Vista knows that this is not the full version. The easiest way to get rid of the Evaluation Copy text is to exchange the file user32.dll.mui with a patched copy that has the text removed. This works only on English Vista editions however.

Download the patched file from My Digital Life and follow the instructions posted there. It basically requires you to get full administration rights for the file user32.dll.mui to be able to replace it with the patched one.

I would strongly suggest to create a backup copy of the file before you proceed. The result is that the Evaluation Copy message will no longer be displayed.

Update: The final version of the Windows Vista Service Pack 1 has been released. You can upgrade your version of the operating system to it so that you won't get the evaluation copy notification anymore.

Update 2: The second service pack for Windows Vista has been released. It is highly recommended to download and install the service pack if you have not done so already. It will install important updates and features that improve the operating system's security, stability and performance.

 

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