XP-AntiSpy, recommended?

XP Antispy used to be a popular program for removing XP annoyances. It had several useful functions for privacy and security, such as disabling error reporting to MS and sending of WMP data. Apparently, it also allowed uninstallation of MSN Messenger, which would have been quite a feat.

Unfortunately, XP-Antispy also included a workaround for fooling Windows genuine advantage (WGA), and it was widely used for that purpose during the XP days.

Oh, relax, guys. XP-AntiSpy has been around for years. The "XP" in its name is irrelevant; the author has just chosen not to change it because so many people already know it by that name.

It's still actively developed and works fine with Windows 7. It includes a bunch of very useful security and privacy settings all in one place, and is always one of the first things I download when I do a new Windows install.

Of course you should know what you're doing before you use any of its features. When you point at a setting, the app shows a brief explanation of it---but if you have any doubt, you should check the Web for more info about that setting.