Microsoft genuine validation tool says software 'not genuine'

Bowling_4_Gold

Not sure if this is right for Office, but works for the actual OS...

1. Lauch Windows Task Manager.
2. End wgatray.exe process in Task Manager.
3. Restart Windows XP in Safe Mode.
4. Delete WgaTray.exe from c:\Windows\System32.
5. Delete WgaTray.exe from c:\Windows\System32\dllcache.
6. Lauch Regedit
   .
7. Browse to the following location:
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
   Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon\Notify
8. Delete the folder ‘WgaLogon’ and all its contents
9. Reboot Windows XP.

usignuolo

There are accounts of this happening on the microsoft forums and appear to relate mainly to pcs purchased from PC World. Not just MS office either.

A glimmer of light flickered in my head just now, back from the days when I ran a big network site. We used to licence our copies of MS software and would get a master copy and the right to make multiple copies on our users pcs, up to a certain number, depending on how much we paid.

It was fiendishly complicated and I seem to recall it went by the name of the Genuine Advantage programme. Is it possible that PC World was also licensed to load MS software on this basis and the number of paid for licenses and number of installs got out of sync?

shug119

I have the same problem with my sons o/s (windows xp)
I bought the pc from dell with o/s backup disc.
But I had to re-install it, after 30 days when it needs verification I get a error message, number not valid. I have tryed a few different discs but I always get the same error message.
The pc was in for a new mother board a few years ago and they re-installed the o/s software.

davb

shug119 wrote: »

I have the same problem with my sons o/s (windows xp)
I bought the pc from dell with o/s backup disc.
But I had to re-install it, after 30 days when it needs verification I get a error message, number not valid. I have tryed a few different discs but I always get the same error message.
The pc was in for a new mother board a few years ago and they re-installed the o/s software.

This is a different issue than above.
The Dell OS cd is specific to a Dell system, and checks during installation that it is a Dell system - by looking at the Bios (motherboard). If you have had a new non Dell motherboard then it should still work, but you will have to use the licence key from the COA sticked on the PC.

If you have the original PC and COA, and you installed from the Dell OS cd, then you are doing nothing wrong. Phone Microsoft on the number it show onscreen when the activation fails, and tell them it's the same PC with a new motherboard (due to a fault), and they should give you an activation code.

aliEnRIK

Personally id backup all the files you need for your business

Wipe the hardrive and reinstall the operating system

Switch off AUTO updates and dont allow any of the 'genuine authenification' updates to run

scouseware

windows genuine advantage is OK by itself. It's the optional 'WG notification' download that seems to cause the mess.

nesssie1702

aerostar wrote: »

The following is what information is around on the net, try it at your own risk.

A search about uninstalling WGA shows that this seems to be the one to use, as there is no WGA uninstall in the add/remove system.

http://download.softpedia.com/dl/ad956cbb11426742741396fc1e4a24a9/4ac504b2/100042782/software/tweak/RemoveWGA.exe

set your windows updates to inform you and not download automatically, and when advised choose custom, and do not allow wga to be downloaded when it is next offered.

The Softpedia download worked for me - so nice to not have that message on screen again, or to have to wait for the prompt box before I can log onto the PC!

spaceboy

Judi wrote: »

I had the very same problem a couple of weeks ago. I now use Microsoft Works. Mine came from PC World too.

PC World broke the law then, report them.

robredz

Download and install Open Office as suggested by enigma52, this will avoid all the problems revolving around WGA and other issues. It has been known for WGA to flag up Windows as being pirate as well.

spaceboy

scouseware wrote: »

windows genuine advantage is OK by itself. It's the optional 'WG notification' download that seems to cause the mess.

Neither is ok if you have dodgy software, WGA stops you getting updates. I've set my computer so it doesnt download it