Download says copy of windows not genuine? [Merged]

Can anyone advise please? A downloaded windows automatic update today says my copy of windows is not genuine. The microsoft website says I can buy a product key online but there's no way I can pay for any extras at the moment.

The windows software came with the PC which I bought from a business that was folding. Will windows just stop allowing automatic downloads to update my software??? Does anyone have more information on this? My PC is my lifeline.

Many thanks.
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Comments

  • Quincy_3
    Quincy_3 Posts: 2,204 Forumite
    I expect that the PCs software was shared by the original PC owner so now yours is illegal in MS eyes their is a work around though.

    Start, Run type oobe/msoobe /a are you being asked for a Key?
  • urban_spirit
    urban_spirit Posts: 1,834 Forumite
    Thanks for replying. No, it gives me a message box saying 'windows cannot find oobe/msoobe/a'. I did double-check what i'd typed in.
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  • wolfman
    wolfman Posts: 3,225 Forumite
    Google "genuine windows nag screen" :)
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  • Astaroth
    Astaroth Posts: 5,444 Forumite
    I dont know about this particular piece of software but previous attempts at this by microsoft has simply stopped the update feature from working - not much of an issue really if you have XP Home or Media Centre as they are going to be stopping updates at the end of the year if the press releases are to be believed.
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  • robnye
    robnye Posts: 5,411 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture Combo Breaker
    i had a similar problem, even though i had what i thought and still do beleive to be a proper licence, i even spent oodles trying to get microsoft to reissue a licence code

    someone suggested using a program called bigfix, this is installed on your pc, checks microsoft for missing updates, then allows you to download them.

    the software (bigfix) is freeware.
    smile --- it makes people wonder what you are up to.... ;) :cool:
  • littleange
    littleange Posts: 1,431 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture Combo Breaker
    You dont need windows updates anyway in my opinion.
  • Quincy_3
    Quincy_3 Posts: 2,204 Forumite
    You dont need windows updates anyway in my opinion.

    Oh dear thats bad news then :(
  • nickmack
    nickmack Posts: 4,435 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    You dont need windows updates anyway in my opinion.

    Maybe not non-priority ones, but Critical Updates are named because they are exactly that. In a business environment they are essential. In a home environment, they are important. They should be downloaded and installed in all but exceptional circumstances.
  • heatherw_01
    heatherw_01 Posts: 6,737 Ambassador
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    The original owner must have used an illegal copy of XP.

    The only real option is to put up with it for now or buy a new copy I am afraid :(

    You will not be able to use Windows update with an illegal copy.
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  • sco0ter
    sco0ter Posts: 2,476 Forumite
    But come next year with all microsoft software like Office 2007, Digital image suite 2007 and autoroute 2007 all will need to use the genuine advantage tool to verify the operating system is genuine before installing. The beta 2 of office 2007 already does this
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