We'd like to remind Forumites to please avoid political debate on the Forum... Read More »
Download says copy of windows not genuine? [Merged]

urban_spirit
Posts: 1,834 Forumite
in Techie Stuff
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.
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.
A Fendi Baguette is not a sandwich.....
BB B*tch no4 Today I will be mostly listeneing to: Puressence
Not all disabilities are visible
BB B*tch no4 Today I will be mostly listeneing to: Puressence
Not all disabilities are visible
0
Comments
-
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?0 -
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.
A Fendi Baguette is not a sandwich.....
BB B*tch no4 Today I will be mostly listeneing to: Puressence
Not all disabilities are visible
0 -
Google "genuine windows nag screen""Boonowa tweepi, ha, ha."0
-
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.All posts made are simply my own opinions and are neither professional advice nor the opinions of my employers
No Advertising or Links in Signatures by Site Rules - MSE Forum Team 20 -
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:
0 -
You dont need windows updates anyway in my opinion.0
-
littleange_com wrote:You dont need windows updates anyway in my opinion.
Oh dear thats bad news then0 -
littleange_com wrote: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.0 -
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.I’m a Forum Ambassador and I support the Forum Team on the Quick Grabbit, Freebies, Overseas Holidays & Travel Planning and the UK Holidays, Days Out & Entertainments boards.
If you need any help on these boards, do let me know. Please note that Ambassadors are not moderators. Any posts you spot in breach of the Forum Rules should be reported via the report button, or by emailing forumteam@moneysavingexpert.com.
All views are my own and not the official line of MoneySavingExpert.0 -
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 this0
This discussion has been closed.
Confirm your email address to Create Threads and Reply

Categories
- All Categories
- 350.3K Banking & Borrowing
- 252.9K Reduce Debt & Boost Income
- 453.2K Spending & Discounts
- 243.3K Work, Benefits & Business
- 597.9K Mortgages, Homes & Bills
- 176.6K Life & Family
- 256.4K Travel & Transport
- 1.5M Hobbies & Leisure
- 16.1K Discuss & Feedback
- 37.6K Read-Only Boards