Download says copy of windows not genuine? [Merged]

sra

urban_spirit wrote:

Sorry sra, was hoping to pick peoples brains to find out what impact this would have on me using my PC - i.e. whether it only affects Windows updates or has a wider impact for the individual user. No naughtiness meant.

It's quite okay

I know that with the new notification (nag) a lot of people will be in the same boat.

That's why i'm trying to keep this thread open so people can offer some advice

But if people start posting ways to cirucumvent it, it'll have to be either locked or deleted - which is why I deleted a post and made the post above

Quincy_3

This may help also.

http://www.microsoft.com/genuine/downloads/faq.aspx#Question6Label

Get genuine: How can I take advantage of the Microsoft genuine Windows offer?

View all answers.

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What is the genuine Windows offer?
Q: What is the genuine Windows offer?
A: The Microsoft genuine Windows offer is designed to help customers who unknowingly purchased counterfeit versions of Windows XP by offering those who qualify a complimentary copy or electronic license key for a genuine copy of Windows XP.

Q: What are the details of the genuine Windows offer?
A: To help customers who unknowingly purchased a counterfeit version of Windows XP, Microsoft has created two genuine Windows offers for those who qualify:
Complimentary offer: Microsoft will make a complimentary copy of Windows XP available to customers who have been sold counterfeit Windows. Customers will be required to submit a proof of purchase, the counterfeit CD, and a counterfeit report with details of their purchase. Only high-quality counterfeit Windows will qualify for the complimentary offer.
Electronic License Key Offer: Microsoft will offer an alternative for customers who find out via the WGA validation process that they are not running genuine Windows, but do not qualify for, or choose not to take advantage of, the complimentary offer. These customers will be able to license a Windows Genuine Advantage Kit for Windows XP online for a price of $99 for Windows XP Home edition or $149 for Windows XP Professional. The Windows Genuine Advantage Kit for Windows XP will include a new 25-character Product Key and a Windows Product Key Update tool that will allow customers to convert their counterfeit copy to genuine Windows XP electronically.


Q: How is the Windows Genuine Advantage Kit for Windows XP different from the product available from resellers?
A: Windows Genuine Advantage Kit for Windows XP is packaged differently and is only distributed by Microsoft directly to customers who qualify for the genuine Windows offer. It is not intended for resale.

Q: Can I install updates for Windows XP if am using Windows Genuine Advantage Kit for Windows XP?
A: Yes.

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Requirements and limitations of the genuine Windows offer
Q: Who can participate in the genuine Windows offer?
A: The offer is open to any person who purchased Microsoft Windows XP (Professional or Home Edition) or Windows XP Operating System pre-installed on a new computer before May 1, 2005, and who is 18 years of age or older at the time of application. Windows XP upgrade purchases and purchases made under volume license agreements are not eligible.

Q: Can genuine Windows XP customers participate in the genuine Windows offer as well?
A: No. Only users of counterfeit Windows XP are eligible for the genuine Windows offer.

Q: How do customers whose counterfeit Windows came pre-installed on their PCs qualify for the complimentary offer?
A: A counterfeit disc is required in order to be eligible for the complimentary offer. This allows customers to show that a counterfeit transaction occurred. Customers who did not receive a counterfeit disk, but are willing to submit a counterfeit report regarding a fraudulent transaction, are able to qualify for the electronic license key offer.

Q: Will people who participate in the genuine Windows offer face repercussions for having illegal software?
A: Microsoft will not bring legal action against the people who participate in the genuine Windows offer.

Q: What can I use for proof of purchase?
A: Because purchase documentation varies widely, we are flexible. Proof of purchase can be a purchase order, the original supplier invoice, or some other store receipt. The proof of purchase must show the supplier’s name and address, the date of purchase, and a reference to Windows.

Q: What must I provide on the counterfeit report?
A: The counterfeit report helps Microsoft identify the reseller and type of counterfeit software transaction that took place. The information that is required on the report is:
Was the copy of Windows preinstalled?
Where was it purchased (Web, street vendor, store, etc)?
What was the reseller’s name?
Did you receive a CD and a Certificate of Authenticity (COA)?
How much did you pay?
What was the date of purchase?
You must also provide your shipping address so Microsoft can send you a Windows Genuine Advantage Kit for Windows XP CD.


Q: Why does Microsoft need this information?
A: Microsoft is collecting information on counterfeit sellers to get information on illegal practices and to work with authorities to enforce anti-piracy policies and laws. The counterfeit report will be treated by Microsoft as confidential. Microsoft devotes substantial time and energy to fighting software counterfeiting, and you can be assured that we will take appropriate action in response to your report.

Q: Will Microsoft return the counterfeit software I submit?
A: Microsoft cannot return the documentation you submit, including the counterfeit software.

Q: Is there a limit to how many copies Microsoft will allow customers to order?
A: The genuine Windows offer is limited to one order per machine. For the complimentary offer, small business customers are limited to five copies per shipping address. The offer is subject to availability.

Q: Will I have to pay for shipping and handling fees for the genuine Windows offer?
A: No. Microsoft will pay the shipping and handling costs.

Q: Can I order the genuine Windows offer from a reseller?
A: No. The genuine Windows offer is distributed by Microsoft directly to Windows XP customers who have received counterfeit Windows and qualify for the offer. It is not available for resale.

Q: Can I purchase the genuine Windows offer without going through Windows Genuine Advantage validation?
A: No. Only customers who discover through WGA validation that they are running counterfeit Windows will qualify for the genuine Windows offer

urban_spirit

Thanks for that Quincy, that's answered questions for me.

I didn't buy my PC new though, saw it in a local ad. Businessman was selling off all his pc's as his business had folded (went and collected-looked genuine), so I don't think I can take advantage of their complimentary offer,and can't buy a key at the moment. Hmmm Thinking cap on.......

Quincy_3

See this thread.:beer:

Forestlands_2

Hi I also have Windows XP? When I run Spybot S and D it comes up with windows problems and corrects them. Most are to do with fire walls and anti spyware. Spybot has been very helpfull, it is easy to read and understand, giving some info on Windows problems. Cheers

urban_spirit

Hi Forestlands, thanks for that.

I do run spybot S&D, ad-aware and AVG every week to keep my pc as clean as poss. I'm off to do it now. Thanks for posting

urban_spirit

Does anyone know why the 'windows genuine advantage notification' installed on my PC is ducking under my firewall?? I've set both incoming and outgoing access to 'deny' but it regularly connects, and my firewall warns me of this. Is it sending info back to Microsoft? (apologies if that theory is daft!).

Many thanks

Little_John

The WGA is installed as part of windows update, most people have this set to automatic and dont have to request an update you get it, the reason there was no firewall request will be down to the fact you will have previously allows windows update to access the interweb.

at the moment I dont know what it does other than nag the pants of you that you have a pirate version of windows installed. nothing is know if it will stop windows working after 30 days like the unactivated windows did.

The whole program is designed to catch the companies that are selling pirate versions of windows, unfortunalty the ones using the software are the one having to supply the details to microsoft who it was that sold them the software. you also need a disk to send them that looks genuine if they are to send you a genuine disk and key if you send them a disk that is just writen on it what it is then they wont accept that becasue it is to obvious that it is fake if you cant send them a disk or send the a writen disk they will only provide you with a new cd key but you still need to grass someone up to get it.
A mate bought a copy from Bowlers so got a hand written recipt and the disk had a holograpic label on the front it looked very good he cant remember who it came from and doesnt have the recipt anymore. rather than grass on anyone but he doesnt know who it is anyway he has used a way of getting round it.

banger9365

right here goes my brother in law brought and pc about 12 month ago it's not been formated or any thing like that (i know i would have done it ),right it coming up with the illegal copy thing (before you jump on me please read this)is there any thing he can do out it legaly ,has the shop supplyed it installed on the pc has he throught has you expect it would be legal copy on it ,there is not a code on the tower and he has not got a disc ,
is the shop in deep trouble if he want's to take it further e.g trading standards ect,
he is going to try to get the shop to supply a legal copy of windows
sorry if it's in the wrong place

Quincy_3

Loads of info already posted

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=202544&highlight=validation

And

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=202611&highlight=validation