PC showing that Windows XP is fake

jaffacat_2

Hi
My PC has come up with a message now saying that my PC is running a fake version of Windows XP & that I need ot buy a serial number.

I originally purchased PC from a computer fair with XP installed never needed a disk and dont appear to be able to get hold of the company now as the PC fairs have stopped coming to our town.

Anyone know if I can get rid of this off my desktop,it sits in the far right corner and other than purchasing a new license which I dont really wanna do I dont know what to do. It only appeared a few weeks ago & someone said maybe its a virus, ive virus scanned my pc, ive used spybot - that does bring someithing up which refers to this however I do all the bits and its still sat there on my pc, ive deleted all cookies, etc etc with no avail.

Maybe it never had a original copy on the pc when I brought it several years ago I dont know but I brought it in all good faith with it loaded on their.

I think it could be something that has got on my pc as a bug or something maybe?

Can I reformat my pc or something?

Thanks in advance Lisa

gaming_guy

its the annoying windows genuine advantage tool to make sure you are running a genuine copy of xp

here is a thread about the WGA tool from about 6 months ago

Torby

would the price you paid for the PC give any indication as to the validity of the copy of XP installed, "and other than purchasing a new license which I dont really wanna do"...did you ever have a licence?...is there a sticker on the back of the pc with a serial number on it? sometimes manufacturers stick the little holographic sticker there for subsequent re installs etc... was the pc supplied with any recovery software or set up discs...if it doesn't you can forget the re-format route........do you have a receipt?....as always caveat emptor I'm afraid....

think windows updates now need a "validation" to run....so unless you visit another computer fair and buy another "legit" copy of windows your only alternative isn't allowed for discussion on this forum....sorry...

Blacksheep1979

If you honestly thought it was a legit version of windows then microsoft will give you a free copy if you phone up and explain the situation. The only problem is that you need to grass up whoever sold the PC and if you can't do that you may be a little stuck.

nintendosensei

Look around for a media centre edition windows with a free upgrade to windows vista, you kill two birds with one stone and ensure you'll have a legitimate operating system for years to come.

chunter

Lisa,
Is there a XP product key sticker on the computer anywhere?

1) If there is, you should be ok.

2) If not, it's not a legit version.
You can uninstall the WGA as detailed above but you will encounter all manner of problems shortly.
The new version of Internet Explorer 7, Windows Media Player and Office 2007 will ony run on legit systems.
Never mind all the update and security issues.

cheghead

If you want to get rid of message try running System Restore. Choose a date before the validation tool was installed. Then turn off automatic updates. You should still be able to get critical updates and use custom install There are tools available to bypass the validation process but they are not legal!

jaffacat_2

Guys thanks for all your responses, I did think it was a legit copy as I didnt even think I needed the disk as I originally brought it with it loaded however after reading the posts it doesnt have any stickers on the outside anywhere, will look in the desktop case to see at the weekend if I can get in. Suppose I was naieve when I brought it, 1st pc etc etc and now I know. I will read the other posts and see if I canfind my receipt but I dont think ive got it as it was a few yrs ago and the guarantee has expired.

Thanks for your help

Happy Christmas

Lisa

bullterrier_2

If you go to Ebuyer (for example) you can buy an OEM copy of windows cheaply to make yourself legal. The microsoft site explains how to add a new key to your existing install (to avoid a reformat).

Or you stay illegal and progressively become unable to download updates as the validation hits more and more Windows components.

Personally, I would call microsoft with as much detail of the purchase as poss - they will probably grant you a code to become legit as you were duped in what you thought was a proper sale. They are doing this to "spread the word" and get more and more people to shop the thieves.

zz9pa

One other thing - did you get any manuals with the PC ?

Quite often,instead of a label attached to the PC, the license is on a little Windows booklet that may have come with the PC (IIRC - about A5 size.)

going2die_rich

bullterrier wrote:

If you go to Ebuyer (for example) you can buy an OEM copy of windows cheaply to make yourself legal. The microsoft site explains how to add a new key to your existing install (to avoid a reformat).

Or you stay illegal and progressively become unable to download updates as the validation hits more and more Windows components.

Personally, I would call microsoft with as much detail of the purchase as poss - they will probably grant you a code to become legit as you were duped in what you thought was a proper sale. They are doing this to "spread the word" and get more and more people to shop the thieves.

I think microsoft only give you a serial if you can provide a receipt with details of where it was bought and the copy of the XP disc. The disc also has to be one that truely resembles authentic XP discs, so no printed on labels or just written in a marker, as they are obvious fakes.