Windows XP validation.

oldagetraveller

My p.c. has Win XP Home and an icon has appeared in the toolbar to the effect that "This copy of Windows is not activated". What! That was done 5 years ago!
When I click on the icon three options appear. I selected to download and install Windows Genuine Advantage - done. I click on refresh which states the plug -in download was successful, click continue. Click continue and nothing happens. Microsoft want paying for support, get lost.
Anyone have any idea what is going on?
Windows pre installed on p.c. at purchase and I activated it using the key code stuck to the p.c. case. It's all updated automatically and regularly by MS downloads since new.
A MS update installed itself yesterday when I switched off, might that have some bearing?

SteveJH200

If a pop up is asking you for money then you have a bug. Download and run Malwarebytes to see if it removes the problem. Then go to Programmes>Microsoft Update> high priority and run this. What antivirus programme do you use?

macman

WGA would tell you that 'this copy of Windows is not genuine'.
Activation can be done online or over the phone, and is certainly not chargeable!
So I'd agree that this is an infection trying to scam you. I doubt that what you installed was WGA.

fiddiwebb

A MS update installed itself yesterday when I switched off

If you go back to Windows Update and look update history it should tell you which update you downloaded yesterday.

With the rest on this, sounds like malware.

TakeThis

Make and model of PC?

SteveJH200

Just had a Google around and found this http://www.theinternetpatrol.com/new-windows-genuine-advantage-worm-cuebot-k-being-spread-by-aim-installs-self-as-wgvanexe-and-dcpromolog/

and this http://social.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/genuinewindowsxp/thread/618a52cb-65e5-408b-8bbc-53a80779a786/