Window genuine advantage did not pass?

new_mum_again

I had a thing come up on my computer today about updates I usually just say no thanks remind me later but this time i said yes, it was for windows genuine advantage clicked few more things now it is telling me that it did not pass genuine validation and the product key on this comp is a volume licence key that has been blocked.
I brought the comp off of a friend that had built it himself and we have firewall (?) installed
Im not very techie and have only had it a short time so am still getting used to everything. I use it mainly for internet access and ebaying and tescos so have put my bank details in.(with no problems so far! touch wood) I am however getting a bit worried by this. Please help:o

viv0147

Hi it sounds as though you have illegal widows it will mean you will no longer have windows updates, but as far as the computer goes it will still work ok just make sure you have the latest virus checker and spyware program

superscaper

Although that doesn't really help with particular vulnerabilities in windows. They aren't making patches for fun. Personally I wouldn't really a trust a pc that can't be patched/updated, even with updated AV and a strong firewall.. If it is an illegal copy of windows (ie you don't have serial number for it) then the best advice on this forum is to buy a legitimate copy.

new_mum_again

Where could I get a ligitimate copy of windows from and how much could I expect to pay please? When you say illegal do you mean I could have a visit from the boys in blue? OMG now I am worried.:o

MadTechie

You can buy windows in almost any computer shop (including PC World)

Chippy_Minton

XP Home for about £45 - http://www.ebuyer.com/UK/product/114048

Bucky

it will mean you will no longer have windows updates

pc that can't be patched/updated

Both these statements are not exactly true. You will still get all the all the security updates. The only thing it stops updating is add-ons such as media player, directx etc

dps_2

Bucky wrote: »

Both these statements are not exactly true. You will still get all the all the security updates. The only thing it stops updating is add-ons such as media player, directx etc

With Validation package number 3 out you wont get any patches or updates and you wont even get media player now, especially against V6 online validation.

Omertron

Once you've bought your new copy of XP, you DO NOT need to install it again to fix the issue.
Go HERE and download the product key changer and you can swap your key to the legitimate one very quickly :T

Millionaire

Yep, Microsoft have started taking the hardline of illegal copies of windows. If you cannot get security updates you are opening up to attacks that no firewall, antivirus of spyware program can do anything about.

wannabemedic

I thought that was the point of firewall programs??