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windows xp pro not genuine

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d1885

Technical User
Nov 22, 2006
2
CA
I had a computer built in 2003,windows xp pro installed,no disks provided,etc.Of course now when I try to validate I am told I am not genuine.I have no counterfeit disk to send in,no bill of sale,etc so I can't get the complimentary package of the key,etc to make my copy genuine.What are my options other than spending $199 for a new copy of windows XP,which I hesitate to do because the new windows "Vista" will be out next year,and before we know it windows XP will be obsolete.If I do nothing will my windows system get attacked by viruses.So far I am fine,I have the windows firewall,and an anti virus program installed.I have even been able to update windows regularly until a month ago.
 
I find it odd that some-one built you a system then did not provide you with either the operating system disks or a recovery disk/partition. Technically, without either disks, recovery disk or a recovery partition with the operating system on it, you have an illegal unlicensed copy. I gather, from other forum posts, that Microsoft have a database of all legal, activated copies of their operating systems, and also maintain a list of known 'Illegal Copies' codes. It may be your supplier is using one copy of windows on several machines, who knows?

However, other points to consider.
Have you made any major changes to the computer since it was built (ie processor, video card, harddrive).
Changing these parts could invalidate your 'build'. In the boot sector is code generated by the Op System based upon its original build. Windows Update uses the genuine advantage tool to check the current build against the code. If it is 'too different' (ie there is a voting system of say 7 votes, if 4 are lost) reactivication of the Op system is forced. Have you tried re-activating?
 
I am quite sure Microsoft will issue you a license for $149, still a little steep, but for XP Professional not too bad. The plus side of buying a license is you do not have to reinstall, everything stays as you have it, you will just enter new numbers.
Hope this helps

xit
 
Since Vista is out in January, if the system is up to spec then I would consider waiting.


Carlsberg don't run I.T departments, but if they did they'd probably be more fun.
 
Commiserations. I suffered similarly with Office2003 - forged CD - and ended up buying a new copy. see: thread68-1243379

I expect you had volume licence number which was iffy and ended up being displayed on warez sites across the planet. MS have now caught on and declared the key invalid.

MS will give you a free version (with some restrictions) provided you hand over the fake CD and the name of the supplier. In my case the supplier had shut up shop and gone.

More at:
Best of luck.

LIVERPOOL FC - FA Cup Winners 2006.
Iechyd da! John
Glannau Mersi, Lloegr.
 
I'm not sure Microsoft are following the right policy here. By preventing pirated versions updating totally they are running the risk these machines will be turned into zombies, making life harder for all of us. Having said that - I don't have a good answer either.

Perhaps they should allow critical patches only? Or somehow lock the machine giving you a few days perhaps to back up your data before it shuts down until a fresh legal O/S is installed?

IMHO you have the following legal options to keep running.

See if you can pursued Microsoft to give you a legal key.
Check if your PC is capable of running VISTA or if you can upgrade it so that it is.
Download one of the many free version of Linux available - Fedora is rather good. Backup your data and wipe the HDD and install Fedora - Open Office etc. (Steep learning curve though)


 
MS will only stop extra's, add-ons and non-security updates. It's a myth that it will stop all update.

E.G. Windows Defender will not install, but the latest critical updates will.

On that basis, if your machine is Vista capable I would hold off till Jan 30th. Once released get an upgrade to whatever version of Vista takes your fancy.

Good Luck,




Steve.

"They have the internet on computers now!" - Homer Simpson
 
A neighbour came to me with that problem - about a year ago I think. As far as I could tell all updates were refused until the validation service passed. Luckily it was during an amnesty so Microsoft gave them a copy - I think? To be honest I can't remember.
 
Stevehewitt is correct, at this moment I have an XP professional computer in the shop with an invalid key, but it will install critical updates but no extras.

xit
 
d1885 said
"I have no counterfeit disk to send in,no bill of sale,etc so I can't get the complimentary package of the key,etc to make my copy genuine."

Is the mail your bogus CD in to Microsoft a good deal? Does this work . . .

If so, how about trying a Craig's List Post,

"Counterfeit XP Pro CD needed to mail to MS."

Or you could froogle on XP Pro -acad -edu -home -office ...
and find one that is probably counterfeit if it sells for $26 (the price a few months ago)

It might beat $149.
 
Have you checked Bill Castner's posting at thread779-1300928 ?

LIVERPOOL FC - FA Cup Winners 2006.
Iechyd da! John
Glannau Mersi, Lloegr.
 
Here is my two bits.
Download Microsoft key update tool

then go to your local computerstore or online

buy xp pro (oem) you have to buy a mouse with it the license should not cost no more than $129.99..anymore you are paying to much

then just input the number into the tool
then you will have a valid windows
or install XP home for $79
 
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