Is this genuine - 3 Threads Merged...

[tamster]

Hi folks,
I am new to computers so please be gentle with me, my problem is that i keep getting a window that says "this version of microsoft windows is not genuine" it will not go away , it wants me to buy it.
Is this a worm or something and how do i get rid of it. As i said i'm new to PCs and i am worried i do the wrong thing.

Thanks for any help you can give me, Tamster.

[PrntRhd]

Welcome to the PC Guide forums!

No, it Microsoft doing the nagging. If the PC is an OEM (like Dell, HP, Compaq, Gateway, EMachines, etc), you should be calling your manufacturer for the solution to the issue.
This likely started when you had installed a Windows Update for Notification of Genuine Windows Authenticity. The Notification update is optional but the Windows Genuine Advantage update is now mandatory to download patches.

[tamster]

Hi folks.

Can anyone help, i bought my dad a second hand pc and every time its turned on it says "This copy of microsoft is not genuine" buy it or resolve later.

He always clicks resolve later and the pc works as normal, does he have to buy it, and if not how can he stop getting the window saying "this copy of ......." coming on his pc every time he starts up.

thanks for your time. Tam.

[Budfred]

Please do not start new threads for the same question... I merged the two together...

It is likely you were ripped off by whoever sold you the PC if they said it had a valid copy of Windows... Contact MS and tell them what happened... They have been known to give people a valid license or at least to discount the valid license when you provide them with info about the seller...

If you do not do this, the security updates will get more and more obsolete and the computer will likely become useless due to malware... Do the honest thing and deal with it...

[tamster]

Thanks Budfred,

I will take your advice, contact MS and get this resolved.

thanks again

[tamster]

Hi Folks,

I was on earlier about a problem with my dads pc, it was honestly bought through a friend of a friend, but as i said up pops windows is not genuine, i am going to contact M/soft for a valid licence but how much will one cost and will the friend of a friend get in trouble.

thanks for your help.

[Budfred]

Once again you started a new thread to ask a question about an ongoing issue... Please stop doing that... I have merged this with the earlier threads...

As for your question... If you are concerned about the friend of a friend getting in trouble, keep in mind that this "friend" has ripped you off... If you want to avoid getting him/her in trouble, either get the "friend" to buy you a legit copy of Windows or put your own money out to do so... Assuming you are talking about WinXP, you can get a copy of the WinXP Home for about $100 or slightly less...

[kirbykirbykirby]

Retail Windows Xp Home Upgrades go for 99.99 Retail Windows XP for New Pc's Go for ((OEM 129.99 USD)) and full is 199.99.

Best way is to get a 98 or Millinuim Cd --delete the partition on the Harddisk and when it prompts you for proof that your upgradin your PC, you enter your Win 98/ME cd and it will validiate.

Also, have you tried doing the windows Activation?

Call 1-888-571-2048 and try activating windows over the phone..that usualy works.

Also, the best way i seen to shorten these calls to Microsoft is that you called to reactivate due to a reinstallation of XP due to malware/virus's or you recently added new hardware.

Plus, not running microsoft updates does not Necessarily mean that you will be prone to malware/exploits. It just means you have to watch what you download and dont be a flamer on forums/IRC.


Note: the OEM price I mentioned is the price that the place I work for sell OEM copies of Microsoft Windows Xp Home Edition Software, when people want us to build them custom machines ((i.e not OEM branding by Dell, Compaq, ext ext...))

[Budfred]

Plus, not running microsoft updates does not Necessarily mean that you will be prone to malware/exploits. It just means you have to watch what you download and dont be a flamer on forums/IRC.
If XP is not kept updated, it will leave gaping holes in security, some of which can be randomly attacked without having to do unsafe browsing... It is NOT a good idea to run without updates...

Also, the full version of XP Home can often be found for less than $100... For example:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16837102059

[mjc]

Plus, not running microsoft updates does not Necessarily mean that you will be prone to malware/exploits. It just means you have to watch what you download and dont be a flamer on forums/IRC.

Klez ring any bells?