This copy is not genuine

[honkytonk]

howdy--i have read the thread and have some questions for you guys.
But first some backround.
I have a computer that my cousin(a computer programmer) and I(a douchebag) built for the primary purpose of playing First Person Shooter games. We have amped up video and sounds cards, gaming motherboard and dual hard drives. He also used a burned copy of Windows XP. I was jerking around with some settings a few weeks ago and might have changed the settings for Client for Microsoft Networks and/or Internet Protocol Install/Uninstall. Since then, I have been getting that 'Genuine' popup and stuff.
My questions are:
1. Could messing with those settings have sent a message to Microsoft that my copy is in fact not genuine?
2. I dont mind the popup, but my browsing speed has seemed to have slowed to a crawl recently---are the two connected in anyway?

3. When I run my AVG Anti-Virus software it comes up with a bunch of files with microsoft/genuine/registry in them or something but doesnt really ID them as viruses. Should i try and delete those files?

Id appreciate any help on this matter from you smart fellas. In exchange, Ill diagram how to tie a Half-Hitch in a cows tail that is esthetically pleasing, humorous, and doesnt hurt the cow.

JD

[PrntRhd]

Welcome to the PC Guide forums.
Are you a cowboy?
The thread you reviewed was here:
http://www.pcguide.com/vb/showthread.php?p=311018#post311018
but since it was not an answer to that thread I split it off here.

You have some real problems:
1) A burned copy is not a good thing, and the MS guys are getting better at causing you grief all the time with their Genuine Advantage stuff that you may have downloaded as an update, or a malware file disguised as MS genuine advantage.
2) Even LEGAL XP without SP1 is a disaster waiting to happen and has no update support, XP with SP1 is going to lose support very soon meaning no updates against exploits and malware. You will soon need SP2 just to get any updates.
The malware writers are constantly cooking up new infections for Windows, mind you.

I suspect malware is already slowing that PC and the removal of the malware will be a constant issue, and the malware remover volunteers have enough to do with legal installations already, so you will either have to constantly wipe the HDD and reinstall or go out and buy a legitimate copy of XP.

[Whyzman]

Welcome tohttp://www.pcguide.com/ubb/pcgubb.gif Forums!

Although learning to tie an interesting knot in a cow's tail does have a certain allure, you're request to assist you resolve an issue with pirated software puts a damper on things... :(

I suspect the correct solution to the problem...you already know the answer to...

[PrntRhd]

The cost to get legitimate is less than a video card.

[honkytonk]

hey--thanks for replying so quickly. You guys mostly flexed your considerable computer muscles but confused me more. I dont know what SP1 is let alone SP2 nor do i know much about malware other than it sounds negative.

my basic question is if it is possible that somehow microsoft found out that I am using a burned copy of XP? If so, does their popups have anything to do with the slowdown in browsing speed?

What can I do besides going to Microsoft, admitting to pirated software and buying something?

That seems like telling your girlfriend you cheated on her---you dont know if she will respect you for telling the truth and work it out, or punish you like the dickens for doing it!!

[PrntRhd]

The genuine advantage notifier stuff constantly nags users with pirate copies of Windows in the hopes that the user will get a legitimate copy.
It also is kind of embarrassing to have that message pop up at times when others are there.
The term malware means everything from trojan horse programs to steal identities and spam zombies to affect others. Service Packs (SPs) are updates that were released to close flaws in Windows that allow these infections to get installed.
You can get a copy of Windows XP at most computer retailers, also Costco, and many other retailers. There are several versions available, OEM (requires you buy computer hardware), Update (requires you had a prior Windows install on that PC), and Full Retail.

[jlreich]

I am using a burned copy of XP?
That's the problem. You are running pirated software. We can't help you with this. You need to get a legal copy of windows. ;)

[honkytonk]

i dont have a problem with the popups personally unless you think they can in any way be involved in a slowdown. I have already had my internet company send me a new cable modem and run a new line to the house so i know its not that. I havent updated any drivers since I made it a year ago. Do you fellas think I need to do that? If so, what driver do you recommend I update?

[PrntRhd]

I would suggest you get the Windows problem fixed first and we can then talk about other problems if that does not fix the slowdown.

[honkytonk]

should i follow that balloon to where ever it leads? Or do you recommend i purchase it somewhere else? also, if i legitimize Windows, will it erase anything or will i be able to keep everything the same?

btw, you guys are cool for being patient as i surely have exposed myself as a total newbie. but with God as my witness, i will start teaching myself more!

[PrntRhd]

You can buy Windows almost anywhere. The three choices of XP version are already posted.

How did that work out when your girlfriend found out you cheated on her?

[pentachris]

I would not buy through Microsoft. They'll probably want you to pay full retail price for Windows. Buy an OEM copy from a reputable online distributor (many of us like newegg.com) for about half the price. Yes, a hardware purchase is required, but at newegg, it's a cheap cable splitter, and they actually refund the price of the hardware at the time of purchase so it costs nothing.