i keep getting a pop up from microsoft saying this copy of windows is not genuine. can anyone explain this?

Answer 1

This is a new security-type feature with Windows XP. There's an update you download and install that validates whether your copy of WIndows is legitmate or not. This is Microsoft's anti-piracy activism in play and there's little to do to get around it.

The disadvantage of having the pop-up is that it's always there and rather difficult to get rid of. Additionally, you cannot perform certain updates to Windows itself.

The only solution is to either get a valid copy of Windows installed on your computer, or if you believe that you already have a valid copy then contact Microsoft about the matter.

Answer 2

This is the latest from Microsoft in order to stop piracy. Starting June 1, 2006, Microsoft has included a tool which is called as "Windows Genuine Advantage Notification". This tool will be downloaded as part of the "Automatic Updates". Once this tool has been downloaded, it can't be removed unless you format the hard disk.
The tool checks for the Product ID and compares it with the list of ID's at Microsoft HQ. A genuine Microsoft Operating system will have a unique Product ID(PID) which ensures that it is ok. However, a pirated edition will not have a unique PID and that will cause problems for you.
Now as to what are the ramifications of this tool. The tool will prevent you from getting anymore security updates or any sort of updates from Microsoft. This will make you susceptible to the latest online threats even if you have a proper Internet Security software.
I would suggest you to get a genuine copy of Windows so that you can remain safe and secure. Also note that there may exist some options in the pop-up that you get like filling out a form, etc.

Answer 3

The version of your windows OS is a pirate copy. Someone installed a copy on your computer. My neighbor purchase a used computer from a shop that buys and updates old ones. The problem was the shop owner didn't want to purchase the Windows OS for each computer, so he installed the same OS on every computer he sold.

My neighbor contacted Microsoft and gave them all the info and provided his receipt for the computer purchase. Microsoft sent him a legit XP disk and he is now legal and can download from Microsoft.

Even if you bought it from a legit computer store. They do this also.

If you purchased the computer from an individual then you will, probably, be stuck with having to purchase a legit copy of the OS.

Check the side or back of the computer tower and look for a sticker with the Key number on it for your OS. If it is not there it is an illegal copy on your computer.

Answer 4

it means you have been given an illegal copy of windows.

if you got it from a shop, they would have just used an illegal copy as it didnt really matter untill now, microsoft are making a big push to try and stop the pirates, this software has a list of all the know illegal keys in microsofts view. if you computer has it it will show you thoes annoying messages on screen.

if you can prove you brought the machine and didnt know it was an illegal copy micorsoft may give you a free license depeniding on how helpful you can be to them.

with out a legal copy you will only be able to get the most major xp updates.

Answer 5

When you install windows a hash is sent to windows it holds lots of information about your computer andi is compiled from various codes that can uniquely identify your PC.

If certain hardware components like the CPU or the Motherboard itself are changed the hash compiled is changed.

The hash is stored at microsoft the first time you install when you activate windows, if the validation program runs and compiles a different hash the validation fails and your copy is flagged as illegal.

YOU CAN HAVE A LEGAL COPY AND BE WRONGFULLY FLAGGED AS ILLEGAL / NOT GENUINE

The easiest way around it is to use Windows XP Professional; the copy I have was on bulk license so can be installed on as many PCs as i like and will never be identified because the piracy software is not present (Loop-hole! I love them)

Answer 6

Pretty simple really:-

~ If you've obtained a proper and legal copy of Windows then contact them

~ Otherwise you better have a good legal representative for when Microsoft get hold of you and take you to court.

Answer 7

Your Windows is not Genuine. You have used an unpaid serial key during installation of windows. If you did pay then call Microsoft and tell them.

You can find a hack to stop it at http://isohunt.com

Answer 8

Maybe some-one copied your genuine copy of windows.

Answer 9

it happens with pirate copy's once its got certain updates. to stop it reinstall Windows and turn off automatic updates.

Answer 10

spyware unless its not legal
go to download.com
ad adware
spybot search and destroy
download them
then download mcafee
and counterspy
run scans
delete viruses/spyware