http://www.microsoft.com/genuine/downloads/nonGenuine.aspx?displaylang=en&Error=3&PartnerID=101&Loc=USA&sGuid=

Question

People=====>just in the last about 48º, I have started receiving this annoying message from Microsoft Windows demanding over $150 & saying that I may not be using a so-called genuine form of Windows. I have had my used computer for over 6 months. If there is something wrong with it, why is it they are just now noticing it, praytell?! Here's basically the question: I have my own old Windows 98 software I can put into my computer & would rather do so if this malarky continues, but will I, in sodoing, lose everything I've saved in my computer? Supposedly the "problem" windows is Windows XP Professional Version 2002, Service Pack 2 & the original owner had a serial # that I have. Mind you, I know for all of you who are computer "whiz kids" this is an inane question & if you feel the need to insult this old 52 year old lady, go for it....all I want is the information....By the way, I do not have a floppy drive or a cd burner....everything I have is on my hard drive....PLEEZ HELP!!!!!!!

Answer 1

Yes you will lose all data. You will need to backup all your data before you reinstall a different Operating System.

You have a used computer so that means the person who owned it before you, had put in an illegal version of the operating system. There is a new windows update that does the genuine check. It can tell whether or not you have the version of Windows installed that came equipped with your computer. Someone must have had a bootleg copy of Windows and had installed it into the computer you have now.

Just reinstall Windows using the CD. It will partition your drives and it will erase all data. The directions for reinstalling is pretty easy once you get to the setup menu. You should back up your data by making a data CD and copying all your favorite links and files and everything else that might be important to you.

There is actually a way to remove that genuine check, but it requires deleting a file and changing the registry keys. Even though I give you directions, you might not be able to follow them correctly and it can damage your computer. To make it easy, you should just reinstall Windows 98 if you dont like that warning.

Edit: You cant just uninstall windows XP. You need a recovery disk or a Windows XP CD to uninstall it because you will need a Operating System for your PC to run correctly. If you have either of those two disk CDs, then you can just reformat and it will completely erase everything from your hard drive and you can start fresh. You need to make backups before you do this process because it will wipe out everything. After you reinstall, make sure you do the windows update, but EXCLUDE the one that does the genuine check. If you go to http://www.microsoft.com and click on MICROSOFT update, then it will show you what kind of updates you need. Just dont do the one that does the Microsoft windows genuine check.

If you dont have the disk, then you will need to call up the company that your computer is from and you have to ask for a recovery disk which should only be about $10 instead of having to pay $150 for a new Windows XP CD.

If its possible, do a system restore to the point before you did the windows update. Go to START MENU, PROGRAMS, ACCESSORIES, SYSTEM TOOLS, and there is a SYSTEM RESTORE program that will restore your computer to how it was on the day you want the restore point.

Answer 2

It is happening to me to, it's hell, I am sorry!