I purchased my eMachines with Windows XP already installed in a sealed container from Wal-Mart in January of 2004. Just recently I rebooted it and a window popped up and said that my copy of windows xp may be counterfeit. There was also a box that asked if I wanted to check the authenticity of the software or resolve later. Is this a virus that is going around? It's pretty weird that all of a sudden after 2 1/2 years a message pops up to tell me my OS software is bogus.
2006-07-06 17:01:37 · 5 answers · asked by D 2 in Computers & Internet ➔ Security
ahennegar, your link shows pics that where exactly what was on my start-up page. I found another link through the same blog that shows how to get rid of it.
flpcNerds.com, I checked your link about authenticity, and it did show the "keys" as being genuine. You'd think that it would of did this sooner rather than 2.5 years later.
It's ashame what Microsoft has become, no wonder their stock has fallen so much in the last few years. I do believe my next system will be a linux. Screw Microsoft.
Thanks to all of you...
2006-07-06 17:35:39 · update #1
It might be a VIRUS, as a Matter of fact...it might be the WORM pretending to be the WGA tool from Microsoft..
this is the Link to the News report
http://news.com.com/2061-10789_3-6090215.html
Go to the Microsoft site..and look for the WGA tool...verify with them..
Go here to Check if Your Windows is legit or not
http://www.microsoft.com/genuine/downloads/whyValidate.aspx
Your Copy might be Legit..but the worm is trying to TRICK YOU
2006-07-06 17:04:24 · answer #1 · answered by The Nerd 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It doesn't sound like any of these companies would have pirated software. The link below from Digital Inspiration has screen prints from the WGA tool which stands for Windows Genuine Advantage. It's a Microsoft tool designed to alert you if it thinks you have a pirated copy of the software. Microsoft has been pushing the software with their monthly updates for awhile.
The WGA software is pretty controversial now and Microsoft is getting a bunch of criticism for the program. Earlier versions were more intrusive than the latest ones although I can't substantiate that claim. Currently, the WGA software is optional, but Microsoft looks for it when you go and get updates.
Below the article is a Comments section where someone else had a similar incident with eMachines. I would be inclined to call eMachines and see what they advise.
It could possibly be a virus as the previous posted indicated. The prevelance for this one is pretty low. Most AV products have had a signature file for a couple days for this one. The easy test would be to do a full scan and see if it spots this Cuebot-K virus. It it does remove it, reboot and see if you still get the conterfiet warning.
2006-07-07 00:13:28 · answer #2 · answered by ahennegar 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
first answer is correct.go to microsoft and check valid.unfortunetly it has done the same to me and mine is not fake.it has given a false validation to about 20% of the real xp systems out there and its easier to pull your own teeth than to convince micro$oft to correct the problem.screw bill gates.the thief
2006-07-07 00:14:52 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
it is not a virus, that was called the "Nagulator" designed by windows to go with automatic updates and then check if your OS is authentic....which apparently is not.....System Restore will remove that messege and then turn off your automatic updates....
2006-07-07 00:07:50 · answer #4 · answered by grayxenon 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it is a addition to windows update, not a worm or virus.
windows added this program as a copy-write feature and means they want to confirm your computers copywrite. it won't cause any damage to your computer to install and run the program
2006-07-07 00:13:17 · answer #5 · answered by foresttree69 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋