XP Professional worked fine for 6 months and now it says it is not a legal copy. How is this possible?

Question

It was "legal" for 6 months (ie. I was able to get updates from Microsoft) and now I get a message everytime I log on saying that it is an illegal copy (ie. I can no longer install updates from Windows?) What happened?

Answer 1

Well, your situation is not uncommon. Microsoft admits that on a few occasions WGA will mistakenly label a genuine copy of Windows XP as a fake. However, they also go on to say that a version of Windows XP could be labeled as genuine only to later be discovered as a fake. Why? Microsoft has a database of fake product keys and it's grows in size. So, during that six month period, the database might not have had your product key. PC Doctor is correct, you can contact Microsoft and if they feel that your story is credible they will provide you with a genuine product key. You should still be able to download security hotfixes but you can not download Windows Defender or Windows Virtual PC and other similar Microsoft software programs. WGA is mandatory but WGA Notifier is not. You can uninstall WGA Notifier and it will take care of the endless popups of "not a genuine Windows copy."

1. MS: How to disable or uninstall Windows Genuine Advantage Notifications -- by Malware Help (http://www.malwarehelp.org/news/article-4092.html)

Answer 2

Microsoft runs periodic validation scans on all its products. Sometimes it takes awhile for MS to know that a particular Product Key is no longer valid.

For example, suppose someone has a small computer business and they pay Microsoft for a Volume License Key. That key let's the business install XP Pro on, let's say, 500 computers. If the business wants to install XP on more than 500 computers, they will have to buy another VLK. Now suppose I work for this business and I steal the key and I sell or give it to people. Eventually, that 500 computer limit will be exceeded and eventually Microsoft will realize it. Then they will declare that VLK to be invalid and EVERY computer that used the key will no longer be legal (because MS has no way of knowing which copies of XP were validated by the business or illegally validated with the stolen key.)

Hope this explains why your computer might suddenly be illegal after 6 months. If you have your original receipt, go back to the business that sold you the computer and demand they make it right or you'll report them to Microsoft. If you're willing to prosecute, Microsoft can validate your XP. If you bought the computer from an individual, you can try the same tactics. But in any case, contact Microsoft and they can help you get legal again.

http://www.microsoft.com/resources/howtotell/ww/windows/default.mspx

Answer 3

Microsoft recently came out with a new tool in its Genuine Advantage program, which tests for pirated versions of Windows. When the tool is downloaded and run on an illegally copied version of Windows, updates are disabled. It is possible that your copy of Windows had never been checked before, or that the new tool uses a new method of detection that your copy didn't stand up to.
I wouldn't be surprised if the tool sometimes comes up with a false positive, though.
The solution: buy the software or switch to Linux (heh, good luck).

Answer 4

According close friends that still work for MS nearly 40% of the XPs flagged as pirate copies may well be legit. I would NEVER download the Microsoft WGA. Also, WGA places Trojans in your machine that makes regular contact with MS and gives details on your machine. Some claim to have found portions that record your internet habits but I'm not sure about that. NEVER trust MS. Go to any of sveral website and get WGA off.

Answer 5

A. its an illigal copy
B. when you installed your illegal copy, you should have chose the option to not update automatically. (or you should have not updated manually at all)

When you update automatically microsoft will catch your pirated software...no doubt about it. just redownload it and re-install...or find a crack for it...


and if it is a "legal" copy...sometime is will say it is pirated just because your date and time is not correct...if it is legal, just call microsoft and tell them about it...they will help you out

Answer 6

You don't have a legal copy. Where did you get the software? Do you have the original disc, with a COA? You are not being completely honest here.

Answer 7

This can occour from hardware changes, if have replace a major part on you computer it can do that.
The only thing you have to do is call microsoft , explain and then they will give you a new key
That's all