PC saying my copy of xp is not genuine?

Question

I bought this PC off a friend, unfortunately without any of the software that came with it...
As soon as I did an update, the pc came up with a message telling me that the copy of XP I have installed isn't genuine... Everything still works on the pc and I can still get on the net, but I can't update which means I cant install the software for my MP3 player as it needs service pack 1 or later.
The comp itself came with XP home, the activation sticker is still on the side, what I think has happened is someone has tried to instal a copy of XP professional...
I could get another copy but i don't want to have to lose everything I have on here...
Is there any way I can take it back to its original state without the software and without losing all the programs, info and music I have saved... Or get it to update at least...
Its a Packard Bell, don't know the model number sorry
Thanks

Answer 1

Well, there is three ways to do what you want:

1. illegal way
Go to google.com, write "MICROSOFT WINDOWS XP GENUINE VALIDATION PATCH raymond cc" without the quote signs. Click the top link, and follow what he says (don't worry it's not as complicated as you think)

2. legal way (easy way)
Go to a dedicated computer shop, buy a copy of original Windows XP, and ask them to install it for you and tell them not to lose any of your data.

3. legal way (a bit hard way)
Buy a copy of original Windows XP, and install it yourself.
If you don't want to lose any of your data, you have to partite your hard drive. (you see, your 'normal' hard drive was only C:/, you have to make a D:/ drive), you can do this by using Partition Magic (search it on google). Then after you created D:/ drive, COPY ALL THE DESIRED MUSICS/DATA/DOCUMENTS from their current place into D:/ drive. Then after that you can install your windows XP safely.
After you install your Windows XP, you can copy all your musics/data/documents into their original place.

Answer 2

It may be a legit copy of Windows or it may not; the problem is that the Advantage Tool doesn't always work; and sometimes flags legit copies as pirate software.
The real problem is that you didn't purchase the original pc so you don't own the licence; your mate would have to sort it out using his own name by phoning Microsoft. If he bought the pc from Packard Bell, its not going to be an illegal copy, is it?
Somewhere on the hard drive there is probably a Recovery Partition and that will restore Windows, but may not have all the software that has since been installed.
You can often get Service PAck 2 on cd on the front of XP magazines, so watch out for a giveaway. Its unsafe to be on the internet without it.
Bottom line is that a legit copy of XP will cost you about £60 from somewhere like Ebuyer or Dabs.com.
I don't know what other software you have, but there comes a point when the system is too much of a mess to be able to do much other than a clean install.

Answer 3

Cannot understand why you cannot locate the model/ serial number - the machine will tell you itself if you locate the system through the opening PROGRAM facility.
It is obvious the copy of XP installed on your machine is not a genuine original and I am sure you know that fact. When you say you can 'get another copy ' , do you mean you would buy a genuine copy because if so ask the professionals to do the fitting and for them to save the present personal contents, They will have a business programme for doing so. If you intend to fit another pirate copy of an original XP, you will not resolve the problem.

Answer 4

Sorry, that's a bummer.
I have a suggestion. Why not invest in an external hard drive. Today being Sunday, the paper will be full of ads. It will be a good investment in the long run as you will probably always want a backup for the big day when your PC crashes.

You could copy everything you want to save on it, then when you get the PC straightened out, copy it back.

Answer 5

The Dell disk, won't paintings on an HP gadget. Your 4 options are: a million. locate an HP setting up disk, backup each and everything and reinstall each and everything 2. purchase a replica of living house windows XP, backup each and everything and reinstall each and everything 3. acquire a unfastened reproduction of Linux (i exploit Ubuntu) 4. stay with what you have mutually devoid of further XP updates and no IE7

Answer 6

if you call microsoft. the nag should include a phone number to call,if not, it's in the activation screen itself. and tell them you have an activation sticker, they will give you the code to make it good. As long as you have the activation code, you have a legit right to use windows.
When you call a nice indian gentlemen named Ralph or norman, will answer the phone ask you for the numbers on your activation code, then give you a code that validates your windows install. They don't ask a lot of questions.

Answer 7

if all u want to do is get SP1 or 2 on ur system, then just grab the SP2 CD (if it's still available) or download it and install. This will fix only the SP2 issue however. Unfortunately, at some point in time in the end, u WILL have to format the system which means losing all your stuff... unless ur smart and back it all up on DVD/CDs ; )

Answer 8

if u can live with the message everytime ur comp starts den its ok if not buy a genuine copy

Answer 9

You have an illegal version of the programe installed, if you continue to use it you will not get the updates or securtey update from microsoft . this could leave your computer open to attacks from all kinds of problems.

Answer 10

this page my help click link below
http://www.microsoft.com/genuine/default.mspx?displaylang=en
my old p.c wasnt geniuine and it worked alright it was only a pain in that you get no updates. i looked for genuine windows and the price was nearly 100pound might be a bit cheaper now.
good luck