Why does my computer keep alerting me that my copy of windows might not be genuine?

Question

I bought a used computer for my son for a christmas present and it keeps saying that my copy of windows might not be genuine. I am a single mom and can't afford to spend alot of money on this stuff. Is there anyway I can fix this without it costing alot?

Answer 1

didn't the person who sold you the computer give you all software programs that are on it? if not, yes, you may have an illegal copy of windows.

try this: go to www.microsoft.com and then search for "validate my copy of windows." you should then be brought to a page that also will show you if you receive automatic updates or if you should set a schedule to download them. don't do anything other than validate first. see what happens.

then set up to take automatic updates if not already set up. this is probably the reason why you get the notices, because windows is trying to update the operating system (windows) with critical security patches and fixes.

i'd be downright angry if i purchased a used computer and wasn't given the software that came with it! you might call the microsoft "report a bug" phone number if it continues after you see that you do have a VALID copy of windows via the validation process. (they had some problems with it when they originally coded the validation process, but i don't see why you are getting this message now).

Answer 2

Who over sold you the computer put a Exploited key in the version of windows you have and Windows Updates it reading the invalid key and alerting you. The simple way to stop this is jsut to Right click on my computer and press properties, and go to Automatic Updates, and Disable updates. Of course you won't get the updates either but you won't have the message. Or option B. Buy a genuwine copy of windows for $99.00 from microsoft. or a software key for $79.00 on sale I think due to Vista comming out.

Answer 3

yes you can, search for a windows OS (Operating System)
key generator in the internet
the reason you get that message is because os key you're computer is using is not original. you can still use the pc without a problem but i don't think you can do more os updates.

Answer 4

yes i can help you. it is the best way i have ever known. u can click start, then accecories, then system tools, then system restore. and u can click the date when u sure that u haven't get the "bad message". example last year....
then just do it. then rstart the computer.

thats all i know. u should try. :)
i hope that it helps you.......

nice to meet you. u can email me if u need more help

don't hestite to ask me.

[e-mail]


have a good day...
=)




ah...


also try not to open microsoft site and not to active the automatic update. dont activate that one....dont open any microsift site...


ok...

Answer 5

you can still use it but some software may not work, like windows media player. If that doesn't work, download Real Player...free....don't worry about the warning !

Answer 6

I'm awfully sorry. If your copy is not legitimate, the only thing you can do is purchase one. To test your system and find out for sure:

http://www.microsoft.com/resources/howtotell/en/prepurchase.mspx

If it is illegitimate, go to this link:

http://www.bizrate.com/search__cat_id--1__keyword--WindowsXP+Home.html