This computer I am using came pre-installed with Windows XP Professional Edition. Through various updates over time, I have had to download a program called "Genuine Check" from the Windows official website, and everything checked out. Now, all of a sudden, I get all these baloons saying "I may be a victim of software counterfeiting," or "This copy of Windos is not genuine."
Why did it totally change and what steps should I take to fix it?
2007-03-17 05:45:57 · 2 answers · asked by fret_guy89 3 in Computers & Internet ➔ Software
Well, it depends on who you got the PC from. Just because it was pre-installed doesn't make it legal...
If you purchased it from a small seller locally, you may be using illegal software. If you purchased it DIRECTLY from Dell, or any other big, big company, then you should call their support to take actions to correct this, because in this case, it's only a simple error.
If you had to reformat Windows, or if anyone else did, even without your permission, and they used a different serial other than that on your tower, then you may be using an illegal version of XP, and a reformat (reinstallation) will be required to reset XP to it's correct serial key.
If it is genuine, simply call your manufacturer. If it was purchased from Dell or another big company, calling Microsoft will be useless (unless you're using the automated validation service) because they will tell you to call your manufacturer.
If you know it's not genuine, and you're wanting us to tell you how to get around it or whatever, you've come to the wrong place. I, as well as many, many others, do not use nor help distribute illegal software. If we have to pay for it, so should you.
Best of luck and use LEGAL software! ;)
2007-03-17 05:59:28 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
If the sticker for your XP is on the bottom of the machine then your covered. Just call Microsoft they will "re-authorize" you.
2007-03-17 12:51:01 · answer #2 · answered by Tracy L 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋