Genuine copy of windows?

Question

Alright, I know my version of windows is fake because when my sister tried downloading windows media player 11, she ran the validation check and it turns out ours isn't genuine.

My dad said that either I should pay for my own copy of windows or I should switch from windows to linux.

I'm a jobless highschooler so paying for a genuine copy of windows will dig the biggest pit of doom in my already empty wallet, but I'd die if I had to switch to linux because all of my online role playing games and my other games won't be compatible with the system, and that's an even bigger waste of money.

SO my question is, how much is it to get a genuine copy of windows?

Also, if I re-install the genuine copy of windows after I buy it, will everything on my computer be erased?

Answer 1

Yes, reinstalling a new copy of Windows will erase your information. If you had a new validation code it would not. To get a copy of windows, try looking on www.mininova.org
Of course, downloading a cracked copy is illegal, and you can't update it, but whatever. A new copy should run you about 80-100 on Ebay.

Answer 2

If you buy a genuine copy of Windows your data will not be erased. However, you want to be careful too. Here's why.

First, you need to decide if you need an upgrade version or a full version? If that illegal copy of Windows you have now was part of an upgrade from a legal earlier version of Windows (98, ME, Windows 2000) then all you need is an upgrade.

Also, there are OEM full versions of Windows out there. They're often a little cheaper and are legal to use. However, you need to read the fine print as often an OEM version is only good on a fresh new install thus wiping out your previous data.

You can buy a legal copy of Windows Home OEM edition for under $100.00. But you would need to backup your content first.

Then there are Windows XP SP2 Home version upgrades, not OEM, that can run over $100 or so.

A great place to look is at Tiger Direct and New Egg.

Good Luck!

Answer 3

Are you sure your copy of Windows is fake? Usually people know this because they buy it off the street, downloaded it, or their friends gave them a bootleg CD or DVD.

It's possible the Microsoft site could be mistaken when you make major upgrades, if some how your key got stolen, etc.

Did you buy the system used?

If you bought your system new and have your serial number, give MS a call and see if you can get them to reactivate your serial or they may give you a new one.

Once you buy a new genuine copy, your data is retained.

Answer 4

NO, If you buy your genuine copy of windows from microsoft then they will activate directly and nothing will be earsed or anything. Even if you buy original XP software then you will get KEY CODE which you will have to activate via online so your current operating software will become genuine software. So don't worry about it. But you will have to pay at least US$ 145 to $ 150 to buy a windows XP original software. Better you buy it because if anything goes wrong while you are having pirated software then you will lose many thing other than your games.

Answer 5

it depends..if you want the upgrade or full version..XP home or Pro or Vista.You can get a copy of XP Home Full $189.92, XP Pro Full $288.82, Vista Ultimate Limited Edition w/ Bill Gates Sig on front of box $258.88 these are all at walmart.com

http://www.walmart.com/search/browse-ng.do?ic=21_0&ref=125875.126122+500500.4294296134+500854.4293871607

if you use eMule you can download Windows XP Student Ed. and it should have the serial for it in a readme file after you burn it to cd it will be genuine and you will never have to activate it. However That is Piracy. ON Your Head Be It! I dont condone piracy. But i make any information known to me available to all. :-)

Answer 6

what ever you do dont download your windows xp disc again you have allready downloaded to your computer in plus you can mess your computer up to like that what your going to do go buy a validation key for your computer ok plus i had my friend burn it for my son's computer for free a year ago but the problem i have with it is i cant never download exploer 7 to my son's computer are my son puter will shut down so the best thing i can tell you is go get your self a part time job in make some money for your window xp disc that is what i told my son in he makes 200.00 dollars a week to support his needs for what ever he buys now instead of sitting at home with no money in your pocket go get a job mowing yards are even painting houses are something what are you going to do when you get 18 in move got to have money all the time

Answer 7

Call Microsoft to obtain a validation key. They will ask you questions and may determin that you are eligible to receive the key for free, if not you can purchase a new key for Windows XP Home for $49 I believe it was.

Answer 8

Genuine WinXP is about $115, $109 at Geeks.com. I'm sure if you look around it'd be about that price.

And that's the upgrade version. Full version is twice that.

You can make your version "legit" by putting in the CD and let it "repair" your existing install.

Answer 9

You can buy windows for cheap from many Universities (we're talking $10 or less usually). Alternatively www.newegg.com

Answer 10

http://keznews.com/1498_Windows_Genuine_Advantage_Validation_-_WGA_Patcher_v_1_5_708_0_Download

You download a patch to circumvent that.

Also, if you have XP pro, ally ou have to do is change your key to a Volume License Key (VLK). If you use a certain one that I know, you will bypass activation and will allow you to get ALL updates!!! But I don't use XP anymore.