Windows Validation

[Andy Flowers]

Good Morning
Many apologies if this question has been asked many times
Our PC (running XP) is now telling us that the operating system hasn't
passed Genuine Windows Validation
We think this is an error (as we bought the PC from what we thought was a
reputable vendor and we'd paid for the operating system
We'ev also got the XP disc (which looks genuine - with holograms etc).
The warning messages are now threatening to disable the system in nine days
unless we cough up £70
Is this some sort of internet virus/scam?
If anyone has any info this would be much appreciated
Cheers

 

[DL]

http://www.microsoft.com/Genuine/

A notification to pay £70 doesnt on the face of it sound genuine

 

[M]

http://www.microsoft.com/Genuine/

A notification to pay £70 doesnt on the face of it sound genuine

Yes, it does. I just worked on a computer that was deemed not genuine.
Because I was going to wipe the disk and install a genuine OS, out of
curiosity I ran the WGA program to the end and it asked for 142 euros
for a license to become genuine with a link to a Microsoft web site
where you could purchase the license on line.

M

 

[JS]

Good Morning
Many apologies if this question has been asked many times
Our PC (running XP) is now telling us that the operating system hasn't
passed Genuine Windows Validation
We think this is an error (as we bought the PC from what we thought was a
reputable vendor and we'd paid for the operating system
We'ev also got the XP disc (which looks genuine - with holograms etc).
The warning messages are now threatening to disable the system in nine
days unless we cough up £70
Is this some sort of internet virus/scam?
If anyone has any info this would be much appreciated
Cheers

You have a disk the vendor gave you but what about the keycode sticker, do
you have one and if so where is it located?

 

[PA Bear [MS MVP]]

Can you Validate here? => http://www.microsoft.com/Genuine/

If not...

Please follow this simple troubleshooting procedure, courtesy of MS MVP
Carey Frisch:

1. Download and install the WGA Diagnostic Tool
http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=56062

2. After running the WGA Diagnostic Tool, click on the "Windows" tab and
then click on "Copy to Clipboard".

3. Next, visit the following website and create a post in the "WGA
Validation Problems" forum and paste the results of the WGA Diagnostic Data
in a detailed post:
http://social.microsoft.com/forums/en-US/genuinewindowsxp/threads/

4. A WGA troubleshooting specialist will analyze the data and recommend an
appropriate solution.

 

[Andy Flowers]

Hi again,
Thanks for the helpful hints and tips from everyone
The disc we were given has no serial code on it
We don't have a disc for Microsoft Office (this was also preloaded and paid
for at the time)
Its the Microsoft Office that we are being threatened with the $70 demand
Beginning to think that we've been ripped off!
Any more help much appreciated (Open Office perhaps?)
Cheers

 

[M]

Hi again,
Thanks for the helpful hints and tips from everyone
The disc we were given has no serial code on it
We don't have a disc for Microsoft Office (this was also preloaded and paid
for at the time)
Its the Microsoft Office that we are being threatened with the $70 demand
Beginning to think that we've been ripped off!
Any more help much appreciated (Open Office perhaps?)
Cheers

If you don't use Outlook, Open Office meets most users' needs.

M

 

[M]

Hi again,
Thanks for the helpful hints and tips from everyone
The disc we were given has no serial code on it
We don't have a disc for Microsoft Office (this was also preloaded and paid
for at the time)
Its the Microsoft Office that we are being threatened with the $70 demand
Beginning to think that we've been ripped off!
Any more help much appreciated (Open Office perhaps?)
Cheers

Sure it isn't a trial version of Office?

M

 

[JS]

Hi again,
Thanks for the helpful hints and tips from everyone
The disc we were given has no serial code on it
We don't have a disc for Microsoft Office (this was also preloaded and
paid for at the time)
Its the Microsoft Office that we are being threatened with the $70 demand
Beginning to think that we've been ripped off!
Any more help much appreciated (Open Office perhaps?)
Cheers

Here are four utilities, all of which will display your product keys:
Belarc Advisor: http://www.belarc.com/free_download.html
(It does a good job of providing a wealth of information.)
Also: http://www.magicaljellybean.com/keyfinder.shtml
and: http://www.nirsoft.net/utils/product_cd_key_viewer.html
and RockXP: http://www.majorgeeks.com/download4138.html which has additional
features

Write the keycode down or better still print a copy of all your product
keycodes.

Then call the dealer who sold you the computer and ask them why you are
having this problem.

If they don't give you a satisfactory solution tell the dealer you will
report them to Microsoft.

Also with the Windows keycode you printed try Microsoft's phone activation.
You will then know for sure if its a valid keycode or the vendor used a
pirated keycode.

 

[PA Bear [MS MVP]]

Please visit http://www.microsoft.com/genuine/, click on the Validate Office
button. If successful, restart your computer.

Otherwise, repost your problem here:
http://social.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/genuineoffice/threads