authentication problem

[Judy]

I purchased a tower with Windows XP in Dec 06 to replace one running Windows
95 that crashed. My son was using it for games on disks and it was working
well for that. Then he got a new computer and we put the other one to use to
surf the net. The problem is that I have found out it was a pirated copy of
Windows XP and I of course cannot get any updates at all. Is there any way I
can use this computer - I don't want to spend a lot of money on it as I will
probably be replacing it with a new laptop in about 6 months. Is there
anything I can do in the meantime that would be a cheap fix - it is
incredibly slow. I put in a USB wireless adaptor to run off my DSL router
but it is painfully slow.
thanks.

 

[Carey Frisch [MVP]]

In order to resolve your non-genuine licensing issue, please visit: www.microsoft.com/genuine
and click on "Validate Windows". When validation fails, you'll see a button to click on which will
provide information on your options which include how to acquire a WGA Kit.

--
Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows Shell/User

---------------------------------------------------------------

:

I purchased a tower with Windows XP in Dec 06 to replace one running Windows
95 that crashed. My son was using it for games on disks and it was working
well for that. Then he got a new computer and we put the other one to use to
surf the net. The problem is that I have found out it was a pirated copy of
Windows XP and I of course cannot get any updates at all. Is there any way I
can use this computer - I don't want to spend a lot of money on it as I will
probably be replacing it with a new laptop in about 6 months. Is there
anything I can do in the meantime that would be a cheap fix - it is
incredibly slow. I put in a USB wireless adaptor to run off my DSL router
but it is painfully slow.
thanks.

 

[Judy]

Thanks. I'll check it out!
Judy

 

[windmap]

Take the computer to a local technician to get some ideas.

 

[PD43]

Take the computer to a local technician to get some ideas.

OP wants a "cheap fix" because the computer is slated for replacement
in six months.

Local technicians aren't cheap.

 

[Sirtokalott]

You should still be able to run your computer online without any windows
updates. The slow running is probably due to spyware. Try running a scan
with "Ad-Aware 2007" which you will find on www.download.com for free. Also
How much memory do you have as I find that any P.C. with less than 512 DDR
will run slow after being online collecting spyware

 

[Just.some.guy]

"Sirtokalott"


Lol...I love your screen name!

You should still be able to run your computer online without any windows
updates. The slow running is probably due to spyware. Try running a scan
with "Ad-Aware 2007" which you will find on www.download.com for free.
Also
How much memory do you have as I find that any P.C. with less than 512 DDR
will run slow after being online collecting spyware

 

[Alias]

I purchased a tower with Windows XP in Dec 06 to replace one running Windows
95 that crashed. My son was using it for games on disks and it was working
well for that. Then he got a new computer and we put the other one to use to
surf the net. The problem is that I have found out it was a pirated copy of
Windows XP and I of course cannot get any updates at all. Is there any way I
can use this computer - I don't want to spend a lot of money on it as I will
probably be replacing it with a new laptop in about 6 months. Is there
anything I can do in the meantime that would be a cheap fix - it is
incredibly slow. I put in a USB wireless adaptor to run off my DSL router
but it is painfully slow.
thanks.

You can get updates. Just set the Automatic Updates to inform but not
download or install so you can make sure you never install Window
Genuine Advantage.

If you follow Carey's very bad advice, you will end up with nagging
notices telling you that your copy of Windows isn't genuine until you
buy a license.

Alias

 

[HeyBub]

You can get updates. Just set the Automatic Updates to inform but not
download or install so you can make sure you never install Window
Genuine Advantage.

If you follow Carey's very bad advice, you will end up with nagging
notices telling you that your copy of Windows isn't genuine until you
buy a license.

She SHOULD buy a license.

Right now she's driving the equivalent of a car with no license plate.

I am indifferent to her limited resources argument. If she wants her son to
be able to get high-quality internet porn, she's got to pony up some
sheckels.

 

[Alias]

She SHOULD buy a license.

But doesn't need to.

Right now she's driving the equivalent of a car with no license plate.

No cops to stop her at home though. I know MS would like to enter
everyone's home and police them. It's sad to see you agree with that.

I am indifferent to her limited resources argument. If she wants her son to
be able to get high-quality internet porn, she's got to pony up some
sheckels.

If he wants Internet porn, the better alternative is to install Ubuntu
(www.ubuntu.com), not the virus and malware prone Windows.

Alias

 

[Judy]

I have 512mb ram. I will try running Ad-Aware and some others to see if that
helps. thanks.
Judy