Windows legal copy

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Guest

I recently received a notice from Microsoft which stated that I was using an
unauthorized version of Windows XP and would have to re-authenticate. I
provided the authentication numbers/letters from the back of the cpu. Since
my software was preinstalled by Sony I was sure I was legal, however my codes
were not acceptied and I had to work my way through and finally did get
authenticated and received a new set of codes. I was then able to use Widows
XP again but lost access to IE. I tried to reload my system and the entire
system crashed. I have replaced the hard drive and reloaded the system which
is working great. My concern is "do I have to re-register and
re-authenticate my windows? I can no longer find the option that allows you
to determing whether you have a legal copy or not. My system was reloaded
with all original software.
 
Hi,

Re-register? No, you never have to register.

Re-activate? A system needs to be reactivated whenever a reinstall is done,
normally this is accomplished at the end of setup.

Microsoft, as far as I know, does not go out emailing people that their
systems are unauthorized. You can validate your installation here:
http://www.microsoft.com/resources/howtotell/ww/default.mspx

Offhand, I'd say you might have been scammed.

--
Best of Luck,

Rick Rogers, aka "Nutcase" - Microsoft MVP

Associate Expert - WindowsXP Expert Zone

Windows help - www.rickrogers.org
 
What is a phishing scam?
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/email/phishing.mspx

--
Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows XP - Shell/User
Microsoft Newsgroups

Be Smart! Protect Your PC!
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/protect/default.mspx

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

:

| I recently received a notice from Microsoft which stated that I was using an
| unauthorized version of Windows XP and would have to re-authenticate. I
| provided the authentication numbers/letters from the back of the cpu. Since
| my software was preinstalled by Sony I was sure I was legal, however my codes
| were not acceptied and I had to work my way through and finally did get
| authenticated and received a new set of codes. I was then able to use Widows
| XP again but lost access to IE. I tried to reload my system and the entire
| system crashed. I have replaced the hard drive and reloaded the system which
| is working great. My concern is "do I have to re-register and
| re-authenticate my windows? I can no longer find the option that allows you
| to determing whether you have a legal copy or not. My system was reloaded
| with all original software.
| --
| mtk
 
I would definitely say you've been the victim of a scam.

Just a note - there's an email going around that will direct you to a
website to "authenticate" your license by supplying your credit card
number...DON'T DO IT!!!
 
I can no longer find the option that allows you
to determing whether you have a legal copy or not. My system was reloaded
with all original software.
Click to expand...

In which case you are probably ok.

You can check to see if your copy has been activated ok by running the
activation program in..
Start > Programs > Accessories > System Tools.
It should tell you that you are already activated.

If you are then all is ok.

Just don't fall for that trick email again!
 
mtk said:
I recently received a notice from Microsoft which stated that I was using
an
unauthorized version of Windows XP and would have to re-authenticate. I
provided the authentication numbers/letters from the back of the cpu.
Since
my software was preinstalled by Sony I was sure I was legal, however my
codes
were not acceptied and I had to work my way through and finally did get
authenticated and received a new set of codes. I was then able to use
Widows
XP again but lost access to IE. I tried to reload my system and the
entire
system crashed. I have replaced the hard drive and reloaded the system
which
is working great. My concern is "do I have to re-register and
re-authenticate my windows? I can no longer find the option that allows
you
to determing whether you have a legal copy or not. My system was reloaded
with all original software.
Click to expand...

If you gave your credit card number, you'd better cancel that card.
 
Thankyou. Each of your answers were helpful and I believe I have a legal copy.
I am wondering whether I should post the event that experience on the forum
in case other novice types run into it. If it was a scam it was very good.
It was not an email but a screen message and completely cut me off from the
OS. It did refer me to 1800 numbers which appeared legitimate and at no time
requested a credit card or other information other than the authenticity
code. As soon as I completed the re-authentication, I was back in
business.......mtk
 
I just reloaded windows XP and my code was rejected..found it on the on the
bottom of my lap top... came with the machine...their phone numbers do not
connect to anything... where do I go now for help???
 
robert said:
I just reloaded windows XP and my code was rejected..found it on the
on the bottom of my lap top... came with the machine.
Click to expand...


Did you use the CD that came with your computer, or did you use another one?
If, for example, you used a retail CD, it won't work with the OEM product
key you have.
 
The code you are reading from the bottom of that laptop is likely not the
code you would use to authenticate reinstallation. Most, if not all
computer manufacturers, use a modified code which contains OEM as part of
the code. That code you found on lable likely indicates to Microsoft that
it is OEM software. Go to the computer manufacturer for help.
 
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