Windows validation tool

[John D]

Hi

I was asked by a friend of mine to have a look at his computer as he is
having a variety of problems, but the trouble is he is not sure if his copy
of Windows is genuine or a pirate copy. He has XP professional on the
machine, but he bought it from a colleague at work, who he can no longer
contact to ask if the copy of XP is a legal copy. When I try to run updates
for the computer, the Windows validation tool comes up. I know this will
check for pirate copies. What does the validation tool do when it detects a
pirate copy. If it will stop him using his pc any longer, I don't want to run
it, but there is also the possibility that his copy of Windows is genuine and
needs updating. Please advise

many thanks
John

 

[TaurArian]

For a list of frequently asked questions (FAQ), visit the following Web site:
http://www.microsoft.com/genuine/downloads/FAQ.aspx

--

TaurArian [MVP] 2005-2008 - Update Services
http://taurarian.mvps.org
======================================
How to ask a question: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/555375
Computer Maintenance: Acronis / Diskeeper / Paragon / Raxco


| Hi
|
| I was asked by a friend of mine to have a look at his computer as he is
| having a variety of problems, but the trouble is he is not sure if his copy
| of Windows is genuine or a pirate copy. He has XP professional on the
| machine, but he bought it from a colleague at work, who he can no longer
| contact to ask if the copy of XP is a legal copy. When I try to run updates
| for the computer, the Windows validation tool comes up. I know this will
| check for pirate copies. What does the validation tool do when it detects a
| pirate copy. If it will stop him using his pc any longer, I don't want to run
| it, but there is also the possibility that his copy of Windows is genuine and
| needs updating. Please advise
|
| many thanks
| John

 

[Alias]

Hi

I was asked by a friend of mine to have a look at his computer as he is
having a variety of problems, but the trouble is he is not sure if his copy
of Windows is genuine or a pirate copy. He has XP professional on the
machine, but he bought it from a colleague at work, who he can no longer
contact to ask if the copy of XP is a legal copy. When I try to run updates
for the computer, the Windows validation tool comes up. I know this will
check for pirate copies. What does the validation tool do when it detects a
pirate copy. If it will stop him using his pc any longer, I don't want to run
it, but there is also the possibility that his copy of Windows is genuine and
needs updating. Please advise

many thanks
John

You can update XP whether it's pirated or not through Auto Update. Set
Auto Update to inform but not download or install. When you're informed,
check them and make sure that Windows Genuine Advantage is not there
and, if it is, untick it.

Alias