Your copy of Windows XP is not genuine.

[Guest]

I am now getting this notification, although I only started getting it
yesterday, after a Windows Update download, which I think was the "Windows
Genuine Advantage" software. My copy of XP was bought with a system I had a
guy build a couple of years ago. He assured me that the CD he gave me (one,
of course, with no MS stickers or label, just burned on a blank) contained a
valid "corporate" copy, with several product keys. When I fired it up, I was
able to register it without any problem. I have reinstalled it twice since
after reformats, and still no problems registering it. Windows Update has
performed just fine, right up until yesterday. My question is not whether or
not I have a pirated copy; it seems likely that I do. My question is why did
everything work fine, including registering with Microsoft, until now? Did it
have something to do with yesterday's Update? That is, is this the first tool
Microsoft has had which was capable of spotting a pirated copy? Is it
possible for it to give false readings? If the latter is not possible, then I
know what I have to do, even if it hurts. Older and wiser, I guess.......

 

[kurttrail]

I am now getting this notification, although I only started getting it
yesterday, after a Windows Update download, which I think was the
"Windows Genuine Advantage" software. My copy of XP was bought with a
system I had a guy build a couple of years ago. He assured me that
the CD he gave me (one, of course, with no MS stickers or label, just
burned on a blank) contained a valid "corporate" copy, with several
product keys. When I fired it up, I was able to register it without
any problem. I have reinstalled it twice since after reformats, and
still no problems registering it. Windows Update has performed just
fine, right up until yesterday. My question is not whether or not I
have a pirated copy; it seems likely that I do. My question is why
did everything work fine, including registering with Microsoft, until
now? Did it have something to do with yesterday's Update? That is, is
this the first tool Microsoft has had which was capable of spotting a
pirated copy? Is it possible for it to give false readings? If the
latter is not possible, then I know what I have to do, even if it
hurts. Older and wiser, I guess.......

More than likely, you do have a pirated copy.

MS uses the notifications as and extortion tool, so in effect you will
have been scammed twice to use Windows XP, but there are ways to get rid
of the notifications without paying MS's extortion.

http://www.mydigitallife.info/2006/...s-genuine-advantage-notifications-nag-screen/

--
Peace!
Kurt Kirsch
Self-anointed Moderator
http://microscum.com
"It'll soon shake your Windows
And rattle your walls
For the times they are a-changin'."

 

[JasonA]

That person should never have given you a corporate copy (they are for big
companies). Also the genuine XP (retail/OEM / Upgrade/Full) is accompaied by
a certificate of validation also. If you paid for a ligitimate XP you should
take this up with the person that built the computer for you.

 

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

A few clues:
"valid "corporate" copy"
There is no such thing, corporate is a common name for pirated Volume
License.

"just burned on a blank" Not legitimate distribution media.

"several product keys"
Why several when only one is needed.

Nothing is 100% so it is possible for a false reading.
But with the other information in your post, it is unlikely you have a
legitimate Windows XP.

Are any of the Product Keys the original from Microsoft?
That can be another clue.

The update is a new version of an old tool used for among other things to
notify unsuspecting people such as yourself of the possibility you were sold
pirated software.

Does this apply:
http://www3.telus.net/dandemar/invalpk.htm
If so go to the seller and have them make it right or report them for
piracy.

 

[Jone Doe]

I am now getting this notification, although I only started getting it
yesterday, after a Windows Update download, which I think was the "Windows
Genuine Advantage" software. My copy of XP was bought with a system I had
a
guy build a couple of years ago. He assured me that the CD he gave me
(one,
of course, with no MS stickers or label, just burned on a blank) contained
a
valid "corporate" copy, with several product keys. When I fired it up, I
was
able to register it without any problem. I have reinstalled it twice since
after reformats, and still no problems registering it. Windows Update has
performed just fine, right up until yesterday. My question is not whether
or
not I have a pirated copy; it seems likely that I do. My question is why
did
everything work fine, including registering with Microsoft, until now? Did
it
have something to do with yesterday's Update? That is, is this the first
tool
Microsoft has had which was capable of spotting a pirated copy? Is it
possible for it to give false readings? If the latter is not possible,
then I
know what I have to do, even if it hurts. Older and wiser, I guess.......

Had a similar problem, bought it from the computer shop on the square, came
with Windows XP pro, and I got to choose what I wanted in the box. When I
got it it ran flawlessly, but there was no Windows XP Pro CD. He said "You
must have lost it, I gave it to you." I took the entire packet he gave me
back to him, no CD. He said "Give me a week." I did. He gave me a CD.
Not genuine, and I knew it. But he swore it would work for my 'needs', and
it did until MS checked. When it failed, I gave him two choices. He picked
the first one, and gave me an sealed Windows XP Pro CD. Apparently other
customers reported him, because the shop is now dark.

 

[Guest]

Thanks, Jupiter. This is very helpful information. I will proceed with either
a new product purchase or legitimization via Microsoft's site. The guy who
sold me the system (and the bill of goods on the XP disk!) is long gone, I
paid cash, and I have no name, etc., but DO know where he was living/working
at the time. Any idea how far Microsoft goes in investigating these phonies?
If I provided the address, would they at least try to run the guy down via
his former landlord? I acknowledge my own stupidity in how I approached the
purchase, but would like to see them catch up with them if they so desire.

 

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

I do not know how far Microsoft will go in pursuing your seller but I doubt
it will be far unless there are numerous complaints against him.
If you were sold illegitimate goods, report the seller anyways, it may help
to keep that person from doing the same to others.