Windows Genuine Disadvantage...

We have not one, but two perfectly legal copies of Windows XP - one cut on the hard drive when we bought the computer and one bought since brand new in its sealed packet. Both have correct product codes, but "Windows Genuine Advantage" keeps telling us that neither copy "passes validation". When you click on the "This is how to sort it out" link to resolve the issue, they just ask for money....

The Windows "helpline" (aka nochuffin'useline) people can't either explain it or sort it out.

I gather other users have had the same problem.
Does anyone know how to sort it out and stop Microsoft claiming we may have a pirated copy?? (They very carefully DON'T say the copy is definitely a wrong 'un.)

It's driving us potty!!!

 

there are a few reasons as to why the genuine windows advantage tool is sugesting your pc is not licenced.

Spyware can be a big problem, or maybes a corrupt registry will also throw up invalid product key.

Plz run a program called spybot from here ....

and then run this program from here .

plz make sure you update both programs before you run them......let me know the outcome.

 

A bizarre turn of events.... we reloaded the newer of the two copies of XP, and sure enough, up came the message about possible victims of software piracy, etc. However, this time when we clicked on the "Resolve" dialog box, the message disappeared and hasn't been seen since.

Now how on earth can you explain that????

But if the problem arises again, we'll certainly be trying what you suggest, PCM. Thanks very much indeed for your help.

 

I got fed up with Windows (XP) and MS, Vista clinched it for me after hearing how many existing software programs were not compatible and you need to get updated versions (at a cost).

I then decided to go for GNU/Linux, but which one? after several trials I decided on Ubuntu. All copies are legal and free, most software is free, with vast numbers of programs available. I now wonder why I spent all those pounds on software.

 

That sort of problem is why I stay with my Windows 98. I think that Windows 2000 was the last of the normal programs, and greedyware started with Windows XP. I think Microsoft has just got greedier and greedier. When I bought an Apple 11, an operating system cost just 3% of the cost of the hardware. A seperate Vista purchase can now be nearly 100% of the cost of low end computer, and you get all the hassle as well. I know the software has improved but so has the hardware.