Windows Validation Error.

[Nakor]

So the misses used the PC today she assures me she did nothing out of the ordinary at got no firewall messages but she did download a windows update (automatic feature) - now when I start the PC I have a new icon in the system tray that claims my copy of Windows is not genuine - has failed validation and the product key installed on my machine is not genuine.  I also get the odd message saying I might have been the victim of software counterfitting.

When I go to the Microsoft website it states that my 'Key' is not genuine, offers me to buy a legit one.  It does not say this will harm my computer or my security.

Should I be worried ?
Anything I can do ?
Anything I have to do ?
What does all this mean ?

My PC was shop bought and I believe the software to be legit - I live to far away from where I bought it to take it back.

[Royal Flush]

I have the same thing on my laptop, mainly because my laptop has an illegal copy of windowns on it......the same is true of your pc version i imagine

[Nakor]

So I can happily ignore it then ?

And I can't blame the misses ?

[Trace]

Just ignore it.

If you have firewall, then you can block the whole thing in that and it won't say it again.

You can also disable it in Tools, Manage Add Ons I think it's the Windows has ADDED drop down that you need - click on Windows Genuine Advantage Validation Tool and then select disable.

[lazaroonie]

As part of the latest updates your computer will automatically have installed the "windows genuine advantage notification", which as you have found out tells you whether your windows license is genuine or not. Simple way to tell, is if your PC has a hologrammed windows sticker on it with a product key. If it does, then you are genuine, if not, then the shop has pulled a fast one .

[Nakor]

Thanks for info you three.

I can see no windows sticker but can't be arsed to dig my tower out - will check back of it tomorrow.

Not happy it looks like they sold me a moody copy - words will be had.

Thanks again.

[Bongo]

The problem was caused by an active-x control being blocked by IE security. The fix was to go to http://www.microsoft.com/genuine/diag and following instructions. This runs through a series of checks to ensure that the validation process can operate correctly, then advises of the necessary changes in IE setup to permit correct validation. In the case of our clients, the problem was correctly diagnosed and the resolution worked fine.

It's just alarming that for a simple security problem, Microsoft had informed the end user (by way of a message displayed on their screen) that they might be

"The victim of software counterfeiting".

from:
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2006/06/08/ms_wga_phones_home/

So it's possible you have a genuine copy and it's all a big mistake...

[Nakor]

Still failed through Firefox - will try with IE tomorrow.

But looks like it counterfit.

Thanks for link.

[Bongo]

If you have no license sticker on your machine then i'd agree.

[AceofWands]

A lot of smaller shops who build units themselves will sometimes provide a "demonstration" version of the software as a favour, as it saves at least £60 on the overall cost. But if they have done this they should spell it out to the customer to avoid any misunderstanding.  If you have a genuine licence there should be a sticker somewhere on the unit (we used to put them inside the case to stop people pulling them off). You would also have product materials like a booklet and a set-up or recovery CD.  Any paid for software should also be itemised on the receipt.

 

[lvlarc_uk]

Just download a windows validation crack, google is your friend

[Trace]

Microsoft have recently fiddled with the Genuine Advantage Tool and last I looked the cracks were either a nightmare to perform or didn't work anymore.

[bhoywonder]

You have a dodgy copy of windows

Bill gates needs your money....lol

what happens is you wont recieve any more security updates......however i am very suspicious that in the future ol Bill will screw up those that dont have a genuine copy in his quest for world domination...Dr.Evil styleee


what you could do is backdate your pc till a time before these notices happened and turn auto updates off,,thus ol Bill cant get to look into your pc..

[Bongo]

Actually you can still receive updates through the auto update thing, just not through windows update...

Basically because MS would have been slated by everyone if they cut people off from updates.

[doubleup]

I was "offered" this tool in my last update and declined as it clearly provided me with no value.  If my copy is dodgy it's worked for 2 years - so I don't care.