Help for a stupid techno phobe
 

I have got a pc given from a genuine source; it has windows xp on it already but I keep getting a message saying it's a counterfeit copy ! I have tried to update the tool key ,put the 25 digits in from the label on the back of the pc and it says it's not recognised. What do I do next ? The label on the back looks genuine enough to me.
Plain english please cos i know nothing about these things !

Re: Help for a stupid techno phobe
 

Re: Help for a stupid techno phobe
 

As will a lot of other people.


The XP on there isn't the one that came with the machine.. that simple. You need to install a genuine copy or search google for a workaround :)

Re: Help for a stupid techno phobe
 

Got it from my step dad ,he bought it new. What do we mean by "workaround" ? I told you I was stupid !

Re: Help for a stupid techno phobe
 

There are some 'genuine' windows license keys that are being identified as dodgy. There is a phone number for Windows activation, If you are absolutely sure of its provinence then ring them and tell them its life history and they should be able to issue with a new number.

You do need to know where your dad bought it from though. If its a large store like PC world etc then you will be fine, if it was some bloke on a market somewhere then probably( but not necessarily) not.

The workaround Kipax mentions is a way that confuses the windows genuine check tool into thinking its legit even if it isn't.

Re: Help for a stupid techno phobe
 

:D Hello Kipax.

Re: Help for a stupid techno phobe
 

It's got a "Time " logo on the front and a silver label on the back with the same logo and a serial number. Is this a good thing ? :confused:

Re: Help for a stupid techno phobe
 

Re: Help for a stupid techno phobe
 

Did your FIL buy it from Time or from someone else?

Re: Help for a stupid techno phobe
 

I will try and find out !

Re: Help for a stupid techno phobe
 

If he did then just call Microsoft up and tell them your problem. IF they can't help let us know.

If however he bought it s/h it is probably as Kipax mentions a dodgy copy installed by someone. we can cross this bridge when we come to it.

Re: Help for a stupid techno phobe
 

Cheers chaps !

Re: Help for a stupid techno phobe
 

Could also of been a discountinued multi licence install maybe.

Even if it is dodgy it doesnt do no harm, effect you PC just the annoyance of being reminded all the time.:)

Re: Help for a stupid techno phobe
 

It's been installed by a " friend" so it's dodgy ! i wouldn't mind if was judt the message but i tried to listen to summat on Amazon today and it won't let me install the thing you need to listen to stuff ! Grrrrr.

Re: Help for a stupid techno phobe
 

Re: Help for a stupid techno phobe
 

Right, it could just be a mismatch between the license sticker and the key that teh (ex)friend used.

Install this Magical Jelly Bean Software - Magical Jelly Bean Keyfinder v1.5 then compare teh number it retrieves with the number on your sticker. If they are different, start backing up your stuff ready for a reinstall (it seems the Change broken key in XP is broken). TBH a re-install is "a good thing" as it will clear out a load of crap that accumulates over time. Its just a pain to do.

If they are teh same I would give MS a call and explain that you bought this PC, it has a genuine (Or appears to you to be genuine) sticker but teh number is being flagged as dodgy.


The above are the legal ways of sorting teh problem. If you don't you get a 'very restricted' set of updates from Microdsoft and as you found 'other' stuff won't work. There are iffy ways round this that confuse the genuine advantage tool but as said, these are dodgy and therefore (as I always say) not up for discussion by me on a public forum.

Re: Help for a stupid techno phobe
 

It's all sorted and hunky dory now thanks !:Banane07:

Re: Help for a stupid techno phobe
 

How did you sort it out in the end?

Re: Help for a stupid techno phobe
 

Well, come on, Lindsay, time to 'fess up. How did you manage to circumvent & fiddle the Microsoft lisence agreement? :rolleyes:

I am intrigued, ' cos i know someone who may have to go through a similar process. :D

Re: Help for a stupid techno phobe
 

To be quite honest I haven't a clue ! A "friend" with knowledge of these things came round and did something ; it involved me now having "avast!" and summat to do with the key (??) . He also put me a virus scanner on too ! So it's all good now !