Not genuine version of windows

Forums › Microsoft Windows › Not genuine version of windows - uh oh

shayshaysster

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#37513 14-Jul-2009 13:32

Hopefully can find a few answers here. I have a laptop that I pretty much just use for browsing the net. I bought it from someone, who loaded XP onto it.

It all ran fine, until recently it suddenly came up saying that the version of windows that it is running is not a genuine version, and I might be using counterfeit software etc.

Is there anything I can do? The only option it comes up with is to buy ($275) the OS. I am really hoping that there is a much cheaper or simple option.

I am also a little concerned, because I am about to purchase a rebuilt PC which is showing the same message.

Thanks :)

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#235153 14-Jul-2009 13:37

IF you are only wanting to browse the web and other light lifting, then stick one of the packaged Linux Distros on it, having a no-legit version of windows will mean it will not update.

tonyhughes

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#235154 14-Jul-2009 13:37

Just for net usage? Quite possibly Ubuntu Linux might be your easiest and cheapest (free) option!

Oblivian

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#235157 14-Jul-2009 13:42

Naughty.

Especially if it didn't have the media or COF sticker on the base.

Assuming its a brand name PC and has the COF you may be able to get a copy of a restore/rebuild CD from another user. As long as you have a form of media and COF, its better than none.

boby55

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#235158 14-Jul-2009 13:43

If you brought this and the seller was advertising it as Genuine then you might be able to get a cheap if not free copy by ringing Microsoft NZ.

When people buy it thinking its genuine they are usually very helpful with providing genuine software as long as you provide details from where and who you brought it from etc.

shayshaysster

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#235161 14-Jul-2009 13:49

Thanks everyone. When I got the laptop, it didn't come with any software of anything, just windows loaded onto it. I am not too fussed with the laptop because I will be getting rid of it when I get my new PC, so will look into the Linux option.

I am a bit worried about it saying the same thing on the PC that I am buying because that will be used for everything, photoshop, gaming etc.

eXDee

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#235165 14-Jul-2009 13:55

Check the bottom of the laptop, is there a valid OEM licence sticker for any version of windows?

Ive had a laptop with this and various other problems bought to me, for some reason the person they had purchased it off had chosen to use a non genuine XP Pro key when there was a legit OEM Pro one on the bottom.

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shayshaysster

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#235166 14-Jul-2009 13:56

Will have to check when I get home - what this space :)

paradoxsm

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#235178 14-Jul-2009 14:39

The "illegal key" problem is quite common as it's much easier to install a ghosted or pre-built version of Windows than it is to bother with the keys on the bottom on the machines.

Try changing the product key if this comes up to the legitimate one, this can often be done.

shayshaysster

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#235203 14-Jul-2009 15:52

eXDee: Check the bottom of the laptop, is there a valid OEM licence sticker for any version of windows?

Ive had a laptop with this and various other problems bought to me, for some reason the person they had purchased it off had chosen to use a non genuine XP Pro key when there was a legit OEM Pro one on the bottom.

OK I just got home, and there is a sticker on the bottom for Windows XP.....hopefully this is a good thing?

freitasm

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#235212 14-Jul-2009 16:06

Yes, it's a good thing. Next time it says it's "illegal" see if there's a link to change its key. If not, then call Microsoft and explain what's happening.

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shayshaysster

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#235218 14-Jul-2009 16:11

OK, thanks. Going to see if I can find somewhere to put in the key.

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sbiddle

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#235225 14-Jul-2009 16:17

shayshaysster:
eXDee: Check the bottom of the laptop, is there a valid OEM licence sticker for any version of windows?

Ive had a laptop with this and various other problems bought to me, for some reason the person they had purchased it off had chosen to use a non genuine XP Pro key when there was a legit OEM Pro one on the bottom.

OK I just got home, and there is a sticker on the bottom for Windows XP.....hopefully this is a good thing?

Is it for the same version? home/pro?

shayshaysster

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#235230 14-Jul-2009 16:24

OK, just got off the phone with MS - the guy said that the product key on the sticker isn't matching the version of the software installed on the laptop. So, he suggested ringing IBM and seeing if they can send me a XP CD.

dolsen

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#235255 14-Jul-2009 17:21

Ok, so you have a home sticker with pro installed, or vice versa. Otherwise you could have just run something like what you can get at http://www.microsoft.com/genuine/selfhelp/pkuinstructions.aspx

shayshaysster

24 posts

Geek

#235276 14-Jul-2009 17:47

Have got pro sticker, and pro is what is installed. IBM said that they could sell me recovery disk for $82.50 which would sort the issue out.

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