Last year a bought a copy of Windows Professional off ebay. I didn't buy one of the cheapest ones, I bought what I thought was a genuine version. It arrived and had all the appropriate code numbers and hologram sticker and all seems to be genuine.

It all worked well and I have registered it with Microsoft and have down loaded updates a couple of time.

The last time I went to down load an update, microsoft informed me that I might have a counterfeit copy of windows.

Anyone got any ideas on what the best thing to do is? They want we to click on OK to allow MS to check it out more, but I thought I had better get some advice before doing this.

Thanks in advance.

RPS

I have the same problem at the moment. There is a patch? you can get to make things better, although i dont think i'll try it myself.

Chances of getting a genuine copy of Window Pro on ebay is pretty slim IMO. Ebay is one of (if not) THE biggest market for counterfeit goods. Source: Sky News...

If you payed by Paypal and its in the last 30 days you may be able to get a refund from PayPal.

But basically you are screwed unless Microsoft, in your efforts to help them, give you a copy if you give them your dodgy one and all the info you can to enable them to catch the people who sold it you.

There's a bug in the latest updates which effects 2k and XP. If you have a key and windows asks for it you may need to ring microsoft and re-register it. Its not a problem, they're friendly enough and aren't going to start accusing you of piracy.

A while ago Microsoft changed their windows update site to include a verification tool to prevent any dodgy copies being able to update. I have a 'friend' who runs one of these copies and has fixed it.

The validation software basically looks at your product id; the number generated upon install depending on what activation key you used.

There are two ways to fix this. One is to use a keychanger to change the xp key to one from a proper copy. My firned used one form his computer at work! (There is also a piece of software that allows you to find a key from an existing installation)

The other way which is much easier, but may not work anymore, is to disable the verification software for windows update.

It is installed as an activeX control in internet explorer, so if you go tools-->manage add-ons--> change drop down box to 'add-ons that have been used in internet explorer-->scroll down until u see 'windows genuine advantage validation tool' select this add-on and change the status to disabled. Try running windows update again it should now work. I know this used to work but have a feeling MS realised and patched the leak. If this is the case u need to use the 1st method i have described

Richard

The WGA update is causing a lot of 'friends' the same problem as MS have recently added it to the list of automatic upgrades. There are a number of progs available to stop the nags, but ultimately if you are convinced that you have been ripped off (if you paid near list price that is ) then your best bet is to talk to PayPal and get a refund.

Clicky clicky

Seems to work

Marcus