Windows XP Professional "Genuine"?

Mike LeCompte CPF

MGF, Master Grumble Framer
Joined
Jul 20, 2005
Posts
792
Loc
Knoxville TN
WIndows told me I had an update so did it. Got a new "windows XP Genuine" with a little box--like a warning--saying "this is not a windows product"

Anyone else get this lately? IF so, what's up?
 
Microsoft recently rolled out a program to identify "less than genuine" copies of their products.(as they call it) They did it for XP a month ago, and will soon be doing the same for OFFICE.

If it detects a pirated version (one that wasnt for the original pc), it'll pop up a nag/warning when you boot the PC and will deny you access to updates. (although the automatic updates still work for the time being).

It's catching a lot of innocents who may have mistakenly put the same serial # on more than one computer, even though they bought multiple license #s. It knows how much ram, cpu serial #, size of hard drives, etc from the original pc - and some upgrades (or repairs!) can trick the validation process to think it was moved to another pc. Some people don't realize that an oem license is for the new pc only and cannot be transferred to another machine if the person upgrades. The same goes for Office.

They also introduced a program for people to go legitimate, and a program to report who you got it from - for a discount.

If youre getting that message in error, contact them to get it resolved, because theyre likely to get harsher in the near future. :(

Mike
 
Mike: I only have one computer running XP Professional. will contact them and see what's up. O one other thing: if Iput Firefox on that computer think I'll continue getting that message? Have Firefox on my store computer-=-where I am now--and have yet to be bothered with ANY of the Explorer stuff, altho I can't download updates to Lifesaver, but tht's another phone call
 
Hi Mike

Firefox cant do microsoft updates. You have to use IE for that.


If you have LifeSaver, why are you still doing it through the web? Several years ago, they added a one click UPDATE feature, which will grab all the "good stuff" (moulding, mat, and program updates) and apply them for you automatically. Click UPDATE on the main menu to try it out.
 
Mike: that's what I do; asks for your password and off you go. But ever since I loaded Firefox on this computer, Lifesaver won't "recognize" the computer.

As I said, I will call later. Also, was using AOL, now I'm not so I just hve to fiddle with it I suppose

O and if Im using Firefox, why do I need Microsoft updates???
 
FF doesnt work with a LOT of sites, but it shouldn't break lifesaver. Lifesaver is using a different technology to grab the updates (FTP) so it shouldnt be a factor as far as I know.

Could it just be a timing coincidence? Is it possible you have a new firewall blocking the ftp ports? I'd check your a/v or firewall software and allow the program access, in case this is a possible reason.

Are you fully connected to AOL prior to doing the update in lifesaver? Keep in mind that it has to be physically online before you do so, so it can connect to the server. Just throwing it out as a possibility.

-if Im using Firefox, why do I need Microsoft updates???

Firefox is a nice alternative, but isn't necessarily "safer". (as advertised) It is relatively unproven and I believe it had more exploits in 2005 than IE by about 4:1 Most hackers target IE because its sloppy and has the largest pool of users, but FF will eventually become a target as well.

Microsoft updates fix windows itself, IE, the email programs, Office programs, and other windows related improvements. They're not just for IE, and will correct issues that can potentially effect FireFox users as well. For example, many attacks come through ports or email - not always the web.

The updates are still very important, just as is having a good a/v blocker and an adware/spyware scanner.

Mike
 
thanx guys for straighteining me out. Somewhat computer stupid, as I've posted on this before.

After my last post, I retried Lifesaver and worked quite well; so maybe it was a temporary thing with my computer.

Paul: yes, I think I do in fact have automatic updates enabled at home. Maybe I'll "unautomatic" the updates???
 
Except for the update to the automatic update utility - which must be done manually.

Microsoft makes me smile.
 
Ron's right


and yes... automatic updates are generally a very good idea


Just keep an eye for any notifications (!) in the task bar.

The only downside is when it decides to reboot my computers at 2 or 3am and I have documents open (unsaved).
 
Originally posted by Mike Labbe @ GTP:
The only downside is when it decides to reboot my computers at 2 or 3am and I have documents open (unsaved).
That's why I changed my preference to "automatically download updates and notify me when they're ready to install"...
 
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