Suddenly my copy of Windows isn't genuine? Please help

LaRockLaRock TX, USA
edited February 2009 in Science & Tech
A while back I posted because my computer was running slowly. I posted a HijackThis log and was told to delete certain items. Here is the original thread so you can see what I was told to delete:

http://icrontic.com/forum/showthread.php?t=80739

Ever since then, my computer has run much quicker, but I have an icon in the systray that looks like a star, telling me that my system may be at risk. I also get messages that my copy of Windows is no longer genuine.

The only problem I've seen (but it's somewhat significant), is that when I update Firefox or IE it won't load. I had to search for an older version of Firefox and run it, and I have the same problem with IE.

Not sure if there are other problems that will arise, but I'd like to fix this if possible.

The company I work for provided my copy of Windows XP a few years ago, so I don't have the installation CD with me. How can I solve this issue?

Thanks in advance.

Comments

  • chrisWhitechrisWhite Littleton, CO
    edited February 2009
    Have you called Microsoft's Windows activation people? I've had Windows say it's not genuine on me a could of times over the years (I rebuild _a lot_) and a quick phone call telling them what happened always gets Windows back on track.

    But, if you don't own a legit version of XP and don't have the key/installation disk you really should just order one, I wouldn't jack with MS.
  • RichDRichD Essex, UK
    edited February 2009
    This can happen if you have an OEM copy of windows and you update your core components. OEM copies are designed to run with the hardware they are shipped with so if you upgrade your hardware you are no longer licenced to use that copy of windows. You have to have a legitimate copy of the full Windows OS (Not OEM) and you are then entitled to install it as many times as you want on what you want (provided that you only have it installed on one PC at a time). You can only install and register it over the net once in about every 6 months. I had to replace my Motherboard twice in two months and I couldn't auto activate. I had to phone up MS. They ask you a couple of questions and give you the activation code.

    If you dont have a legit copy go and get one because you only have a limited time to activate it and then you wont be able to log on.
  • RichDRichD Essex, UK
    edited February 2009
    RichD wrote:
    This can happen if you have an OEM copy of windows and you update your core components. OEM copies are designed to run with the hardware they are shipped with so if you upgrade your hardware you are no longer licenced to use that copy of windows. You have to have a legitimate copy of the full Windows OS (Not OEM) and you are then entitled to install it as many times as you want on what you want (provided that you only have it installed on one PC at a time). You can only install and register it over the net once in about every 6 months. I had to replace my Motherboard twice in two months and I couldn't auto activate. I had to phone up MS. They ask you a couple of questions and give you the activation code.

    If you dont have a legit copy go and get one because you only have a limited time to activate it and then you wont be able to log on.

    Edit:\\ Can you post another Hijack this jog please. Also have a look here to test your firewall. http://www.grc.com/x/ne.dll?rh1dkyd2
  • LeonardoLeonardo Wake up and smell the glaciers Eagle River, Alaska Icrontian
    edited February 2009
    Microsoft, in my experience, is very liberal on telephone service calls with respect to re-validating OEM Windows. I have one computer with OEM Win XP Pro that was installed on the original computer about 7 years ago. There is not one original component left in the case. Yes, if I make a major upgrade, such as a motherboard or CPU, I have to call in to revalidate, but it's usually only about a 10-minute or less task. Just be very polite and respectful to the support person you speak to.
  • RichDRichD Essex, UK
    edited February 2009
    Leonardo wrote:
    be very polite and respectful to the support person you speak to.

    Very true
  • primesuspectprimesuspect Beepin n' Boopin Detroit, MI Icrontian
    edited February 2009
    Speaking Hindi is a big plus too.
  • LeonardoLeonardo Wake up and smell the glaciers Eagle River, Alaska Icrontian
    edited February 2009
    Speaking Hindi is a big plus too.
    Ah, so you haven't called them much. You'll also need Pashtun (sp?).
  • foolkillerfoolkiller Ontario
    edited February 2009
    If you read the actual Microsoft EULA for OEM systems, they will reactivate your copy of XP for any hardware upgrade on the same computer. They consider a motherboard upgrade to be a new system however, and that means you will need a new OEM license for your copy of Windows. They are extremely generous with this policy however.
  • LeonardoLeonardo Wake up and smell the glaciers Eagle River, Alaska Icrontian
    edited February 2009
    They are extremely generous with this policy however.
    That's what I was trying to get across in my post above about them being "liberal on telephone service calls."
  • foolkillerfoolkiller Ontario
    edited February 2009
    Here in Canada, we don't ever have to speak to a rep anymore, just answer the computer questions and away you go.
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