Windows legal copy

[Guest]

Archived from groups: microsoft.public.windowsxp.basics (More info?)

I recently received a notice from Microsoft which stated that I was using an
unauthorized version of Windows XP and would have to re-authenticate. I
provided the authentication numbers/letters from the back of the cpu. Since
my software was preinstalled by Sony I was sure I was legal, however my codes
were not acceptied and I had to work my way through and finally did get
authenticated and received a new set of codes. I was then able to use Widows
XP again but lost access to IE. I tried to reload my system and the entire
system crashed. I have replaced the hard drive and reloaded the system which
is working great. My concern is "do I have to re-register and
re-authenticate my windows? I can no longer find the option that allows you
to determing whether you have a legal copy or not. My system was reloaded
with all original software.
--
mtk

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: microsoft.public.windowsxp.basics (More info?)

What is a phishing scam?
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/email/phishing.mspx

--
Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows XP - Shell/User
Microsoft Newsgroups

Be Smart! Protect Your PC!
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/protect/default.mspx

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"mtk" wrote:

| I recently received a notice from Microsoft which stated that I was using an
| unauthorized version of Windows XP and would have to re-authenticate. I
| provided the authentication numbers/letters from the back of the cpu. Since
| my software was preinstalled by Sony I was sure I was legal, however my codes
| were not acceptied and I had to work my way through and finally did get
| authenticated and received a new set of codes. I was then able to use Widows
| XP again but lost access to IE. I tried to reload my system and the entire
| system crashed. I have replaced the hard drive and reloaded the system which
| is working great. My concern is "do I have to re-register and
| re-authenticate my windows? I can no longer find the option that allows you
| to determing whether you have a legal copy or not. My system was reloaded
| with all original software.
| --
| mtk

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: microsoft.public.windowsxp.basics (More info?)

Hi,

Re-register? No, you never have to register.

Re-activate? A system needs to be reactivated whenever a reinstall is done,
normally this is accomplished at the end of setup.

Microsoft, as far as I know, does not go out emailing people that their
systems are unauthorized. You can validate your installation here:
http://www.microsoft.com/resources/howtotell/ww/default.mspx

Offhand, I'd say you might have been scammed.

--
Best of Luck,

Rick Rogers, aka "Nutcase" - Microsoft MVP
http://mvp.support.microsoft.com/
Associate Expert - WindowsXP Expert Zone
www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone
Windows help - www.rickrogers.org

"mtk" <mtk@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:ED6875D9-4180-4512-865B-D53B6654F75E@microsoft.com...
>I recently received a notice from Microsoft which stated that I was using
>an
> unauthorized version of Windows XP and would have to re-authenticate. I
> provided the authentication numbers/letters from the back of the cpu.
> Since
> my software was preinstalled by Sony I was sure I was legal, however my
> codes
> were not acceptied and I had to work my way through and finally did get
> authenticated and received a new set of codes. I was then able to use
> Widows
> XP again but lost access to IE. I tried to reload my system and the
> entire
> system crashed. I have replaced the hard drive and reloaded the system
> which
> is working great. My concern is "do I have to re-register and
> re-authenticate my windows? I can no longer find the option that allows
> you
> to determing whether you have a legal copy or not. My system was reloaded
> with all original software.
> --
> mtk

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: microsoft.public.windowsxp.basics (More info?)

I would definitely say you've been the victim of a scam.

Just a note - there's an email going around that will direct you to a
website to "authenticate" your license by supplying your credit card
number...DON'T DO IT!!!

"mtk" <mtk@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:ED6875D9-4180-4512-865B-D53B6654F75E@microsoft.com...
>I recently received a notice from Microsoft which stated that I was using
>an
> unauthorized version of Windows XP and would have to re-authenticate. I
> provided the authentication numbers/letters from the back of the cpu.
> Since
> my software was preinstalled by Sony I was sure I was legal, however my
> codes
> were not acceptied and I had to work my way through and finally did get
> authenticated and received a new set of codes. I was then able to use
> Widows
> XP again but lost access to IE. I tried to reload my system and the
> entire
> system crashed. I have replaced the hard drive and reloaded the system
> which
> is working great. My concern is "do I have to re-register and
> re-authenticate my windows? I can no longer find the option that allows
> you
> to determing whether you have a legal copy or not. My system was reloaded
> with all original software.
> --
> mtk

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: microsoft.public.windowsxp.basics (More info?)

"mtk" <mtk@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:ED6875D9-4180-4512-865B-D53B6654F75E@microsoft.com...

> I can no longer find the option that allows you
> to determing whether you have a legal copy or not. My system was reloaded
> with all original software.

In which case you are probably ok.

You can check to see if your copy has been activated ok by running the
activation program in..
Start > Programs > Accessories > System Tools.
It should tell you that you are already activated.

If you are then all is ok.

Just don't fall for that trick email again!

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: microsoft.public.windowsxp.basics (More info?)

Thankyou. Each of your answers were helpful and I believe I have a legal copy.
I am wondering whether I should post the event that experience on the forum
in case other novice types run into it. If it was a scam it was very good.
It was not an email but a screen message and completely cut me off from the
OS. It did refer me to 1800 numbers which appeared legitimate and at no time
requested a credit card or other information other than the authenticity
code. As soon as I completed the re-authentication, I was back in
business.......mtk

"mtk" wrote:

> I recently received a notice from Microsoft which stated that I was using an
> unauthorized version of Windows XP and would have to re-authenticate. I
> provided the authentication numbers/letters from the back of the cpu. Since
> my software was preinstalled by Sony I was sure I was legal, however my codes
> were not acceptied and I had to work my way through and finally did get
> authenticated and received a new set of codes. I was then able to use Widows
> XP again but lost access to IE. I tried to reload my system and the entire
> system crashed. I have replaced the hard drive and reloaded the system which
> is working great. My concern is "do I have to re-register and
> re-authenticate my windows? I can no longer find the option that allows you
> to determing whether you have a legal copy or not. My system was reloaded
> with all original software.
> --
> mtk

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: microsoft.public.windowsxp.basics (More info?)

"mtk" <mtk@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:ED6875D9-4180-4512-865B-D53B6654F75E@microsoft.com...
>I recently received a notice from Microsoft which stated that I was using
>an
> unauthorized version of Windows XP and would have to re-authenticate. I
> provided the authentication numbers/letters from the back of the cpu.
> Since
> my software was preinstalled by Sony I was sure I was legal, however my
> codes
> were not acceptied and I had to work my way through and finally did get
> authenticated and received a new set of codes. I was then able to use
> Widows
> XP again but lost access to IE. I tried to reload my system and the
> entire
> system crashed. I have replaced the hard drive and reloaded the system
> which
> is working great. My concern is "do I have to re-register and
> re-authenticate my windows? I can no longer find the option that allows
> you
> to determing whether you have a legal copy or not. My system was reloaded
> with all original software.
> --
> mtk

If you gave your credit card number, you'd better cancel that card.