Sunday, December 21, 2008

Genuine Windows Validation Is No Longer Valid

QUESTION: Today I was installing new software and virus protection. My version of Windows XP Pro was checked by Microsoft. The message came up on the screen. "This copy of windows did not pass Genuine Windows Validation." Sometime last year my computer was checked by Microsoft and the version of windows was found to be genuine. I also recently downloaded Service Pack 3. Could this have been downloaded if my version of windows was not genuine?

ANSWER: Other people have complained about this happening when they update service packs. Somehow Windows loses the activation of the software, so it doesn't recognize it. If that's what happened in your case, you can reactivate your version of Windows by either calling Microsoft using the toll free number that's usually listed with the Genuine Windows Validation or by following the link below to re-activate your copy of Windows XP Professional.

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/307890

How to activate Windows XP by phone

To contact a Microsoft customer service representative to activate Windows by phone, follow these steps:

1. Click Start, point to All Programs, point to Accessories, point to System Tools, and then click Activate Windows.

Or, click the Windows Activation icon in the notification area.

2. Click Yes, I want to telephone a customer service representative to active Windows now.

3. Click Read the Windows Product Activation Privacy Statement, click Back, and then click Next.

4. Follow the steps in the Activate Windows by phone dialog box, and then click Next.

Note The number appears now and differs based on the location that you select.

5. When activation is completed and you receive the following message, click OK.

You have successfully activated your copy of Windows.