Microsoft popups

[wendyl]

I understand that microsoft is checking on PCs to ensure all are using genuine registered windows programmes and sending popups to those it says are not registered asking one to 'resolve' and if you follow this up are asked to pay �92 to do so. I personally do not have a problem but this message has come up on my husbands PC - what are the ramefications of doing nothing apparently he cannot receive updates etc

thanks for any advice

[rojash]

The only real ramification is, as you said, he can no longer receive updates. As the majority of updates are security-related, his system could become compromised by trojans, etc.

BTW it's not so much telling you that the program is not registered, as telling you that it is an illegal (pirated) copy of Windows.

[fo3nix]

Well, it means that his copy of XP is an illegal copy. He needs to purchase a legal copy. If you thought your copy was a legal one, you need to go and speak to whoever you bought the computer from, because they've sold you something illegal.

Note that if they've managed to check if the copy is illegal or not, then they'll most likely also have your name and IP address, thus which ISP you're with, and so can track you down very easily. Whether or not they'd actually do this is another matter, but it does need resolving.

[mushroom25]

the following from microsoft's faq on the subject:-

Q: What information is collected from my computer?
A: The genuine validation process will collect information about your system to determine if your Microsoft software is genuine. This process does not collect or send any information that can be used to identify you or contact you. The only information collected in the validation process is:
* Windows product key
* PC manufacturer
* Operating System version
* PID/SID
* BIOS information (make, version, date)
* BIOS MD5 Checksum
* User locale (language setting for displaying Windows)
System locale (language version of the operating system)
* Office product key (if validating Office)
* Hard drive serial number

[wendyl]

thanks for your help in fact we did not 'buy' an illegal copy but a repairer used his own copy when ours was not to hand.
It will be replaced by our own purchased copy as soon as possible

[fo3nix]

For the time being you can always see if this works:
http://www.infoworld.com/article/06/04/27/7784 4_HNbypasspiracy_1.html

[wendyl]

That could be useful fo3nix thanks

However I am about to back up his files and reinstall the correct copy of XP shortly. I am heading up to Northumberland next week leaving him behind I'd better try to sort it before I go as inspite of any shortcomings I am his 'helpline'. I will be PC free for a few days so will be leaving you all in peace!