Genuine XP

[Whickerman]

I have a home computer which isn't online. (May well be in the future, hence this question). I bought it from a friend who kept a version of XP to install on the pc he was building. So following on from an earlier question, since his version is online, and mine isn't, and he's probably registered his as genuine, should I go online, will I be denied updates even though my pc has the original licence hologram and is the original version etc?

[vehelpfulguy]

So what you are saying is that there is ONE genuine copy of the Windows XP CD, but your friend has it installed on his PC, and you also have it installed on yours.

If so then when you come to connect to the internet you will probably be OK at first.

You will get problems if you try to download any Microsoft fixes, or new Microsoft software.

Of course you do not have to do that, but if you do not download updates you are leaving yourself open to viruses and other problems.

Often when a new security hole is found in Windows then hackers rush to exploit it so it is a good idea to get fixes on quickly.

You can find an OEM copy of Windows XP Home for about 50 or 60 punds so why not go for that and save yourself all the hassle.

[vehelpfulguy]

btw: An OEM version of XP is one that comes without all the fancy boxes and books, it is usually just the bare CD.

It is supplied to individuals and companies who want to build their own PC and install Windows on it without having to pay the full cost of the retail package.

[Whickerman]

Thanks for the info. I'm just a bit miffed that after paying for this pc, with the original XP installed, that I could get lumbered with a further bill for what i paid for in the first place. I don't owe this guy anything - he did me no favours on the price - so if I decided to pursue it with MS and refuse to pay, and can prove I have the licence, where would I stand?

[Ralph]

Can't answer your last question, though I suspect with your evidence, they'd find in your favour.

The reason all these people are now paying out �93 or whatever it is, is that recently, one of the automatic updates MS have put out does a proper job of checking out if your copy is legit.

If you choose to install all the updates automatically, you would have got this, but I got into the habit of checking what was being updated. Because of this, I saw this one and stopped it from installing, even though my copy of Windows is fully legal. Good ol' Bill is in our lives too much already, I can do without him invading it even more, purely to protect his revenue stream. Rant over!

In brief, if you review what updates are being installed, you can prevent this particular "update" going onto your machine and everything should be fine.

[wendyl]

Following on from the above - I too have been advised to check updates and use custom install avoiding the wga check thingy
I had used a work round as a temporary measure on my husband's pc before going away for a few days and had got rid of the illegal icon. Unfortunately it has downloaded again with an automatic update and would appreciate help in removing it
Is a system restore the best way or can I delete the update and then can I ensure that he does not download it again

many thanks