Victim of software counterfeiting

Hi Everyone.
I have bought a secondhand machine running Win XP and there is
an icon on the task bar that says " you may be a victim of
software counterfeiting".
When I right click on it says "validation failure, this copy of windows
may not be genuine", and invites me to purchase another copy.
As the machine was cheap, I didn't want to spend anymore on it, does
anyone know how to remove these messages please.

keyboardken wrote:
I have bought a secondhand machine running Win XP and there is
an icon on the task bar that says " you may be a victim of
software counterfeiting".

When I right click on it says "validation failure, this copy of
windows may not be genuine", and invites me to purchase another
copy.

As the machine was cheap, I didn't want to spend anymore on it, does
anyone know how to remove these messages please.

I'm sorry you paid for something you actually did not get.

Perhaps - if you know the person you bought the system from - you should
complain about this to them. Perhaps they have the actual copy of Windows
that is supposed to be on the machine.

Install Linux. It's free in many forms.

Get your favorite flavor:
http://linuxiso.org/

You can use OpenOffice as your free alternative to Microsoft Office.
http://www.openoffice.org/

Otherwise:

Search using Google!
http://www.google.com/
(How-to: http://www.google.com/intl/en/help/basics.html )

You never know what you might find.

--
Shenan Stanley
MS-MVP
--
How To Ask Questions The Smart Way
http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html

I'd say it's some kind of prank myself.
I'd try to track it down & remove or uninstall it. I doubt it's any genuine
message from MS.



"Shenan Stanley" wrote in message
...
keyboardken wrote:
I have bought a secondhand machine running Win XP and there is
an icon on the task bar that says " you may be a victim of
software counterfeiting".

When I right click on it says "validation failure, this copy of
windows may not be genuine", and invites me to purchase another
copy.

As the machine was cheap, I didn't want to spend anymore on it, does
anyone know how to remove these messages please.

I'm sorry you paid for something you actually did not get.

Perhaps - if you know the person you bought the system from - you should
complain about this to them. Perhaps they have the actual copy of Windows
that is supposed to be on the machine.

Install Linux. It's free in many forms.

Get your favorite flavor:
http://linuxiso.org/

You can use OpenOffice as your free alternative to Microsoft Office.
http://www.openoffice.org/

Otherwise:

Search using Google!
http://www.google.com/
(How-to: http://www.google.com/intl/en/help/basics.html )

You never know what you might find.

--
Shenan Stanley
MS-MVP
--
How To Ask Questions The Smart Way
http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html

It's definitely from MS. Their new Windows Genuine Advantage Validation
Notification tool. Installs during the Automatic or Live Update, and nags
you forever.
\
Tom

"BruceM" wrote in message
...
I'd say it's some kind of prank myself.
I'd try to track it down & remove or uninstall it. I doubt it's any
genuine message from MS.



"Shenan Stanley" wrote in message
...
keyboardken wrote:
I have bought a secondhand machine running Win XP and there is
an icon on the task bar that says " you may be a victim of
software counterfeiting".

When I right click on it says "validation failure, this copy of
windows may not be genuine", and invites me to purchase another
copy.

As the machine was cheap, I didn't want to spend anymore on it, does
anyone know how to remove these messages please.

I'm sorry you paid for something you actually did not get.

Perhaps - if you know the person you bought the system from - you should
complain about this to them. Perhaps they have the actual copy of
Windows that is supposed to be on the machine.

Install Linux. It's free in many forms.

Get your favorite flavor:
http://linuxiso.org/

You can use OpenOffice as your free alternative to Microsoft Office.
http://www.openoffice.org/

Otherwise:

Search using Google!
http://www.google.com/
(How-to: http://www.google.com/intl/en/help/basics.html )

You never know what you might find.

--
Shenan Stanley
MS-MVP
--
How To Ask Questions The Smart Way
http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html

Hi BruceM
Sorry, but have you been on holiday for the last 5 or 6 weeks - this has
only been one of the hottest threads being discussed in the groups. Until a
user gets legit, they will forever(well almost) have that reminder popping
up.
The poster must have downloaded that high priority/security whatever? They
call it WGA.
And he has been caught out apparently and may need to buy a genuine Win OS.
Have you downloaded WGA yourself.
Rgds
Antioch

"BruceM" wrote in message
...
I'd say it's some kind of prank myself.
I'd try to track it down & remove or uninstall it. I doubt it's any
genuine message from MS.



"Shenan Stanley" wrote in message
...
keyboardken wrote:
I have bought a secondhand machine running Win XP and there is
an icon on the task bar that says " you may be a victim of
software counterfeiting".

When I right click on it says "validation failure, this copy of
windows may not be genuine", and invites me to purchase another
copy.

As the machine was cheap, I didn't want to spend anymore on it, does
anyone know how to remove these messages please.

I'm sorry you paid for something you actually did not get.

Perhaps - if you know the person you bought the system from - you should
complain about this to them. Perhaps they have the actual copy of
Windows that is supposed to be on the machine.

Install Linux. It's free in many forms.

Get your favorite flavor:
http://linuxiso.org/

You can use OpenOffice as your free alternative to Microsoft Office.
http://www.openoffice.org/

Otherwise:

Search using Google!
http://www.google.com/
(How-to: http://www.google.com/intl/en/help/basics.html )

You never know what you might find.

--
Shenan Stanley
MS-MVP
--
How To Ask Questions The Smart Way
http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html

"keyboardken" wrote in news:viWdg.4517$sX1.258
@newsfe1-gui.ntli.net:

Hi Everyone.
I have bought a secondhand machine running Win XP and there is
an icon on the task bar that says " you may be a victim of
software counterfeiting".
When I right click on it says "validation failure, this copy of windows
may not be genuine", and invites me to purchase another copy.
As the machine was cheap, I didn't want to spend anymore on it, does
anyone know how to remove these messages please.



http://www.mydigitallife.info/2006/0...emove-windows-
genuine-advantage-notifications-nag-screen/

Watch for Wrapping.

"Tom [Pepper] Willett" wrote in message
...
It's definitely from MS. Their new Windows Genuine Advantage Validation
Notification tool. Installs during the Automatic or Live Update, and nags
you forever.



According to Microsoft's website...the warning can just be turned off

Ah,
Nothing's permanent. That CAN be made to go away! Not just turned
off;GONE! But without it you won't be able to access new stuff from MS.

Microsoft just doesn't want you to know this. And they don't make it
easy;but it can be done.

P.S. KB905474 is the same thing-don't download it.
Jeff
"philo" wrote in message
...

"Tom [Pepper] Willett" wrote in message
...
It's definitely from MS. Their new Windows Genuine Advantage Validation
Notification tool. Installs during the Automatic or Live Update, and
nags you forever.



According to Microsoft's website...the warning can just be turned off

Thank you all for your contributions

It's not that I am a thief, as I already have a genuine copy on
my main machine, I thought a second machine just for
internet browsing without the risk of viruses spoiling my
lifetimes work, would be an advantage.

A bit nasty minded from Bill Gates however. As if he hasn't
got enough money already.

I shall stay with this group ( I believe it's called Lurking :-) You
never know, I might be able to contribute something

Cheers everyone. Happy computing.......Ken





"DanS" wrote in message
...
"keyboardken" wrote in
news:viWdg.4517$sX1.258
@newsfe1-gui.ntli.net:

Hi Everyone.
I have bought a secondhand machine running Win XP and there is
an icon on the task bar that says " you may be a victim of
software counterfeiting".
When I right click on it says "validation failure, this copy of windows
may not be genuine", and invites me to purchase another copy.
As the machine was cheap, I didn't want to spend anymore on it, does
anyone know how to remove these messages please.



http://www.mydigitallife.info/2006/0...emove-windows-
genuine-advantage-notifications-nag-screen/

Watch for Wrapping.

Not nasty minded at all since all it is intended to do is prevent theft! I
don't really understand why you are not complaining to the person/retail
activity who sold you the computer. If you do not get the OS verified, you
will be blocked from Windows Update, etc.
Gene K

Hello,
This is my understanding concerning "Illegal" Microsoft OS and other
"Products".
1. Microsoft will allow security updates for "Illegal" OS.
2. "Notifier" at this point is voluntary. KB905474.
2a. Use manual updates not auto install, disregard installing KB905474.
3. Once installed cannot be removed using Control Panel - Add/Remove.
4. "Notifier" can be removed using the registry.
5. This will not change Microsoft viewing the OS and other "Products" as
"Illegal".
6. This does not stop the ability to use that "Illegal" OS on that unit.
Corrections and/or added information appreciated.

take care.
beamish.






"keyboardken" wrote:

Hi Everyone.
I have bought a secondhand machine running Win XP and there is
an icon on the task bar that says " you may be a victim of
software counterfeiting".
When I right click on it says "validation failure, this copy of windows
may not be genuine", and invites me to purchase another copy.
As the machine was cheap, I didn't want to spend anymore on it, does
anyone know how to remove these messages please.

Ah,
Voluntary if you know what you're looking for.
KB905474 still exhibits "spyware" characteristics as defined by MS own
definition of spyware!! Argument still stands. Spyware.
How many people know how/or even want to edit the registry?
Does MS follow its own definitions? Definitely not!! in regards to this
issue. Even try to coerce people into thinking that it is "high priority"!
Even if people do pay attention-closely; if you decide NOT to download it.;
a visually BRIGHT yellow module is on the updates page; WARNING you that you
chose not to download a "high" priority update; and "highly" reccommending
that you do install it or your computer may be at risk!! LOL At risk of not
being monitored every time you boot up; At risk of MS not being able to
track its software. Shall I go on? Legimate purchase of valid software is
one thing. Genuine Advantage Validation Tool serves that purpose well. If
you have an "illegal" copy of MS software; Genuine Advantage Validation Tool
will not allow access to any other "Genuine" MS software. Genuine Advantage
Notification; on the other hand;border's on harrassement. Ah but now a moot
point in the U.S.; as spying on legitimate customer's and citizen's is seen
as not only acceptable;but required!
Am not aware of a registry hack that will make that go away!


"beamish" wrote in message
...
Hello,
This is my understanding concerning "Illegal" Microsoft OS and other
"Products".
1. Microsoft will allow security updates for "Illegal" OS.
2. "Notifier" at this point is voluntary. KB905474.
2a. Use manual updates not auto install, disregard installing KB905474.
3. Once installed cannot be removed using Control Panel - Add/Remove.
4. "Notifier" can be removed using the registry.
5. This will not change Microsoft viewing the OS and other "Products" as
"Illegal".
6. This does not stop the ability to use that "Illegal" OS on that unit.
Corrections and/or added information appreciated.

take care.
beamish.






"keyboardken" wrote:

Hi Everyone.
I have bought a secondhand machine running Win XP and there is
an icon on the task bar that says " you may be a victim of
software counterfeiting".
When I right click on it says "validation failure, this copy of windows
may not be genuine", and invites me to purchase another copy.
As the machine was cheap, I didn't want to spend anymore on it, does
anyone know how to remove these messages please.

Oops,
Another person posted the same subject title in xp.newusers.
That's where the initial part of my answer was;sorry;however KB905474 IS
Spyware!
Jeff

"Jeff" wrote in message
...
Ah,
Voluntary if you know what you're looking for.
KB905474 still exhibits "spyware" characteristics as defined by MS own
definition of spyware!! Argument still stands. Spyware.
How many people know how/or even want to edit the registry?
Does MS follow its own definitions? Definitely not!! in regards to this
issue. Even try to coerce people into thinking that it is "high priority"!
Even if people do pay attention-closely; if you decide NOT to download
it.; a visually BRIGHT yellow module is on the updates page; WARNING you
that you chose not to download a "high" priority update; and "highly"
reccommending that you do install it or your computer may be at risk!! LOL
At risk of not being monitored every time you boot up; At risk of MS not
being able to track its software. Shall I go on? Legimate purchase of
valid software is one thing. Genuine Advantage Validation Tool serves that
purpose well. If you have an "illegal" copy of MS software; Genuine
Advantage Validation Tool will not allow access to any other "Genuine" MS
software. Genuine Advantage Notification; on the other hand;border's on
harrassement. Ah but now a moot point in the U.S.; as spying on legitimate
customer's and citizen's is seen as not only acceptable;but required!
Am not aware of a registry hack that will make that go away!


"beamish" wrote in message
...
Hello,
This is my understanding concerning "Illegal" Microsoft OS and other
"Products".
1. Microsoft will allow security updates for "Illegal" OS.
2. "Notifier" at this point is voluntary. KB905474.
2a. Use manual updates not auto install, disregard installing KB905474.
3. Once installed cannot be removed using Control Panel - Add/Remove.
4. "Notifier" can be removed using the registry.
5. This will not change Microsoft viewing the OS and other "Products" as
"Illegal".
6. This does not stop the ability to use that "Illegal" OS on that unit.
Corrections and/or added information appreciated.

take care.
beamish.






"keyboardken" wrote:

Hi Everyone.
I have bought a secondhand machine running Win XP and there is
an icon on the task bar that says " you may be a victim of
software counterfeiting".
When I right click on it says "validation failure, this copy of windows
may not be genuine", and invites me to purchase another copy.
As the machine was cheap, I didn't want to spend anymore on it, does
anyone know how to remove these messages please.

A bit nasty minded from Bill Gates however. As if he hasn't
got enough money already.



Just because the owner of the local hamburger joint is rich doesn't mean he
has to "give" away his food - does it?

--
Regards,

Richard Urban
Microsoft MVP Windows Shell/User

Quote from George Ankner:
If you knew as much as you think you know,
You would realize that you don't know what you thought you knew!

Richard,
Point taken; however Genuine Advantage Validation Tool does the same
thing; help stop piracy;without being "spyware" ALMOST. Not being able to
easily remove software; No ADD/REMOVE option is borderline-at best. Pretty
much unremovable;to a majority of users; who either do not know how;or if
they do; care not to mess with the registry. So again, MS resorts to spyware
tactics over this issue. Any more justifiable because it's from MS? I think
not. Resorting to the same actions as disreputable "pirates" solves nothing.
In fact;to the contrary;will end up doing more harm to MS then good.

"Richard Urban" wrote in message
...

A bit nasty minded from Bill Gates however. As if he hasn't
got enough money already.



Just because the owner of the local hamburger joint is rich doesn't mean
he has to "give" away his food - does it?

--
Regards,

Richard Urban
Microsoft MVP Windows Shell/User

Quote from George Ankner:
If you knew as much as you think you know,
You would realize that you don't know what you thought you knew!