Windows Genuine Advantage?
Beginning either yesterday or the day before, my computer has brought up a window (Windows Genuine Advantage) prompting me to validate my copy of Windows. At first, I feared this was some sort of virus/malware, but it's obviously not; it is a Microsoft program. What is the purpose and should I go through with it? TIA...
windows genuine advantage...
Is a tool that checks to make sure your computer is running a legit version of windows. The tool might not have validated you correctly, and is giving a false statement that your computer is nonlegal.
See the following links for more information:
http://www.microsoft.com/PiRaCy/
See here for information on how to run the test again to look to make sure your copy is genuine:
http://www.microsoft.com/Genuine/
(for the page above, click validate windows.)
http://www.microsoft.com/piracy/mpa.aspx
In any rate though, let us know what is going on.
1.)Did just one day you started getting the illegal or non genuine messages out of nowhere?
2.) Where did you buy your computer from?
3.) Was windows pre-installed or did someone install it for you?
More information would be useful also, such as Windows version (XP, vista, etc.) ; what type of computer, compaq, Hp, etc.
It is possible you could be a victim of software piracy. However if you bought your computer from a store or manufacturer, the copy of windows would be definitely genuine; But if you bought it from a pawn shop or a "corner store" it is possible that the windows version you have is illegal. Don't hesitate to contact Microsoft if you do find out that your copy is illegal. Explain to them where you bought it, how long you have had it, and any other information you can provide. They will assist you in getting a valid copy of windows.