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    Validation?

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by rjstamey, Aug 9, 2008.

  1. rjstamey

    rjstamey Notebook Enthusiast

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    im trying to download the lates version of windows media player and it is asking me to validate all my software in order to install. I really dont know if my operating system is ok or if it is bootleg because i bought the computer from my friend and he is very questionable. if i did validate, what is the worst that could happen.
     
    rjstamey, Aug 9, 2008
    #1
  2. Lithus

    Lithus NBR Janitor

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    Question: I stole Windows, I want updates. Will they catch me?

    Answer: If an instance of Windows does not seem to have a valid license, WGA displays a specific notice to the user and prevents non-Critical updates from being downloaded from Microsoft.

    On Windows Vista, WGA validation failure has a greater impact. In addition to persistent notification and the disabling of non-critical updates, WGA also disables Windows Aero, Windows Defender, and ReadyBoost. The user is given a grace period in which to then pass validation, after which most of the operating system is disabled and Windows reverts to reduced functionality mode, which has been removed in Service Pack 1 of Windows Vista along with its non-genuine state in favor of prominent notices on systems not found to be genuine.
     
    Lithus, Aug 9, 2008
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  3. rjstamey

    rjstamey Notebook Enthusiast

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    uhhh.....ok. so if he put a bootleg version of windows xp on here it wouldnt do much? i dont even know if it is bootleg. i actually should be worried more if the whole computer is stolen but who cares. So how do i find out if the OS is legite?
     
    rjstamey, Aug 9, 2008
    #3
  4. sirmetman

    sirmetman Notebook Virtuoso

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    Um, why the hell did you buy something that you knew was likely at least in some way illegal?
     
    sirmetman, Aug 10, 2008
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  5. Greg

    Greg Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    If you activate the OS and it is invalid, then you'll need to pony up as Windows will start locking you down.

    On the other hand, if you do nothing, WGA will catch you anyway (at some point) as MS improves their detection algorithms.

    Regardless, if you have a bootleg copy it was obtained via pirates...that PROBABLY installed some extra spyware into the OS. You can never trust it.

    Do you have a Windows sticker on the underside of the laptop? I'd reformat and reinstall with that key if I were you, just to be safe.

    You might as well fix this now, rather than hope you'll never get caught only for it to bite you at the worst time possible.
     
    Greg, Aug 10, 2008
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  6. sirmetman

    sirmetman Notebook Virtuoso

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    My guess is that if he got it from a sketchy character, it came with a bunch of "free" software too. I'd be suprised if he would want to format the drive or anything.
     
    sirmetman, Aug 10, 2008
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