Computer Hope

Microsoft => Microsoft Windows => Windows NT/2000 => Topic started by: bek on April 07, 2006, 04:14:14 PM

Title: updating xp sp2 genuine version
Post by: bek on April 07, 2006, 04:14:14 PM

Someone I worked with built my computer 2 years ago for £600 and I found out by windows update that I do not have a genuine version of xp...had lots of problems and formatted my hd and have not updated via windows updater for a while.
My daughter wanted to download google earth and was told that she needed to download the latest version of windows xp sp2.
I am not happy about downloading this version in case I end up in the same position...can anyone help please :D?

Title: Re: updating xp sp2 genuine version
Post by: Dilbert on April 07, 2006, 04:18:16 PM

Did you buy this XP CD, or did someone give it to you? Is it indeed the actual thing?

If so, you can Email tech support for Microsoft and they may be able to help you out. If it's not a genuine CD, then... you'd be SOL.

Title: Re: updating xp sp2 genuine version
Post by: bek on April 07, 2006, 04:34:15 PM

No xp was already loaded on the computer...it came with all the driver disks but windows xp was on a copied cd, written on it "no need to register".

Title: Re: updating xp sp2 genuine version
Post by: Dilbert on April 07, 2006, 04:38:04 PM

Oh, no!

That is not a legitimate copy, and I'm afraid that there's no way to make SP2 work on it. I'm sorry. :'( Microsoft knows when you've been good or bad, when - oops.

Title: Re: updating xp sp2 genuine version
Post by: bek on April 07, 2006, 04:51:41 PM

Thanks for that! I've not been "bad" just been stitched up!
Have got a genuine version of windows 98 from pc world, cost me a fortune for a really bad computer, took me 2 years to pay for it!...can't win can I???

Title: Re: updating xp sp2 genuine version
Post by: Dilbert on April 07, 2006, 04:58:41 PM

It's not like the Microsoft police are going to arrest you or anything. And my "bad" bit was just a joke. Don't worry about it. Well, worry a little, because you'd need a legit version to get SP2. But, don't worry about it for now - I think you can keep using your "XP" until you can afford a legit version.

Again, sorry. But happy computing, nonetheless! :)

Title: Re: updating xp sp2 genuine version
Post by: bek on April 08, 2006, 09:08:54 AM

Thanks for your help, I will do just that!

Title: Re: updating xp sp2 genuine version
Post by: Fed on April 08, 2006, 05:14:43 PM

W2K would be a far cheaper alternative ;)

Title: Re: updating xp sp2 genuine version
Post by: bek on April 09, 2006, 01:47:38 PM

I'm sorry Fred, call me thick call me stupid but what does W2K mean?!

Title: Re: updating xp sp2 genuine version
Post by: Dilbert on April 09, 2006, 01:53:59 PM

Yeah, Fred, explain it! :D

A "k" or "kilo" is a thousand. It's an abbreviation for Windows 2000.

Title: Re: updating xp sp2 genuine version
Post by: GX1_Man on April 09, 2006, 02:04:32 PM

That Fred is too funny!

Title: Re: updating xp sp2 genuine version
Post by: tucker42 on April 09, 2006, 02:13:03 PM

Who is Fred?

Title: Re: updating xp sp2 genuine version
Post by: Dilbert on April 09, 2006, 02:13:28 PM

A misspelling of Fed. ;D

Title: Re: updating xp sp2 genuine version
Post by: bek on April 09, 2006, 03:08:15 PM

Sorry Fed for calling you Fred!

Title: Re: updating xp sp2 genuine version
Post by: Dilbert on April 09, 2006, 03:44:33 PM

I'm sure he's laughing now. ;)

Title: Re: updating xp sp2 genuine version
Post by: bek on April 09, 2006, 04:23:02 PM

Yeah it made me laugh, could just see Tucker scratching his head...you are very "on the ball" if you know what I mean!
Thanks for your help...I've still got an duff copy of windows xp and can't update it but I have managed to download google earth for my 8 year old...I think that's where this started!
Why does an 8 year old want google earth?????

Title: Re: updating xp sp2 genuine version
Post by: Dilbert on April 09, 2006, 05:03:03 PM

Two things:

1. This started because Microsoft will *never* allow updates for fake Windows'.

2. We can't help you understand your 8-year old. We're techhies, not psychologists. ;)

Title: Re: updating xp sp2 genuine version
Post by: vkr15 on April 09, 2006, 09:40:21 PM

Sounds strange I have sp1 but no problem with updating or running google earth.

Title: Re: updating xp sp2 genuine version
Post by: Dilbert on April 09, 2006, 10:17:12 PM

Oh no, Google Earth has nothing to do with this. It's the fake Windows that's causing a problem. I don't blame anyone but whoever gave bek the disc for this one. Anyhoo, bek will need a legit copy of Windows, if he wants the updates to work. Sorry, bek. Anyways, if you have any earlier copies of Windows, you can just buy the upgrade version, and insert the earlier disc when it asks for a previous version. It doesn't have to install the older version - it just has to be a full disc.

If you don't have an earlier disc, it's OK - you just need to get the more expensive full disc. And in the meantime, I recommend backing up any files you need, because I would recommend a format right before you install the legit XP. Don't format now - but backup your necessary files. The reason I suggest a format is so that any traces of an illigitemate copy can be removed. If there's even a hint, Microsoft will reject you again and snub you if you call Tech Support. So let's get it cleared before the install.

Mandatory reminder: Formatting a drive destroys all files on the hard drive. No exeptions.

Title: Re: updating xp sp2 genuine version
Post by: Scourged on April 10, 2006, 06:49:09 AM

Quote

Two things:

1. This started because Microsoft will *never* allow updates for fake Windows'.

2. We can't help you understand your 8-year old. We're techhies, not psychologists. ;)

Microsoft *always* allow critical updates and sp2 is available for download here-
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=049C9DBE-3B8E-4F30-8245-9E368D3CDB5A&displaylang=en
There wont be a problem installing it it on an *illegal* system.

Title: Re: updating xp sp2 genuine version
Post by: bek on April 10, 2006, 01:35:14 PM

Thanks again for your help...I never thought you were psychologists, I was just being friendly.
My daughter was trying to install the google toolbar and google earth, it was google tool bar that would not load without the service pack2 updates. I downloaded google earth on it's own in the end with no problem.
By the way my real name is Rebekah!

Title: Re: updating xp sp2 genuine version
Post by: GX1_Man on April 10, 2006, 03:39:08 PM

Google toolbar=bad. Any toolbar=risk.