PC running slow after virus removal

[Michael]

AVG 8.0 still would not recognize my Win XP SP2.
SUPERAntiSpyware still crashes during installation.

Other than that, no problem.

Thanks.

[evilfantasy]

1. Download this diagnostics tool MGADiag.exe and save this to your Desktop.
2. Double-click on MGADiag.exe and click Continue
3. When the program has finished, click on Copy
4. Post the results in your next reply.

[Michael]

MGADiag result attached.
Thanks.

[Saving space - attachment deleted by admin]

[evilfantasy]

This may be the problem with the installs.

Right now, your computer has a Volume Licensing edition of XP installed, and that installation was done with a now-blocked Volume Licensing Key (VLK).  VLKs are blocked by Microsoft at the request of the original keyholder for such reasons as the key was lost, stolen, compromised, misused, or expired.  Also, MS may have blocked the key if it notices a pattern of misuse or more installations of XP using that key than authorized.

As a rule, VL editions of XP should not be sold to individual consumers. Businesses, schools and gov'ts normally use VL editions for flexibility in installing many computers.

This may be why you are getting errors on trying to install some programs and you likely aren't able to install any MS updates either.

Look on the computer or in the materials that came with your computer to see if you have a Certificate of Authenticity (COA).

Look for:

1.  What edition of Windows XP is it for, Home, Pro, Media Center, or some other edition or version of Windows?
2.  Does it read "OEM Software" or "OEM Product" in black lettering?
3.  Or, does it have the computer manufacturer's name in black lettering?

Not sure what to look for and more information Click here:  http://www.microsoft.com/resources/howtotell/en/coa.mspx

If you have been sold this copy of XP as new then go here:
http://www.microsoft.com/resources/howtotell/reports/report.aspx?displaylang=en

You can call 1-866-PCSAFETY (1-866-727-2338).  This phone number is for virus and other security-related support. It is available 24 hours a day for the U.S. and Canada. They will help you get your Windows validated.

Let me know if you need any more information and I will try to help. At this point there isn't much I can do.

[Michael]

The Windows came together with the computer when I bought it from the shop.
Those information you want me to check is suppose to be on the stickers on the casing, if I'm not mistaken. Unfortunately, my PC is almost 4 years old and I only have some "remaining" of the stickers left on the casing, and I can barely read the printing on it.
You said that "VL editions of XP should not be sold to individual consumers", so I'm wondering whether the shop has bought such VL and use it on the computers sold. While VL allows multiple use of the license, they may have misused the VL on PC sold rather than their own PC at work. Is that possible to happen and is that a fault? I can hardly go back and argue with the shop as it's been so many years and I don't think they will admit the fault.

Anyway, since it's the problem with the Windows license, and my computer seems to be running fine at the moment, I guess that should be it for now.

Thanks for all your support.
Thanks to Broni too.

[evilfantasy]

The shop probably has a business license to install and sell Windows. The license may have run out and they didn't renew it. Maybe they now install Vista so thought the XP license didn't need to be renewed? Don't know for sure, just speculating. MS is good about working with people on renewing their Windows. It may take supernatural patience and a bit of your time but it would be best to ring them up and give it a try. You may even call the shop who sold it to you. They should know that their license had expired and they have left their customers hanging. They may even know of a better (quicker) way to take care of it. Or they were installing illegitimate copies, Then MS should be made aware of it.

If you have been sold this copy of XP as new then go here:
http://www.microsoft.com/resources/howtotell/reports/report.aspx?displaylang=en

In the event you are a victim of piracy, help is available from this site: http://www.microsoft.com/piracy/