Windows & AntiSpyware Update Question

pmccreight · August 3rd, 2005, 11:49 AM

I bought a computer about 3 months ago from the for sale section of the newpaper. It was in my price range that I could afford. (Sure wish I could afford a new one.)

This computer has XP Pro Corp with SP2 already installed on it. This is an old IBM desktop, so I know that this is an older computer, that has been upgraded in several ways I would guess. I know that this did not come originally installed with XP, at least I wouldn't think it did.

I also did not get any kind of windows disk or nothing with this thing. The only thing I did get was the person that was selling it did give me the administrator password so that I could get into the computer without a problem.

Have had no problems with the computer since I have had it, it already came installed with Symantec Antivirus Corp Edition, Adaware, Spybot S&D, CCleaner, CWShredder, and the MS Antispyware software on it. I installed the AVG Antivirus software right after I got it. I know it is said not too run two different virus scanners on a computer, but so far I don't seem to be having a problem with them. (Better to be safe than sorry - with those pesty viruses out there- I believe).

I am sort of scared to do any updates on the MS Antispyware or any windows updated other than the critical ones that does automatically. I have no earthly idea rather this is a good copy of Win XP Pro Corp or not, and have no way of finding out. Tried going over and talking to the people I bought the computer from, and they are no longer living there.

My question is if I do try and update, and this turns out not to be a legal copy

(God I do hope it is legal), will I no longer be able to get into windows or on the internet with this computer, or will it just affect not being able to update any of the updates on Antispyware and that stuff?

I really need this computer right now and don't want to do anything to ruin it, as I can't afford to go buy anything right now. But on the other hand I don't want to do anything illegal either.

**GroundZero3** · August 3rd, 2005, 11:54 AM

it doesnt lock you out of the computer, you just will not allow you to run windows update.

If the copy you have isnt legit (99.9% sure its not as corp keys are not given to home users) then you can do this

Quote:

The scheme now offers those that fail the WGA validation two ways to move forward and obtain a genuine copy of Windows XP. Both require the customer to fill in an online report indicating where and when the system and counterfeit software was purchased. If the customer can then send in an acceptable proof of purchase and return any counterfeit CDs, Microsoft will provide them with a free copy of Windows XP, SP2. If the customer cannot deliver a proof of purchase or does not have the counterfeit software CDs, they will be offered the opportunity to purchase a genuine copy of Windows XP Home or Pro, at substantially reduced prices. (XP Home £61, $99; XP Pro £92, $149.

If you remember where you bought it from (and you should have gotten a recipet or something) i would turn the person in for selling pirated software. Then you will get a legal copy from MS for free

Of course this might count for why it was so cheap

http://www.it-analysis.com/article.p...4a28b7da2782a9

pmccreight · August 3rd, 2005, 01:49 PM

Thank you GroundZero3 for taking the time to answer my question so fast. I do appreciate it very much.

Sure wished I would have asked what windows was installed before I bought it, then I wouldn't be having this problem. As for the recipet I have no earthly idea what I would have done with it. More than likely I probably threw it away...not realizing that I would be needing it for something like this.

Question: I have a Windows 98SE Disk. Is it possible to install this over XP, without the lose of things I have put into this computer?

rabidaardvark · August 3rd, 2005, 02:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GroundZero3

it doesnt lock you out of the computer, you just will not allow you to run windows update.

If the copy you have isnt legit (99.9% sure its not as corp keys are not given to home users) then you can do this

If you remember where you bought it from (and you should have gotten a recipet or something) i would turn the person in for selling pirated software. Then you will get a legal copy from MS for free

Of course this might count for why it was so cheap

http://www.it-analysis.com/article.p...4a28b7da2782a9

They only give you a free copy if the pirated copy you bought had a holographic cd.

originel · August 3rd, 2005, 02:04 PM

If you've been getting critical updates, then you can get other updates just fine.

It's entirely possible the person you bought it from is an IT guy somewhere and installed his companies copy of windows on the machine. It's also possible that the computer used to be part of a company. If either of these are true, then it still isn't fully legal for you to use it, but it was legal at one point in time and still is legal as far as the windows validation goes.

pmccreight · August 3rd, 2005, 02:13 PM

Thank you all for answering so fast. I really do appreciate it, and I know that you all have more pressing things to do.

This computer is set to automatically download and install critical updates. How do I go about checking to see if it is updating and when the last one was done and what it was?

BeatYouWithShoe · August 3rd, 2005, 03:27 PM

Haha, Windows is the CIA of the software industry. Turn this guy in and we'll give you benefits!

Big bad microsoft police will show up

pmccreight · August 3rd, 2005, 07:49 PM

Just wanted to come back and let you all know that I quess I have nothing to worry about right now as my computer is doing the critical updates according to the windows update page. So thank you all again. I do appreciate it.

You can mark this thread closed now, and thanks to you all I got over my fear, and just plunged right in.